Eastman expands personal care portfolio with Esmeri SK1N10
Esmeri SK1N10 is a non-nano cellulose ester micropowder that can be used in both aqueous and oil-in-water formulations.
USA – Eastman has introduced Esmeri SK1N10, a biodegradable micropowder developed for skin care and SPF formulations.
The new ingredient is designed to combine sustainability with the sensory qualities consumers expect, at a time when regulations affecting synthetic ingredients are becoming stricter.
It is intended to create an immediate soft-focus blurring effect, dry quickly to reduce stickiness, and control shine for a smooth, matte finish.
The ingredient can be incorporated into serums, creams, moisturisers, sprays, eye treatments, and sunscreens, and it is compatible with formulations containing actives such as retinoids.
In sun care products, the micropowder is said to improve the performance of both organic and inorganic UV filters through UV scattering.
This can produce an SPF-boosting effect, potentially allowing lower concentrations of UV filters while also enhancing the product’s feel and sensory characteristics.
Lauren Leonard, Eastman’s global market development manager, stated, “Esmeri SK1N10 was developed to address a key challenge that formulators face today: achieving the sensory and performance benefits consumers expect while advancing biodegradability goals.”
Eastman is targeting growing demand for alternatives to conventional synthetic polymer micropowders.
Eastman surveyed 150 research and development professionals working for personal care consumer goods companies.
Half of the respondents expected ingredient biodegradability to become mainstream in their regions within the next two to five years, yet 52% said they were satisfied with the products currently available on the market.
In a separate survey of 6,000 women and girls aged 12 to 70 across six countries, 45% said they struggled to find facial skin care products that met all of their needs. Respondents commonly identified sticky textures, greasiness after application, and a lack of visible results as major frustrations.
According to Leonard, Esmeri SK1N10 gives formulators a way to replace widely used microplastics while preserving the functionality consumers expect in both skin care and sun care products.
According to Eastman, Esmeri SK1N10 is not classified as a synthetic polymer microparticle under EU Regulation 2023/2055 because it meets the regulation’s biodegradability criteria and is sourced under the company’s wood pulp sourcing policy.
The company positions it as a readily biodegradable, non-nano alternative to legacy materials such as PMMA and nylon-12, as well as an option for formulators assessing alternatives to silica and traditional cellulose powders.
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