Cosmetics Design spoke with David Anderson, the company’s senior vice president, to learn more about the fermentation process, the types of ingredients the company produces, and what the future holds.
“The main focus of Locus FS is to develop fermentation-produced biosurfactants as replacements for commonly used surfactants in a variety of fields, including household and personal care.”Anderson said.
“Surfactants act as surfactants to reduce the surface or interfacial tension between two liquids such as water. Surfactants also improve the spreading and wetting properties of liquids, known as wettability. Because of these benefits, surfactants are often used in cosmetic and personal care formulations such as lotions, cleansers, and shampoos.
However, as Anderson points out, chemical surfactants are not biodegradable and can cause skin irritation, so many beauty and personal care companies are exploring more environmentally and skin-friendly alternatives. doing.
Biosurfactants are a sustainable solution
“These factors are driving many formulators, especially in personal care and cosmetics, to turn to biosurfactants, a specific subcategory of bio-based surfactants.”Anderson said.
“This is where Locus FS’s expertise comes in handy. The company is a world leader in biosurfactant manufacturing. Biosurfactants are sold as raw materials through the Locus Elements division. Unlike bio-based surfactants, which are synthesized through high-energy, carbon-intensive chemical reactions that can produce chemical byproducts, Locus FS biosurfactants are naturally produced using a proprietary low-energy fermentation. The process uses renewable raw materials such as sugar and fatty acids and microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and fungi.”
Anderson says Locus Ingrigent’s sophorolipid biosurfactants, part of the glycolipid class, can be used in micellar waters, body washes, creams and moisturizers, shampoos and conditioners in place of palm oil-based ingredients.
Due to the benefits of Locus’ biosurfactants, chemical giant Dow signs an exclusive distribution agreement in the home and personal care sector, with both companies combining Locus’ fermentation technology know-how and Dow’s knowledge and penetration in the home and personal care sector. It is now possible to combine. market.
Technology has proven to be a competitive advantage
Ingredient suppliers have been grappling with the problem of bringing non-palm oil surfactants to market for years, but the hurdle has traditionally been trying to produce fermentation-alternative surfactants in sufficient quantities. However, the company appears to have resolved this issue.
“Locus Englishment’s innovative production technology solves these challenges and enables the development of high-performance biosurfactants at commercial scale.”Anderson explains.
“The Locus method produces biosurfactants at a fraction of the production time and cost compared to traditional fermentation processes and with higher productivity. The patented Locus manufacturing process uses bioinformatics and fermentation techniques. We are developing naturally derived biosurfactants, specifically sophorolipids, which are glycolipid-class biosurfactants. New fermentation-produced biosurfactant ingredients can be used in product formulations across personal care, home care, and industrial applications. It offers unparalleled sustainability and versatility combined with superior performance.”
These manufacturing processes revolve around three key elements: bioformatics module fermentation and purification, all of which have multiple INCI and TSCA approvals with unique properties and competitive price points. Anderson claims that it introduced biosurfactants.
The resulting portfolio of surfactants provides cosmetic and personal care formulators with a wide range of alternatives to palm oil-derived ingredients.
“Locus Englishment’s alternative is a fermentation-produced biosurfactant in the glycolipid class that is completely palm oil-free and made with responsibly sourced, non-GMO sugars and fatty acids.”Anderson said.
“They are made using completely renewable raw materials and are USDA certified to be 100% bio-based. This ingredient has a lower carbon footprint and superior multi-functionality than comparable alternatives. and provide the formulator with the desired characteristics.”
Advantages of replacing palm oil surfactants
Replacing palm oil in cosmetic and personal care product formulations can offer many significant benefits for manufacturers and suppliers. Economic benefits include increased availability, appeal to a broader consumer base, and improved brand reputation, while environmental benefits include reduced deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. These include reducing emissions and cleaning waterways.
There are many concerns regarding non-palm oil surfactant alternatives, including cost, performance, availability, and performance questions. According to Anderson, the team has worked hard to address all of these issues by making the portfolio more cost-competitive. Development of a library of proven ingredients and state-of-the-art production facilities.
“Thanks to Locus’ recent 100,000 square foot expansion, the company is now one of the world’s largest producers of biosurfactants with the ability to meet the demand for palm-free raw materials. is domestically produced and readily available.”Anderson.
There may be more oil substitutes in the future.
Looking to the future, the company is researching entry into new raw material areas, as well as looking at new technologies to further enhance its production processes.
“Although we are dedicated to developing palm oil-free ingredients, we are always researching other new alternative oils and other interesting ingredients.” said Anderson.
“We are also constantly enhancing our production processes to further minimize our already low carbon footprint. Through our technology and formulation library, we provide manufacturers and consumers with clean products. We aim to educate on the best ways to create formulations. We also continue to expand our biosurfactant product line by offering new glycolipid ingredients.”
