IGI launches petrolatum alternative for personal care
Sebapet has functional properties similar to petrolatum yet taps into the increasing demand for natural ingredients.
“Due to the on-going growth of the market for natural personal care products, there is a demand for replacements for typical moisturizers that are petroleum-derived, such as petrolatum,” IGI business manager for personal care, Joseph Blythe, told CosmeticsDesign.com.
New gelling technology
The ingredient is composed of a combination of vegetable oils, which according to IGI mimic the fatty acid and esters found in natural skin sebum.
Additionally, a natural gelling technology not previously seen in petrolatum replacements is used in Sebapet to hold the product together.
Blythe explained that this technology allows the product to maintain its integrity when used in emulsions.
“Many natural petrolatum replacements are waxes and oils blended together. In general, when they are used in an emulsion system they disperse into individual ingredients and don’t end up like petrolatum in its final form,” he said.
Different feel to petrolatum
According to Blythe, the ingredient has a different skin feel to petrolatum, although it still works to retains moisture in the skin.
“Most people think petrolatum is greasy, but as Sebapet is made with natural oils, the triglycerides and esters give a different skin feel to that of petrolatum, one that is dryer and silkier,” he said.
Sebapet contains a natural antioxidant to help to prolong product shelf life, and Blythe estimates that incorporating Sebapet into a formulation will give a shelf life of two years on opening.
The ingredient can be used in any personal care product that is positioned as natural but still requires the properties of petrolatum, the company said, including creams, lotions, lip care and body care products.
IGI will be showcasing the product at Supplier’s Day on May 11 and 12 in New York.
