Personal Care

Innovation for sustainable cosmetics

At Innospec, we believe the future of personal care lies in products that are designed with sustainability at their core. From the earliest stages of formulation, we focus on creating ingredients that deliver outstanding performance while minimizing environmental impact.

With science, innovation, and collaboration at the heart of our work, we help brands create products that perform beautifully and responsibly.

Reducing resource use

Dried and concentrated products avoid the need to transport unnecessary water, helping reduce associated emissions and plastic packaging

Avoiding animal testing

Finding alternatives to animal testing wherever possible. Offering ingredients that support cruelty free product claims aligned with the Leaping Bunny standard.

Renewable by design



100% naturally derived ingredients sourced from renewable materials

Certified sustainable ingredients


Sustainability claims backed by COSMOS certification

Improving
energy
efficiency

Cold-process ingredients enable lower energy use during end-product manufacturing

Reducing
water
use

Fast-rinse ingredients help consumers use less water during application

Reducing resource use

We engineer lightweight, dried, and concentrated surfactants that significantly reduce water content and packaging size. This not only cuts down the number of shipments, lowering fuel consumption and associated carbon emissions, but also reduces the amount of plastic required for final product packaging. View our range of dried and concentrated surfactants below.

EMPIGENĀ® BSP

A mild amphoteric free flowing powder surfactant for use in cleansing products such as shampoos, body washes and baby care. Offering excellent compatibility with anionic, non-ionic and cationic surfactants and stable performance over a wide pH range.

Pureact I series
A sulfate-free, mild anionic surfactant designed for use in opaque systems. Available in white flakes or easy-to-disperse noodle format.

Pureact SLI

A very high foaming, sulfate-free, mild anionic surfactant available as 80% active white flakes.

IseluxĀ®
A sulfate-free anionic surfactant designed for use in both clear and opaque systems. Available as 80% active off-white flakes, IseluxĀ®, is a unique, breakthrough technology that is now globally approved.

IseluxĀ® CO
A coconut-based, sulfate-free anionic surfactant designed for use in both clear and opaque systems. Available as 80% active off-white flakes, IseluxĀ® CO, is a unique, breakthrough technology that is now globally approved.

Pureact TR-L90

A mild anionic surfactant with very low level of residual sodium chloride, available as 90% active off-white to tan flakes or chips.

NANSAĀ® LSS 495/H
A high-active, EO-free primary anionic surfactant with hard water and electrolyte tolerance.Ā  Available as 95% active, fine, off-white powder, it provides rich lather and is suitable for use in cleansing products such as body washes and shampoos. Stable in acidic conditions and builds viscosity with wide range of amphoteric surfactants.

EMPICOLĀ® L and C range
An EO-free primary anionic surfactant with hard water and electrolyte tolerance. Available as an off-white powder or needles, it provides rich lather ideal for use in cleansing products such as body washes and shampoos.

Avoiding animal testing

We are proud to be taking the lead in finding alternatives to animal testing wherever possible, while ensuring product safety. Our cruelty-free product claims are aligned with the Leaping Bunny standard. Explore our range of product categories with these claims below and reach out to our team directly for more information.

Anti-bacterial agents
Carbonates
Chelating agents
Conditioning agents
Dispersants and dispersions
Hydrotropes
Rheology modifier
Emollients and solvents
Pearl Concentrates
Pearlizers and viscosity modifiers
Self-emulsifying wax
Sulfated surfactants
Sulfate-free surfactants
Surfactants – amphoteric and secondary
Find out more about our work to find alternatives to animal testing

Renewable by design

Our high-performance formulations contain a high percentage of 100% naturally derived ingredients. Sourced from renewable materials, these ingredients offer lower environmental toxicity, without compromising on product performance. View our range of 100% naturally derived ingredients below.

DISPERSUN DSP-OL100

A 100% naturally derived dispersant, ideal for use with metal oxides in sunscreens and cosmetics. Suitable for non-aqueous systems.

DISPERSUN DSP-OL300

A 100% naturally derived dispersant, ideal for use with metal oxides in sunscreens and cosmetics. Suitable for non-aqueous systems.

LAUREXĀ® CS

A 100% naturally derived viscosity, consistency and skin feel modifier. Acting as an oil soluble co-emulsifier and emollient viscosity builder, it makes it ideal for use in creams, lotions and conditioners.

