China food ingredients company expands into cosmetics

The company, which last year set up a US branch in California and also has a European site in Norway, says it will expand into cosmetics with the launch of the cosmetic grade HyaMax Sodium Hyaluronate.

Although many of the company's food-based products have already been used to manufacture cosmetic products – including its G-Tea green tea extract and Grapfruit grape seed extract – this is the first time it has launched an ingredient dedicated to the personal care arena.

HyaMax food grade​

HyaMax food grade already exists for cosmeceutical products, but now there is also the addition of the cosmetics grade version, both of which are compatible with international regulatory standards, the company claims.

Fenchem made its first foray into the cosmeceutical world relatively recently by targeting a number of its food extract ingredients at this growing segment of the market.

The company now says it wants to build on this position by expanding into the general cosmetics market with the launch of the HyaMax for cosmetics applications.

Sodium Hyaluronate and skin health​

Sodium Hyaluronate plays a vital role in tissue hydration by helping to smooth and soften the skin. It is for these reasons that it has become a popular active ingredient in a wide variety of anti-ageing and moisturising skin care products.

It is produced from a microbial fermentation process, which the company says it has developed to be totally free of risky pathogens, particularly BSE, allergens or viruses.

The company says that the food grade version of the ingredient can be used for cosmeceutical applications as well as for oral use in products such as joint health supplements.

Broad spectrum of applications​

On the other hand, the cosmetic grade HyaMax can be used for a spectrum of cosmetics, including creams, lotion, cosmetic water, facial washes and bathing products, as well as an agent for shampoos, protection mousse and lipstick.

Although the launch is global, the company says it is expecting sales for cosmetic grade HyaMax to be particularly strong in the US, where it has already secured more than 40 per cent of the market share for its food grade sodium hyaluronate.