Lucas Meyer Cosmetics, a Clariant company, to launch new skin-friendly emulsifier based on quinoa

Clariant is pleased to announce the global launch of Pickmulse, a new O/W surfactant-free emulsifier and encapsulation system based on Lucas Meyer Cosmetics’ breakthrough, patented quinoa starch technology.

“Pickmulse offers a multifaceted innovation approach to cosmetics, designed to significantly accelerate new formulation development and increase consumer satisfaction,” said Isabelle Lacasse, Head of Global Marketing, Product Line Management and Formulation at Lucas Meyer Cosmetics, Clariant. “This next-generation 2-in-1 product strikes a balance between formulation needs and skin health and feel.”

As consumers become more aware of sensitive skin issues and the importance of maintaining the skin microbiome, Pickmulse is a surfactant-free emulsifier that helps keep the skin balanced while maintaining a high level of sensory quality compared to traditional emulsifiers.

Due to the small particle size of quinoa starch, it is easy to formulate Pickering emulsions with excellent skin feel. Scientific studies have shown that this improved tactile experience stimulates wellness and reward areas in the brain, in line with the emerging market trend of neurocosmetics. These experiments included functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements, and the perceived benefits were further confirmed by panelist questionnaires.

Pickmulse does not destabilize the stratum corneum, thus ensuring high skin tolerance. When emulsified with 20% oil, Pickmulse can also be used in cold conditions to form a variety of textures from sprays to softening creams.

In addition, quinoa starch has unique swelling properties that help encapsulate lipophilic molecules under hot processing conditions. As an encapsulation system, Pickmulse improves the stability of sensitive ingredients and enhances the sensory perception of ingredients in the formulation.

For formulators, Pickmulse offers a cost-effective and user-friendly in-house encapsulation solution with high loading capacity (up to 25%) and protection of sensitive lipophilic ingredients.

Pickmulse is derived from quinoa, a nutritious grain that has been cultivated for centuries in Latin America. Lucas Meyer Cosmetics, a Clariant company, responsibly sources organic quinoa from long-cultivated fields in Bolivia. The company works with the Pro Inpa Foundation to promote a more resilient local economy. As a responsibly sourced ingredient, Pickmulse meets the growing consumer demand for natural and environmentally frien