EMPIWAXĀ® SK/BP

A 100% naturally derived emulsifying wax offering high electrolyte tolerance along with dispersing, thickening and solubilizing properties. Ideal for use in skin, body and baby care.

Pureact GLT

A 100% naturally derived, mild anionic surfactant for use in rinse-off applications such as facial cleansers, shampoos and hand washes.

Pureact Gluco C (CO)

A mild, 100% naturally derived surfactant that is easy to process and suitable for a wide range of personal care applications. A coconut-based version is also available.

Pureact Gluco D (CO)

A mild, 100% naturally derived surfactant that provides excellent foaming. A coconut-based version is also available.

Pureact Gluco L (CO)

A mild, 100% naturally derived surfactant that can markedly contribute to viscosity building viscosity when used in formulations containing IseluxĀ®/cocamidopropyl betaine or SLES/cocamidopropyl betaine. A coconut-based version is also available.

Pureact Gluco 810 (CO)

A mild, 100% naturally derived surfactant that is easy to process and can aid in the solubility of fragrances. A coconut-based version is also available.

Pureact Gluco 818 (CO)

A mild, 100% naturally derived surfactant that is easy to process. A coconut-based version available.

Pureact Gluco 1200 (CO)

A mild, 100% naturally derived surfactant that can markedly contribute to viscosity Ā building when used in formulations containing IseluxĀ®/cocamidopropyl betaine or SLES/cocamidopropyl betaine systems. A coconut-based version is also available.

Pureact Gluco 2000 (CO)

A mild, naturally derived surfactant that provides excellent foaming properties. A coconut-based version is also available.

NANSAĀ® PC 38/F

A 100% naturally derived traditional cleansing agent often used in liquid soaps.

EMPICOLĀ® 0045/B

A 100% naturally derived, EO-free primary anionic surfactant with excellent hard water and electrolyte tolerance. Provides rich lather and is ideal for use in cleansing products such as body washes and shampoos.

EMPICOLĀ® LX series

A 100% naturally derived, EO-free primary anionic surfactants with excellent hard water and electrolyte tolerance. Provides rich lather and is ideal for use in cleansing products such as body washes and shampoos.

EMPICOLĀ® LZ series

A 100% naturally derived, EO-free primary anionic surfactants with excellent hard water and electrolyte tolerance. Provides rich lather and is ideal for use in cleansing products such as body washes and shampoos.

EMPICOLĀ® LZV series

A 100% naturally derived, EO-free primary anionic surfactants with excellent hard water and electrolyte tolerance. Provides rich lather and is ideal for use in cleansing products such as body washes and shampoos.

EMPICOLĀ® CZ/N

A 100% naturally derived, EO-free primary anionic surfactants with excellent hard water and electrolyte tolerance. Provides rich lather and is ideal for use in cleansing products such as body washes and shampoos.

Pureact 138

A natural, mild, optimized blend that is 100% naturally derived and provides excellent foaming. Requires no heat, making it easy to use, and can be used in conjunction with anionic, non-ionic, and amphoteric surfactants.

Verified sustainable ingredients

The COSMOS (COSMetic Organic and Natural Standard) certification is an internationally recognized standard for organic and natural cosmetics. It ensures that cosmetic products:

• Use organic ingredients and respect biodiversity
• Employ clean and safe manufacturing processes
• Promote green chemistry
• Are produced with environmental responsibility throughout their lifecycle, from sourcing to packaging

Explore our list of COSMOS-approved raw materials suitable for use in COMOS-certified products below.

ACTIVSOFT C-14MR

A moderately charged cationic conditioning polymer designed for use in both skin and hair applications. Suitable for use in clear-in-hand and opaque liquid formulations as well as soap bars.

EMPICOLĀ® CZ/N (MB)

An EO-free primary anionic surfactant with excellent hard water and electrolyte tolerance. Provides rich lather and is ideal for use in cleansing products such as body washes and shampoos.

EMPICOLĀ® CZV/N (MB)

An EO-free primary anionic surfactant with excellent hard water and electrolyte tolerance. Provides rich lather and is ideal for use in cleansing products such as body washes and shampoos.

EMPICOLĀ® 0045/B (MB)

An EO-free primary anionic surfactant with excellent hard water and electrolyte tolerance. Provides rich lather and is ideal for use in cleansing products such as body washes and shampoos.

