Rethinking Functional Emollients: Natura-Tec’s Sustainable Alternatives for High-Performance Formulations
In cosmetic formulation, functional emollients play a crucial role in determining a product’s sensory appeal, stability, and performance. They influence moisture retention, texture, spreadability, and overall feel. However, formulators today face a unique challenge—balancing performance with sustainability while meeting evolving regulatory and consumer expectations.
For years, silicones, petrolatum, and lanolin set the standard for emolliency and occlusion. But as the industry moves toward cleaner, biodegradable, and ethically sourced alternatives, these traditional ingredients are being reevaluated. Finding natural replacements that maintain or improve efficacy is no small feat. Enter Natura-Tec, a pioneer in plant-based functional emollients that combine performance, sustainability, and versatility without compromise.
Challenges in Selecting Functional Emollients
Formulators must navigate several key issues when choosing functional emollients:
Natura-Tec’s Functional Emollients: Performance Meets Sustainability
Natura-Tec’s portfolio directly addresses these challenges, offering COSMOS and NATRUE-certified, 100% natural origin functional emollients that match, and in some cases, outperform conventional ingredients.
► Silicone Alternatives: Natura-Tec Plantsil™ Range
Silicones are known for their smooth application, quick absorption, and non-greasy after-feel. However, they persist in the environment and are subject to increasing regulatory scrutiny.
- Natura-Tec Plantsil™: A 100% plant-based silicone replacement, mimicking dimethicone’s silky touch, lightweight feel, and fast absorption.
- Plantsil™ Xcite 100 & Xcite 350: Varying viscosities for tailored application in skincare, haircare, and makeup formulations.
- Plantsil™ XLite: Functions as a wetting and dispersing agent, enhancing pigment dispersion in makeup while reducing tackiness and soaping effects in creams.
Competitive Advantage: Unlike many silicone replacements, which leave a greasy residue or evaporate too quickly, the Plantsil™ range provides a stable, dry-touch sensoriality with better biodegradability and full compatibility with emulsifiers and surfactants.
► Petroleum Jelly Replacement: Natural Vaselin
Petrolatum-based products provide an effective moisture barrier but are derived from fossil fuels. Natura-Tec’s Natural Vaselin offers the same occlusion and hydration benefits using plant-based alternatives.
- Provides a breathable, non-occlusive protective barrier, unlike traditional petrolatum, which can block skin respiration.
- Derived from castor oil and carnauba wax, it delivers hydration without synthetic processing.
Competitive Advantage: Unlike petroleum-based occlusives, Natural Vaselin does not require refining from crude oil and offers better biocompatibility with skin while maintaining long-term hydration.
► Multifunctional Conditioning Emollient: Natura-Tec Abysoft™
Abyssinian oil is a rising star in hair and skin care, known for its conditioning and barrier-strengthening properties. Natura-Tec Abysoft™ combines Abyssinian oil and phytosterols, enhancing skin moisture retention and hair manageability.
- Acts as a co-emulsifier, improving formula stability.
- Improves pigment dispersion, making it ideal for color cosmetics.
- Reduces hair fiber damage from heat styling and UV exposure.
Competitive Advantage: While castor oil and silicones are commonly used for conditioning, Abysoft™ offers better pigment dispersion, higher bioavailability, and proven heat and UV protection in hair and makeup applications.
► Balm Base Innovation: Natural BBB – Beauty Balm Base
Formulating effective anhydrous balms often requires multiple waxes, butters, and stabilizers. Natural BBB – Beauty Balm Base simplifies this process, offering a ready-to-use, multifunctional texturizing base with superior consistency and performance.
- Butter-like consistency with high malleability and smooth texture.
- High melting point (75°C), allowing for stable formulations with actives, pigments, or glitters.
- Water-absorbing and co-emulsifying properties, improving hydration and texture.
- Ideal for lip balms, cleansing balms, fondant balms, and hybrid textures.
Competitive Advantage: Unlike traditional balm bases that require extensive modification, Natural BBB enables quick product development, reducing formulation complexity while maintaining superior sensoriality.
How Natura-Tec Stacks Up Against Market Alternatives
Ingredient Type | Natura-Tec Solution | Traditional Alternative | Key Advantage |
Silicone | Plantsil™ | Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone | 100% natural, dry touch, fast absorption |
Petroleum Jelly | Natural Vaselin™ | Petrolatum | Non-occlusive, breathable, plant-based |
Lanolin | Plantsoft™ L | Natural oils (sebum) of sheep's wool | Vegan, better water retention, non-sticky |
Conditioning Emollient | Abysoft™ | Castor oil, silicones | Enhances pigment dispersion, UV & heat protection |
Balm Base | Natural BBB | Wax and butter blends | Pre-stabilized, high-performance texture |
A New Standard for Functional Emollients
Formulators no longer have to choose between performance and sustainability. Natura-Tec’s functional emollients meet the highest standards of efficacy, stability, and environmental responsibility. Whether replacing silicones, petrolatum, or lanolin, their portfolio ensures optimal sensory experience, formulation ease, and long-term sustainability.
For those navigating the evolving landscape of minimalist, water-conscious, and high-performance beauty, Natura-Tec offers a bridge between sustainability and technical excellence—without compromise.
Would you like to explore formulation guidance using Natura-Tec’s functional emollients? Contact Deveraux Specialties today.
