With a renewed strategy that includes an intense commitment to environment, social and governance (ESG) as a growth driver, Ashland Global Holdings Inc. revealed several high performing natural, nature-derived and biodegradable skin and hair care innovations at in-cosmetics Global in Paris, France. The company also showcased an innovative supplier partnership for the sustainable farming of guar under their Responsible Solvers™ program which is powering sustainable, profitable growth for local farmers and small villages in the Sriganganagar district of Rajasthan, India. The STEM education program, held in partnership with the SM Sehgal Foundation, is increasing farmers' yield and income, lowering production costs, expanding the local economy, and positively impacting the environment.

Hair care: Styleze™ es-dura ingredient is a plant-based, hair care ecostyler for leading edge styling performance and sustainability. This novel ingredient draws on Ashland's expertise in guar-based polysaccharides to deliver outstanding all-weather style durability. It was developed to give a uniquely strong sustainability profile offering naturally derived, biodegradable, vegan and clean INCI claims in hair styling, conditioning, and treatment formulations.

Styleze™ es-dura ingredient was designed to be highly versatile, so formulators can easily create both modern and traditional styling products which deliver naturally flawless styles and crisp curl definition, without weighing down the hair. Skin care: Caressense™ biofunctional powers love's ageless beauty over time. This phytofermented extract from fresh, organic jasmine flowers is sustainably grown in Provence, France.

It is inspired by research on the connection between skin and emotions, and the “science of love.” It can activate biologically the sensors of touch, releasing “feel-good” molecules inside the skin. The product delivers age-relaxing benefits with emotional, well-feeling improved immune defense, and a healthy-looking effect. Caressense™ biofunctional was developed using the power of a novel, sustainable, patented phytofermentology™ technology, creating a unique signature composition.

It unveils bountiful and bioactive phytonutrients such as flower peptides and polyphenols for the beauty of skin while emphasizing new trends about “love beauty” and "emotional beauty" along with health and wellness tendencies for good-mood and feel-good mindcare. Microbial protection: Sensiva™ go natural multifunctional is a COSMOS validated, 100% natural origin based, and readily biodegradable new multifunctional with antimicrobial properties. It has broad spectrum efficacy combined with well-known humectant properties.

The carefully selected ingredients are highly effective and gentle on the skin. Its wide applicability, effectiveness and broad pH range make it the perfect fit for natural-driven formulations around the globe. Ashland also highlighted the following innovations that the company introduced last fall: Texturpure™ sa-1 ingredient for hair care, a naturally derived and biodegradable thickening, texturing and suspension agent for sustainable hair, hand and body care cleansers.

Inspired by the global trends for clean INCI, naturally derived and sustainable personal care formulations, this sustainable ingredient delivers a rich, smooth and luxuriously viscous texture with a clean break on pouring and suspension of oils and actives in shampoos and cleansing systems. Utilizing Ashland's expertise in sustainable polysaccharide technologies, texturpure™ sa-1 ingredient was developed to be naturally derived according to ISO 16128, sustainably and ethically sourced, and biodegradable. The product incorporates a specific ratio of high performance clean INCI ingredients in order to deliver a sensorial effect and yield value, which match or surpass many leading synthetics. Natrathix™ bio cellulose for skin care enables more natural skin textures.

This sustainable innovation is a nature-derived, readily biodegradable thickener with suspension capabilities that maintains emulsion stability of skin and sun care formulations while delivering a desirable skin feel. Developed through Ashland's market leading expertise in sustainably sourced cellulosics and rheology modification, natrathix™ bio cellulose enables the creation of more natural skin care creams, lotions and gels, including organic and inorganic sunscreen formulations, with the texture, skin feel and sustainability that consumers demand. Natrathix™ bio cellulose is non-GMO, vegan suitable and globally compliant.

This versatile rheology modifier is electrolyte and minerals tolerant, effective across a wide pH range (4-8), cold processible, and does not require neutralization. It is a great alternative to carbomers in formulations. Ashland also highlighted the recently launched antaron™ eco gel, a biodegradable, water-resistant film former for lighter, non-greasy sun care and cosmetics applications.

It is easy to use because it requires less time and heat to incorporate in formulations. This novel product provides excellent water resistance and improves the sustainability of sunscreen or cosmetic formulations. It is also vegan suitable.

Responsibly solving for a better world: During in-cosmetics Global, Ashland showcased the first of a series of sustainable business initiatives, which resulted in positive economic, environmental and social impacts from the company's recently announced Responsible Solvers™ program.