EMPICOLĀ® LX/B (MB)

An EO-free primary anionic surfactant with excellent hard water and electrolyte tolerance. Provides rich lather and is ideal for use in cleansing products such as body washes and shampoos.

EMPICOLĀ® LX/N (MB)

An EO-free primary anionic surfactant with excellent hard water and electrolyte tolerance. Provides rich lather and is ideal for use in cleansing products such as body washes and shampoos.

EMPICOLĀ® LXV/B (MB)

An EO-free primary anionic surfactant with excellent hard water and electrolyte tolerance. Provides rich lather and is ideal for use in cleansing products such as body washes and shampoos.

EMPICOLĀ® LXV/N (MB)

An EO-free primary anionic surfactant with excellent hard water and electrolyte tolerance. Provides rich lather and is ideal for use in cleansing products such as body washes and shampoos.

EMPICOLĀ® LZ/B (MB)

An excellent EO-free primary anionic surfactant with excellent hard water and electrolyte tolerance. Provides rich lather and is ideal for use in cleansing products such as body washes and shampoos.

EMPICOLĀ® LZ/N (MB)

An EO-free primary anionic surfactant with excellent hard water and electrolyte tolerance. Provides rich lather and is ideal for use in cleansing products such as body washes and shampoos.

EMPICOLĀ® LZV/B (MB)

An EO-free primary anionic surfactant with excellent hard water and electrolyte tolerance. Provides rich lather and is ideal for use in cleansing products such as body washes and shampoos.

EMPICOLĀ® LZV/N (MB)

An EO-free primary anionic surfactant with excellent hard water and electrolyte tolerance. Provides rich lather and is ideal for use in cleansing products such as body washes and shampoos.

EMPIGENĀ® BS/FA (MB)

A mild amphoteric co-surfactant suitable for use in cleansing products such as shampoos, body washes and baby care. Offers excellent compatibility with anionic, non-ionic and cationic surfactants, and is stable over a wide pH range.

EMPIGENĀ® BSP (MB)

A mild amphoteric surfactant suitable for use in cleansing products such as shampoos, body washes and baby care. Offers excellent compatibility with anionic, non-ionic and cationic surfactants, and is stable over a wide pH range.

EMPIGENĀ® 5151 (MB)

A mild amphoteric co-surfactant ideal for use in cleansing products such as shampoos, body washes and baby care. Offers excellent compatibility with anionic, non-ionic and cationic surfactants, and is stable over a wide pH range. Helps mitigate irritation from primary surfactants and improves foam quality, even with soap in the presence of hard water.

EMPIGENĀ® BS/H50 (MB)

A high active mild amphoteric co-surfactant suitable for use in cleansing products such as shampoos, body washes and baby care. Offers excellent compatibility with anionic, non-ionic and cationic surfactants and is stable over a wide pH range.

EMPIGENĀ® CDL 30/J/35 (MB)

A mild amphoteric co-surfactant ideal for use in cleansing products such as shampoos, body washes and baby care. Offers excellent compatibility with anionic, non-ionic and cationic surfactants and is stable over a wide pH range. Helps mitigate irritation from primary surfactants and improves foam quality, even with soap in the presence of hard water.

EMPIGENĀ® CDL 60/P (MB)

A mild amphoteric co-surfactant suitable for use in cleansing products such as shampoos, body washes and baby care. Offers excellent compatibility with anionic, non-ionic and cationic surfactants and is stable over a wide pH range. Helps mitigate irritation from primary surfactants and improves foam quality, even with soap in the presence of hard water.

EMPIGENĀ® CDR 2/M (MB)

A mild amphoteric co-surfactant suitable for use in cleansing products such as shampoos, body washes and baby care. Offers excellent compatibility with anionic, non-ionic and cationic surfactants and is stable over a wide pH range. Helps mitigate irritation from primary surfactants and improves foam quality, even with soap in the presence of hard water.

EMPIGENĀ® CDR 60 (MB)

A mild amphoteric co-surfactant ideal for use in cleansing products such as shampoos, body washes and baby care. Offers excellent compatibility with anionic, non-ionic and cationic surfactants and is stable over a wide pH range. Helps mitigate irritation from primary surfactants and improves foam quality even with soap in the presence of hard water.

Pureact LAA (MB)

A mild amphoteric co-surfactant ideal for use in cleansing products such as shampoos, body washes and baby care. Offers excellent compatibility with anionic, non-ionic and cationic surfactants and is stable over a wide pH range. Helps mitigate irritation from primary surfactants.

