Bio-Based Ingredients for Personal Care and Cosmetics

– Leading the Green Beauty Trend and Enabling Sustainable Formulations from the Source

In today’s world, where global sustainability and environmental awareness are on the rise, the personal care and cosmetics industry is undergoing a profound transformation. The increasing consumer demand for natural, non-toxic, and eco-friendly ingredients is driving brands to rapidly shift toward green formulations. As a company dedicated to the supply of bio-based products and sustainable solutions, Alfa Chemistry is committed to providing safe, effective, and sustainable raw material options for the personal care and beauty sector, helping brands establish new standards in green skincare.

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What Are Bio-Based Ingredients?

Bio-based ingredients are derived from renewable biological resources such as plants, microorganisms, and algae. Compared with traditional petrochemical-based ingredients, they offer lower environmental impact and greater sustainability. Examples include plant oils, fruit extracts, fermentation-derived substances, natural preservatives, and biodegradable exfoliants. These ingredients are often produced using biotechnological methods (e.g., fermentation, microbial conversion) to reduce reliance on fossil resources.

Why Choose Bio-Based Ingredients?

Environmental Friendliness

Bio-based ingredients are typically produced with low-carbon-footprint methods, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and are naturally biodegradable, minimizing long-term environmental impact.

Safety and Gentleness

Compared to synthetic ingredients, bio-based alternatives are generally milder and suitable for sensitive skin. For instance, plant extracts like aloe vera, green tea, and rose offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing benefits that improve skin texture and reinforce the skin barrier.

Sustainability and Renewability

These ingredients are sourced from renewable resources like plants and microbes, enabling circular resource use and reducing reliance on finite materials.

Consumer & Regulatory Fit

Growing consumer demand for “green” products makes bio-based ingredients essential. Around 70% prefer sustainable fragrances, 61% favor natural ingredients, and 60% want personalized skincare. Stricter EU regulations also drive the shift to bio-based options for better compliance with environmental and safety standards.

Categories of Bio-Based Ingredients

Humectants

Examples: Plant-derived glycerin, hyaluronic acid, 1,3-butylene glycol.
These ingredients boost skin hydration, improve elasticity, and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Antioxidants

Examples: Natural polyphenols (e.g., green tea extract, grape seed extract), Vitamin E.
They help protect the skin from free radical damage and slow the aging process.

Emulsifiers

Examples: Plant-derived lecithin, sugar-based emulsifiers, bio-based 1,2-propanediol.
These ingredients improve product texture and stability, making formulations more easily absorbed.

Preservatives

Examples: Ethanol, plant extracts, PentioI Green+.
They inhibit microbial growth in cosmetics and extend shelf life.

Surfactants

Examples: Bio-based surfactants, which offer cleansing, emulsifying, and solubilizing functions, replacing traditional petrochemical surfactants.

Fragrances and Essential Oils

Examples: Natural fragrances, plant essential oils.
These provide aromatic experiences while also offering skincare benefits.

Customers Often Look For

Explore our most popular and cutting-edge bio-products for personal care and cosmetics.

Professional Service Support

We understand that behind every product lies a brand’s promise. We aim to be your trusted partner in sustainable, bio-based innovation.

Raw Material Recommendations and Sample Support
Technical Guidance for Formulation Development
Stability and Compatibility Assessment
Safety and Regulatory Compliance Consultation (REACH, GMP, RSPO, etc.)

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What Are the Application Areas of Bio-Based Ingredients

Skincare Products

Such as moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, etc., using plant extracts, hyaluronic acid, plant oils, etc., to improve dryness and rough skin conditions.

Haircare Products

Including shampoos, conditioners, hair oils, etc., made with plant oils and extracts to promote scalp health and enhance hair quality.

Color Cosmetics

Such as foundations, lipsticks, eyeshadows, etc., that use bio-based ingredients to provide a natural and eco-friendly makeup effect.

Baby Care Products

Including baby moisturizers and cleansing products that use bio-based ingredients to provide gentle and safe care.

What Success Stories Can We Share?

Discover how our products are applied in real-world scenarios through our case studies.

Case 1: 12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid

Application Case: Structural enhancer for high-viscosity natural creams

Background:

A premium natural skincare brand was developing a facial moisturizer free from synthetic thickeners. The cream needed good consistency, shear stability, and long-term storage stability, while also complying with plant-based, mineral oil-free, and COSMOS certification standards.

