Recently, the beads often used in personal care washes and skin cleaners have been banned from use in the USA, with a manufacturing ban due to take effect in the Spring of 2017. These beads are generally based on Polyethylene (PE) or Polypropylene (PP), both of which are not readily biodegradable and have demonstrated bioaccumulation in marine environments.
Chemlink provides a range of natural alternatives from our principles:
Mechanical Peel
BergaScrub Range [Hydrogenated Castor Oil]
This range is from Berg & Schmidt and is free from preservatives, non-irradiated, and based on renewable and non-GMO raw materials. Furthermore, this offers a smoother surface compared to sugar, sand, and shell pieces, which are generally derived from apricot kernels, walnut shells, and so on; this provides a softer and painless exfoliation.
Starpheres from KPT
Chemlink now represent Georges Walther AG in the UK, who in turn represent Korea Particle Technology (KPT). KPT offer the Starphere range of exfoliants, which are fully biodegradable and can provide a unique visual effect in your formulation.
Starspheres are also fully customisable, offering a bespoke product to fit your needs for colour, shape, size, cleansing options, peeling effect, and load (e.g., Vitamin E Acetate). Some grades of Starspheres go soft in aqueous solutions, which can allow the active to be absorbed into the skin. Additionally, KPT offer activated charcoal in a scrub form, which provides odour absorption and stain removal because of its strong absorption power.
Seeds from Bertin
Bertin, who carefully and strictly source only the finest raw materials, offer seeds from the Blue Poppy (Papaver somniferum) and the Sisymbrium plant (Sisymbrium irio) as scrubs. These seeds are never derived from exploited, depleted, or protected stocks.
Bertin seeds are additive free, and can provide a visual effect in formulation owing to the blue colouration of the Poppy and the brown of the Sisymbrium.
Chemical Peel
GlyAcid (Glycolic Acid)
Berg & Schmidt distribute for CrossChem, who offer Glycolic Acid as a chemical peel. This particular material is the only Glycolic Acid on the market that is free from Formaldehyde, which is generally banned from use in cosmetic products. The ability to keep Glycolic Acid Fornaldehyde-free is due to a unique and proprietary method of manufacturing.
Glycolic Acid can help release the bonds holding the top layer of skin cells together, thus removing them – which uncovers fresh and youthful looking skin. It can be offered in a 70% liquid solution or a 99% High Purity Crystalline Powder.
Verochic (Shikimic Acid)
Sinerga offer a pure product derived from Star Anise (Illucium Verum) that contains fewer irritants than Glycolic Acid. Verochic provides a deodorising effect and can help combat acne, making it ideal for facial cleansers. It is also preservative free and COSMOS approved.
The wide and unique range of products described above can replace your current microbeads, and our team can work with you to ensure that your transition to Polyethylene- and Polypropylene –free microbeads is as smooth as possible.
Editorial release from Kristin Minister, Chemlink Specialities Ltd, Manchester, UK
T: 0161 629 2129
F: 0161 629 2128
E: support@chemlink.co.uk
