WACKER all set to unveil the next generation of bio-based raw materials for the personal care industry at in-cosmetics 2026

Natural, bio-based raw materials and environmentally conscious manufacturing processes are an important subject in the beauty industry today – for both manufacturers and consumers. WACKER too is responding to this trend and expanding its extensive portfolio of silicone-based active ingredients to include functional bio-based raw materials. Under the brand name BELNEXT^®, the company is offering products developed around the following pillars: biodegradability, natural raw materials and sustainable production processes with a low carbon footprint. This will give formulators the opportunity to break new ground when developing their products.

Among its new products at this year's in-cosmetics Global, WACKER will be showcasing BELNEXT^® TAL 1840 M, a next-generation aminolipid. It is particularly suitable as a cationic emulsifier for formulating hair care products. The product is based on theanine, an amino acid that is also found in green tea and is used in food supplements for its calming and concentration-enhancing effects. To maintain high quality standards and to ensure virtually unlimited scalability, only fermentation-based theanine is used in the manufacturing process.

BELNEXT^® TAL 1840 M forms a highly stable liquid crystalline phase, whose lamellar structure enhances the stability of the emulsion. This allows natural and silicone-based care substances to be even more effective and thus reach the hair surface in even greater quantities. The emulsifier is equally suitable for rinse-off and leave-on products and demonstrates a very good performance profile in such formulations, both in terms of efficiency and conditioning properties. Wet hair, for example, is easier to comb, even at low active ingredient concentrations. Factors such as these improve the conditioning performance and reduce the risk of hair damage during combing.

BELNEXT^® TAL 1840 M is not permanently charged and therefore offers an environmentally compatible alternative to quaternary ammonium compounds (quats). The product is plant-based and readily biodegradable.

WACKER will also be unveiling another novelty at in-cosmetics: BELNEXT^® EMO FH 2, a non-polar emollient based on a monomer produced via fermentation. Thanks to its optimized molecular structure, it can be easily incorporated into complex formulations, which is not always the case with non-polar emollients. In particular, the product is highly stable in emulsions. Tests show that lipsticks formulated with the additive remain in perfect condition even under large temperature fluctuations and temperatures up to 50°C.

BELNEXT^® EMO FH 2 is quite versatile: it can be used for formulating skin care and sunscreen products as well as shampoos, conditioners and makeup products. The product permits combinations with a number of ester-based raw materials as well as natural and synthetic oils. In skin care and makeup products, the emollient gives the skin a velvety-silky surface akin to the typical feel of non-polar oils. The additive also enhances pigment dispersion and, consequently, the color intensity of makeup and lipstick formulations. The additive can also be combined with mineral UV filters, an important active ingredient in sunscreens with a high sun protection factor. Its good spreading properties also allow viscous formulations to be spread easily on the skin.

Apart from that, the new emollient can also be used to formulate shampoos and conditioners. In hair treatment products, BELNEXT^® EMO FH 2 forms a water-resistant shield on the surface that protects the hair from moisture. This moisture protection and the product’s gloss effects also make combing easier. Measurements from combability tests show that the combing force required can be reduced by up to 70 percent. The moisture shield provided by BELNEXT^® EMO FH 2 is also evident in highly humid conditions, which leads to less frizz, better hold, and hair that stays in shape over a longer period. In this respect, BELNEXT^® EMO FH 2 is one of the most effective active ingredients in its class.

At in-cosmetics Global 2026, WACKER will also be presenting new formulations and active ingredients for skin and hair care that cater to the latest consumer trends, for example, customization options and texture diversity. Among other products, the highlight will be on the versatile shine enhancer BELSIL^® PF 23 and the anionic silicone emulsion BELSIL^® DM 6013 for conditioning shampoos.

Following last year's focus on care products for gray hair, this year's spotlight will be on the trending subject of curly and wavy hair. WACKER is all geared to present several silicone-based formulations to meet these demands. The range of products extends from nourishing leave-in creams to curl-enhancing styling solutions.