Dow has partnered with BSB Nanotechnology, a producer of rice husk-based specialty silica, to bring the ingredient to the personal care market.
The material company’s new EcoSmooth Rice Husk Cosmetic Powder is the first product to make use of the ingredient, which is made from the waste product of rice milling.
Dow said rice husk silica delivers a smooth feeling finish and helps to cover imperfections and mattify skin.
"This partnership is another significant milestone allowing Dow to expand its portfolio of products that enable eco-conscious claims, prioritising solutions that deliver high-quality, benefits backed by science,” said Isabel Almiro do Vale, global marketing and strategy director for Dow Personal Care.
BSB was inspired to create the silica after seeing how rice-based milk, a popular beverage in Vietnam, was formulated.
Located in the Mekong Delta, colloquially known as the rice basket of Vietnam, the business makes use of the abundant rice husks produced in the process of creating the milk.
“This agreement signifies not only the first step towards a collaboration between Dow and BSB in the personal care sector but has also opened new pathways to other business sectors within Dow where BSB’s bio-based rice husk silica can offer sustainability and multifunctionality,” said Hung Nguyen, CEO of BSB.
“BSB will continue to create more innovative and green solutions for the world and offer these additives through global partners like Dow.”
