Sensory performance is central to this challenge. Product efficacy alone is not enough. If a formulation feels sticky, leaves a greasy after-feel or fails to create the desired finish, consumers may view it has falling short. According to Eastman's Global Skin Care Report1 45% of women and girls surveyed across six countries struggle to find facial skin care products that meet all their needs. Meanwhile, 39% actively read ingredient lists to identify products containing sustainable ingredients, highlighting the growing influence of sustainability on purchasing decisions.
Alongside these consumer priorities, the European Commission's Regulation (EU) 2023/2055, commonly referred to as the EU microplastics regulation, is prompting brands to evaluate alternatives to intentionally added synthetic polymer microparticles. Research among 150 R&D professionals involved in ingredient or supplier selection at consumer-packaged goods (CPG) and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies found that nearly half expect biodegradability to become mainstream in their ingredient portfolios within two to five years. Yet only 52% are satisfied with currently available solutions, highlighting an opportunity for ingredient innovation.
These shifting expectations shape formulation strategies. As companies look to deliver on both performance and sustainability, access to ingredients that can address these priorities is an important consideration. Eastman's Esmeri™ SK1N10, a readily biodegradable2 non-nano3 cellulose ester micropowder, was developed to help bridge the gap between sensory performance and biodegradability. Designed for aqueous and oil-in-water systems, it supports applications ranging from serums and moisturizers to sunscreens.
Ingredients like Eastman’s Esmeri™ SK1N10 help reduce tackiness, control shine and create a soft, powdery matte finish. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Eastman
Esmeri SK1N10 helps create an immediate soft-focus blurring effect that minimizes the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles, while reducing tackiness, supporting quick dry-down and controlling shine for a soft, powdery matte finish. In SPF formulations, it can also enhance the performance of organic and inorganic UV filters through UV scattering, potentially reducing total UV-filter concentrations while improving tactile properties.
For beauty brands, these capabilities create opportunities to develop products that address multiple consumer priorities, from comfortable wear and visible aesthetic benefits to ingredient biodegradability. As consumers become more selective about both product experience and ingredient choices, innovations that bring these attributes together can help brands respond to evolving expectations.
Learn more about Esmeri SK1N10 at http://www.eastman.com/en/products/cosmetics/esmeri-sk1n10-micropowder .
The readily biodegradable Esmeri SK1N10 supports an immediate soft-focus blurring effect that minimizes the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Eastman
1 - The Eastman Global Skin Care Report surveyed 6,000 female skin care users ages 12–70 across six countries, exploring their experiences, needs and purchase priorities for leave-on facial skin care products; and 150 research and development professionals involved in ingredient or supplier selection at consumer-packaged goods and fast-moving consumer goods companies across North America, Europe and Asia, exploring sustainability priorities, current market satisfaction and the growing role of biodegradability in skin care formulation.
2 - Readily biodegradable in compliance with regulation (EU) 2023/2055 “Synthetic Polymer Microparticles”
3 - According to EC recommendation of (2022/C 229/01)