Solution:

The R&D team introduced our 12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid as a natural structuring agent, blended with plant-based emulsifiers (such as sugar esters) and plant oils (e.g., avocado oil). This ingredient self-assembles into a mesh network, enhancing the cream's viscosity and stability.

Results:

Achieved the desired cream structure without synthetic polymers
Passed 6-week accelerated stability testing at 45°C with no phase separation
Maintained consistent viscoelastic properties; user feedback described the texture as "smooth, rich, but not greasy"
Successfully obtained COSMOS natural formulation certification

Case 2: Xanthan Gum

Application Case: Natural thickening and foam stabilization in baby shampoo

Background:

A baby care brand was developing a fragrance-free, low-irritation, naturally sourced baby shampoo. The formula used non-ionic and amino acid surfactants but had issues with weak foaming and low viscosity. PEGs or synthetic polymer thickeners were not permitted.

Solution:

Our technical team selected food-grade Xanthan Gum as a natural thickener and foam stabilizer. A low dosage (0.2%–0.4%) was sufficient to form a uniform, gentle gel system under mildly acidic pH.

Results:

Significantly improved shampoo rheology and texture, achieving a gentle gel consistency
Good compatibility with non-ionic surfactants; foam was fine and long-lasting
HRIPT (Human Repeat Insult Patch Test) confirmed "non-sensitizing"
Product entered the maternal and baby care market and received a "Recommended Natural Baby Care" label

Case 3: Lauric Acid Diethanolamide

Application CaseApplication Case: Foam booster and stabilizer for plant-based facial cleansers

Background:

A plant-based personal care brand was developing a sulfate-free, silicone-free, vegan-certified facial cleanser using mild surfactants like APG and sodium cocoyl glutamate. However, the formula suffered from insufficient foaming and poor foam stability.

Solution:

The R&D team introduced our Lauric Acid Diethanolamide (naturally derived from coconut oil) as a foam booster and viscosity modifier. It was added at 2%–3% to synergistically enhance foaming without compromising mildness.

Results:

Increased foam volume by ~65%, with finer, longer-lasting foam
Improved overall viscosity without additional thickeners
Compatible with main surfactants; no cloudiness or phase separation
Passed vegan certification and received positive feedback from Southeast Asia’s natural personal care market

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Are bio-based ingredients the same as organic ingredients?

Bio-based ingredients refer to those derived from renewable resources. “Organic” typically refers to ingredients grown without pesticides or synthetic chemicals. The two overlap but are not identical.

Q2: Do bio-based ingredients pose compatibility challenges in complex formulations? How can their stability be optimized?

Due to their natural complexity, bio-based ingredients may have compatibility issues with synthetic or mineral-based components, resulting in phase separation, precipitation, or viscosity changes. Stability can be optimized by adjusting pH, ionic strength, and choosing suitable emulsifier systems. Stepwise addition and sufficient shear mixing are recommended. Accelerated and long-term storage stability tests are also advisable.

Q3: Do your supplied bio-based ingredients have traceable supply chains and environmental certifications?

All our bio-based ingredients come from traceable, renewable resources with complete supply chain documentation. Some products are certified by ECOCERT, COSMOS, RSPO, and other international authorities, ensuring compliance with sustainability and environmental standards.

Q4: What key safety tests are involved in regulatory compliance of bio-based ingredients?

Safety assessments typically include acute and chronic toxicity tests, skin sensitization (e.g., HRIPT), eye irritation, phototoxicity, and genotoxicity studies. Additionally, ingredients must comply with cosmetic regulations (e.g., EU Regulation EC 1223/2009, US FDA guidelines) regarding usage limits and banned substance lists.

Q5: How can natural preservative systems balance efficacy and formula mildness?

Natural preservatives often involve synergistic blends of low concentrations of organic acids (e.g., benzoic acid, sorbic acid) and plant extracts. Adjusting pH and using controlled-release technology enhances broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. For sensitive formulations, compatibility with surfactants and actives must also be verified to ensure long-term stability and non-irritating performance.

Latest Updates

Blog

Green Beauty Revolution in Personal Care: Biobased Ingredients

Knowledge & Learning

Understanding Bio-Based Cosmetics: Ingredients and Benefits

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