Alban Muller launches two new alternatives to microbeads

The company has recently launched Scrubami, derived from the powdering of fruit pits, and Silicami, a powder that is derived from silica.

The two new ingredients have been platformed at both last month’s in-cosmetics event in Paris, as well as the recent NYSCC Supplier’s Day, held in Jersey last week.

Don’t throw out the fruit pits!​

Scrubami is described as a 100% natural exfoliator, being derived from fruit pits, nut shells and kernels that might otherwise be discarded.

It comes in natural colours that range from orange-beige to dark brown and has five separate references and also five particle sizes to suit a range of formulations and different applications.

The five choices include Almond Shell, Apricot Kernel, Coconut Shell, Olive Pits and Walnut Shell, which are available in particle sizes from 50/200 microns, all the way up to 500/800 microns.

Properties for the microbeads include gentle and efficient mechanical exfoliation, a homogeneous distribution of the particles in the formulation, high dispersibility and an enhanced visual impact.

Silica exfoliation​

The Silicami solution is also said to be 100% natural and is derived from white silica that comes in three different sizes, 15 – 40, 60 – 200 and 200 – 500 microns for face, face/body and body, respectively.

Environmental attributes of this ingredient includes the fact that it is 100% natural and of mineral origin, while it is also said to be 100% safe for the environment.

Likewise, for formulators and end users benefits include efficient exfoliation, the fact that it is chemically inert, the particle size and distribution in the formula is homogeneous, while there  is also stability of colour and no odour.

The low-down on microbeads​

While the European Union is pushing ahead on initiatives to ban microbeads, legislation has already been passed in the US and Canada to ban the use of microbeads in cosmetic and personal care formulations within the next few years.

The move away from plastic microbeads has come about following a growing body of evidence to suggest that microbeads are creating significant environmental problems for marine life due to the fact that they are not biodegradable.

However, recent research from scientists at the University of Michigan​ has suggested that the microbeads may not be as potentially toxic to marine life as much of the previous research has suggested.