Recent developments
Policy and demand
WHO's inclusion of sunscreen as essential medicine may shift procurement and reimbursement, elevating sun care’s healthcare relevance. Market signals were mixed: the Symrise Q3 2025 sales report showed 1.4% organic growth and cost measures, while the Croda Q3 2025 sales update indicated growth at constant currency with ongoing efficiency programs.
Asia localization
Producers expanded regional capabilities: Nouryon's new innovation center in Shanghai added specialized labs and a customer experience center; CHF 80 million expansion in Daya Bay increased excipients and mild surfactants capacity; Clariant and Lucas Meyer Cosmetics launched new concepts at in-cosmetics Asia 2025; distribution agreement with Givaudan in Thailand broadened access to actives.
Sustainable sourcing and biotech
BASF Beauty Care Solutions joined the Union for Ethical BioTrade, aligning with its Responsibly Active program and traceable bioactives; the BASF and IFF partnership targets enzyme-enabled polymers for lower-impact cleaning and personal care; Symrise invests in Cellibre for fermentation-derived cosmetic actives; Hydrolite 5 green gained environmental recognition and added European production.
Formulation and SPF advances
New data underline performance gains: Crodabond CSN boosted SPF and UVA protection while reducing UV filter load; Natrineo CR8 enabled simplified W/O/W emulsions with high natural-origin content; KeraBio K31 showed low-dose hair repair efficacy; Brenntag Specialties’ partnership with Calyxia introduced biodegradable microspheres and a cold-processable gelling agent improving sensory profiles and SPF.
Portfolio and packaging shifts
Exited betaines production in Indonesia to focus Care Solutions on specialty actives; LyondellBasell advanced testing to qualify mechanically recycled plastics for cosmetic packaging under CosPaTox guidance; Kulzer restructured to concentrate on EMEA and the Americas, consolidating artificial teeth production and improving capital efficiency.