EMPIGENĀ® BS/FA (MB)

EMPIGEN BS/FA is an aqueous solution of cocamidopropyl betaine, a mild amphoteric surfactant that provides excellent foaming and cleansing properties, even in hard water. Ā It provides abundant, stable foam, and is compatible with anionic, nonionic, cationic and other amphoteric surfactants.

EMPIGENĀ® BS/FE (MB)

EMPIGENĀ® BS / FE / MB is an aqueous solution of cocamidopropyl betaine, derived from fatty acids certified under theĀ  RSPO* Mass Balance certification scheme. This amphoteric surfactant is compatible with anionic, nonionic, cationic and other amphoteric surfactants, and remains stable over a wide pH range, providing formulators with a flexible ingredient suitable for a variety of applications. It offers multiple Ā formulation and performance benefits, including abundant, stable foam generation, superior foaming and detergency, Ā even in the presence of soap and hard water, ease of viscosity adjustment and provides a mild conditioning effect.

EMPIGENĀ® CBET (MB)

A mild amphoteric co-surfactant for use in cleansing products such as shampoos, body washes and baby care. Offers excellent compatibility with anionic, non-ionic and cationic surfactants and is stable over a wide pH range.

EMPIGENĀ® TC/U (MB)

A mild amphoteric co-surfactant suitable for use in cleansing products such as shampoos, body washes and baby care. Offers excellent compatibility with anionic, non-ionic and cationic surfactants and remains stable over a wide pH range. Its low sodium chloride content makes it ideal for use in hair coloring shampoos with direct dyes due, as salt can impede the deposition of certain direct dyes onto hair from shampoos.

NANSAĀ® PC38/F (MB)

A traditional cleansing agent often used in liquid soaps.

Pureact 138 (MB)

A natural, mild, optimized surfactant blend that requires no heat and is easy to use. Provides exceptional foaming performance and can be used in conjunction with anionic, non-ionic, and amphoteric surfactants.

Pureact GLT (MB)

A naturally derived, mild anionic surfactant ideal for use in rinse-off applications such as facial cleansers, shampoos and hand washes.

Pureact Gluco 1200 (MB) / CO

A mild, naturally derived surfactant that can markedly contribute to viscosity building when used in IseluxĀ®/cocamidopropyl betaine or SLES/cocamidopropyl betaine systems. A coconut version of Pureact Gluco 1200 is available.

Pureact Gluco 2000 (MB) / CO

A mild, naturally derived surfactant that provides excellent foaming. A coconut version of Pureact Gluco 2000 is available.

Pureact Gluco 818 (MB) / CO

A mild, naturally derived surfactant that is easy to process. A coconut version of Pureact Gluco 818 is available.

Pureact Gluco C (MB)

A mild, naturally derived surfactant that is easy to process. A coconut version of Pureact Gluco C is available.

Pureact Gluco D (MB)

A mild, naturally derived surfactant that provides excellent foaming. A coconut version of Pureact Gluco D is available.

Pureact Gluco L (MB)

A mild, naturally derived surfactant that can markedly contribute to viscosity building when used in IseluxĀ®/cocamidopropyl betaine or SLES/cocamidopropyl betaine systems. A coconut version of Pureact Gluco L is available.

Improving energy efficiency

Many of our ingredients are optimized for cold processing, enabling manufacturers to reduce energy consumption during production. This not only lowers operational costs but also reduces associated greenhouse gas emissions.

IseluxĀ® SFS-SB

A concentrated surfactant blend ideal for use in cleansing products such as shampoos and body washes. Simply add water to dilute and salt to thicken to develop stable systems delivering dense, mild creamy lather.

IseluxĀ® Ultra Mild

A concentrated surfactant blend developed for use in cleanser applications where an ultra-mild formulation is desired.Ā  Features an extremely low irritancy profile to protect delicate skin and eyes.

IseluxĀ® LQ-CLR-SB

A sulfate-free anionic surfactant for both clear and opaque systems. This unique, breakthrough technology is now globally approved.

Pureact 138

A natural, mild, optimized blend that requires no heat, is easy to use, and provides exceptional foaming. It can also be used in conjunction with anionic, non-ionic, and amphoteric surfactants.

