Ashland HydroSheer™ II technology solves skin care formulation challenge and wins the Beiersdorf Innovation Pitch award
Press Release
Ashland HydroSheer™ II technology solves skin care formulation challenge and wins the Beiersdorf Innovation Pitch award
WILMINGTON, DE - Manufacturers of personal care products continually search for new innovations to improve the performance and aesthetics of skin care creams. Ashland Specialty Ingredients, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), now offers HydroSheer™ II formulation technology, a system designed to modify emulsion behavior in such a way that finished lotions appear clear or virtually clear during rubout on wet skin. Solving a long-standing formulation challenge, Ashland won the first ever Beiersdorf Innovation Pitch award at the in-cosmetics trade show, April 2nd in Hamburg, Germany.
Ashland's HydroSheer II technology takes into account a number of formulation variables required to produce stable creams and lotions that apply clear on wet skin, including the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance or HLB. The featured ingredients are Escalol™ UV filters for SPF protection and Prolipid� lamellar gel for smooth feel, application uniformity and formulation stability.
Accepting the award for Ashland Specialty Ingredients was Anna A. Gripp, global marketing leader for sun care, Ashland Specialty Ingredients; Hani Fares, senior director - skin care, Ashland Specialty Ingredients; and Dr. Alexander Wendt, strategic account manager, Ashland Specialty Ingredients.
"In designing a system that matches the unique lamellar organization of skin's lipids, and other requirements, we are meeting a consumer need for creams and lotions that perform better on a number of levels," said Anna Gripp. "HydroSheer II formulation technology may change the way skin care emulsions are made and sold."
"Manufacturers of skin care emulsions wanted a system that worked better, more efficiently and more simply than anything in the marketplace," said Hani Fares. "A series of investigations pointed us toward a solution that we call HydroSheer II formulation technology.
"Once we understood all of the components of the problem, the solution had become obvious. We are pleased to present a major game-changing innovation with HydroSheer II formulation technology."
Previously, Ashland commercialized its HydroSheer formulation technology for spray and gel form products, providing formulators the option to produce sunscreen products with water-resistant films miscible in water.
The Beiersdorf Innovation Pitch
Beiersdorf's Innovation Pitch award is an extension of the company's open innovation initiative called "Pearlfinder." By integrating external knowledge into its research and development, Beiersdorf seeks to further bolster its innovation power.
Out of 66 entries, 23 companies were selected to the final round at the in-cosmetics trade show. The ideas were evaluated by a Beiersdorf jury consisting of experienced R&D, marketing and scouting heads. Key criteria included uniqueness, feasibility, consumer benefit, fit with Beiersdorf brands and market potential - with the winners excelling in these areas. Ashland, a long-time Beiersdorf strategic partner, won first place for a promising idea related to sun care.
About Ashland Specialty Ingredients
Ashland Specialty Ingredients, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc., offers industry-leading products, technologies and resources for solving formulation and product performance challenges in key markets including personal care, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, coatings and energy. Using natural, synthetic and semi-synthetic polymers derived from plant and seed extract, cellulose ethers and vinyl pyrrolidones, Ashland Specialty Ingredients offers comprehensive and innovative solutions for today's demanding consumer and industrial applications.
About Ashland
In more than 100 countries, the people of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) provide the specialty chemicals, technologies and insights to help customers create new and improved products for today and sustainable solutions for tomorrow. Our chemistry is at work every day in a wide variety of markets and applications, including architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, food and beverage, personal care, pharmaceutical, tissue and towel, and water treatment. Visit ashland.com to see the innovations we offer through our four commercial units - Ashland Specialty Ingredients, Ashland Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials and Valvoline.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Amanda Rosete
Ashland Specialty Ingredients
+1 (908) 243-3547
arosete@ashland.com