Pureact Gluco range

100% naturally derived, very mild surfactants commonly used for their emulsifying and conditioning properties as well as their ability to enhance foaming.

Pureact GLT

A naturally derived, mild anionic surfactant ideal for use in rinse-off applications such as facial cleansers, shampoos and hand washes.

Pureact BB

A concentrated surfactant blend, developed for cost-effective sulfate-free personal care products. This high foaming, optimized blend produces a crystal-clear finished product and requires only water for dilution and sodium chloride for viscosity adjustment.

Pureact SCG

A mild, sulfate-free primary or secondary surfactant.

NANSAĀ® LSS 38/AV

An EO-free primary anionic surfactant offering excellent hard water and electrolyte tolerance. It delivers a rich lather and is ideal for use in cleansing products such as body washes and shampoo. Stable in acidic conditions it builds viscosity with wide range of amphoteric surfactants.

EMPIGENĀ® CDL 60/P

A mild amphoteric co-surfactant ideal for use in cleansing products such as shampoos, body washes and baby care. It offers excellent compatibility with anionic, non-ionic and cationic surfactants, remains stable over a wide pH range and helps mitigate irritation from primary surfactants. It also improves foam quality even in the presence of soap and hard water.

EMPICOLĀ® XCT 14

A concentrated sulfate-free surfactant blend with a low irritation profile and optimized foam characteristics. Ideal for use in cleansing products such as shampoos and body wash.

Luxuriact

Luxuriact is an approximately 28% active anionic surfactant that provides exceptional foam and easy rinsibility. The unique characteristic of Luxuriact is the clarity and pourability of this raw material at room temperature, which offers easy handling and incorporation into formulations. It can be used as a primary surfactant at levels up to 30% w/w, providing extraordinary foam across a wide range of cleansing products. It is compatible with non-ionic, anionic and amphoteric surfactants , and remains stable across a broad pH range from 3.0 – 11.0.

Pureact SFB

A specially optimized, concentrated surfactant blend for use in personal care products. This cold process blend is free from sulfates and sodium chloride. With a usage level of 25-40%, depending upon the application, it is ideal for use in shampoos, body washes, and liquid cleansers.

IseluxĀ® CBL

A Sulfate-free anionic liquid surfactant ideal for use in both clear and opaque systems. This unique, break through technology offers excellent performance and flexibility in personal care applications.

EMPIPEARLĀ® XA 300/G

A cold processable, concentrated blend of anionic, non-ionic and amphoteric surfactants ideal for use in rinse-off cleansing products such as shampoo and body wash. Even at low percentage levels in the formulation, it delivers a rich and dense pearlizing effect.

Reducing water use

Our surfactants and conditioning agents listed below are designed with fast-rinse technology, helping consumers use less water during washing, supporting more sustainable routines at home and in industry.

IseluxĀ®

A sulfate-free anionic surfactant designed for use in both clear and opaque systems. IseluxĀ®, is a unique, breakthrough technology that is now globally approved. A coconut version of IseluxĀ® is available.

IseluxĀ® LQ-CLR

A sulfate-free anionic surfactant designed for use in both clear and opaque systems. A unique, breakthrough technology that is now globally approved.

IseluxĀ® LQ-CLR-PE

A sulfate-free anionic surfactant designed for use in both clear and opaque systems. A unique, breakthrough technology that is now globally approved.

IseluxĀ® LQ-CLR-SB

A sulfate-free anionic surfactant designed for use in both clear and opaque systems. A unique, breakthrough technology that is now globally approved.

IseluxĀ® SCMI

A sulfate-free anionic surfactant designed for use in both clear and opaque systems. A unique, breakthrough technology that is now globally approved.

ACTIVSOFT C-13

A self-hydrating, moderately charged cationic conditioning polymer, ideal for use in skin and hair applications. Suitable for use in clear-in-hand and opaque liquid formulations, as well as soap bars.

EMPIGENĀ® S18

A silicone-free hair conditioning agent that minimizes the build-up effect, provides conditioning and antistatic benefits and acts as a formulation viscosity builder.

Learn more about our ‘BE UNIQUE’ formulation range

Our latest generational beauty formulation guide explores consumer needs across age groups, featuring innovative formulations that balance performance, sustainability and market relevance. Inside, you will find actionable insights, trend-driven concepts, and ready-to-use formulations that bring sustainable generational beauty to life.
View Formulations

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