BlockACNE by LABIO: A Next-Gen Solution for Acne-Prone Skin

At this year’s in-cosmetics Global, our principal partner LABIO unveiled their latest innovation in active skincare ingredients: BlockACNE. Now available through HARKE UK & Ireland, this multifunctional ingredient – featuring upcycled apple peel extract – offers formulators a smart, targeted approach to acne care that is backed by science, sustainability, and strong clinical results.

 

What Makes BlockACNE Different?

Acne remains one of the most complex and persistent challenges in personal care formulation. Effective treatment often means addressing multiple skin concerns at once: excessive sebum, bacterial overgrowth (particularly C. acnes), inflammation, and clogged or enlarged pores. Traditional actives may tackle one or two of these aspects, but few offer a complete solution. 

That’s where BlockACNE stands out. This ingredient has been carefully designed to address all four of these acne-driving factors, offering what LABIO calls a “total care” approach. Whether you’re formulating for teenage or adult breakouts, BlockACNE provides a gentle but effective foundation for products that can deliver clearer, healthier-looking skin.

 

Key Benefits of BlockACNE

INCI Name: Lactobacillus Ferment, Bacillus Ferment, Pentylene Glycol, Water, Glycerin, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract

  • Preserved without parabens or traditional preservatives
  • Upcycled ingredient (apple peel extract)
  • Microbiome-friendly, selectively inhibiting harmful bacteria
  • Clinically proven anti-acne efficacy
  • Non-irritating and hypoallergenic
  • Supports collagen production and post-acne skin recovery

 

Proven Efficacy

Sebum Control: BlockACNE significantly reduced artificial sebum by up to 24.85% in vitro (at 5% use level) compared to control.

Anti-Bacterial Action: BlockACNE achieved a 100% inhibition rate of C. acnes growth at 5% concentration – without affecting beneficial skin bacteria like Lactobacillus plantarum.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: In cell studies, BlockACNE reduced the expression of inflammatory markers IL-8 and TNF-α. It also reduced NO production, helping prevent acne-related skin damage.

Skin Repair & Recovery: BlockACNE has been shown to promote procollagen synthesis (up to 625.9 µg/mL) and inhibit MMP-1, supporting the skin’s elasticity and structure post-breakout.

Clinical Study Highlights

Testing took place over a 4-week period with 21 subjects (using BlockACNE twice daily at 3% concentration). The results were extremely positive, with: 

  • Comedones down 29.22%
  • Papules down 63.00%
  • Pustules down 72.50%
  • Nodules down 90.24%
  • No irritation (Skin irritation index: 0.00)

If you’d like to see more detailed testing data, please get in touch.

 

Key Applications

  • Daily acne serums
  • Blemish spot treatments
  • Pore-refining toners
  • Sebum control emulsions
  • Anti-inflammatory creams
  • Skin recovery ampoules

 

What’s Next?

We’re excited to see what formulators will create with this exciting new ingredient. If you’d like to find out more about BlockACNE, request a sample, or discuss your next formulation with our knowledgeable technical team, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you! 

Sinerga Ingredient Launches at in-cosmetics 2025: Spotlight on Skin Longevity & Upcycled Beauty

We’re always excited to share the latest innovations from our principal suppliers that will help formulators stay ahead of key trends. At this year’s in-cosmetics Global, Sinerga launched three exciting new ingredients – Amino Collagen, Carobsoothe and Up-Citrus Rheo – that perfectly align with two key movements in modern skincare: Skin Longevity and Upcycled Beauty. We’re thrilled to share more details about these new ingredients below. 

 

Skin Longevity: Amino Collagen & Carobsoothe

In 2025, skincare is moving beyond “anti-aging”. The focus is now on Skin Longevity – preserving the skin’s health, resilience, and vitality over time. 

Instead of fighting signs of age as they appear, Skin Longevity is about supporting natural skin functions at a cellular level, promoting strong structure, hydration, and protection against chronic stressors like inflammaging (low-level inflammation that builds up over time in the skin) and oxidative damage.

The two new Sinerga ingredients, Amino Collagen and Carobsoothe, offer powerful tools for formulators to create next-generation products focused on long-term skin health.

 

Amino Collagen: Vegan Collagen Alternative for Structural Integrity

Amino Collagen is a bio-fermentative blend of selected amino acids that mimic the aminoacidic profile of collagen, offering a natural vegan alternative to traditional animal-derived collagen. This exciting new ingredient supplies the extracellular matrix with essential building blocks to reinforce skin structure. It also stimulates new collagen synthesis, and protects against collagen degradation by inhibiting MMP-1.  The result is a visible lifting effect on facial contours, redefining the cheekbones, reducing double chin volume, and preserving the “triangle of youth” that typically reverses with age.

Technical Features & Benefits:

  • INCI: Collagen Amino Acids
  • Natural, vegan alternative to animal collagen
  • Strengthens skin structure and prevents sagging
  • Lifting and sculpting effects (-23.5% double chin volume, +15% cheekbone volume)
  • Boosts collagen type I synthesis (+60% after 24 hours in vitro)
  • Easy to formulate: add to aqueous phase below 40°C, suitable for pH 4.5–8.0
  • 0.99 natural origin index, COSMOS approval in process 

Key Applications:

  • Vegan skin care
  • Soft-aging and anti-aging creams
  • Toning, lifting, and contouring treatments

 

Carobsoothe: Fighting Inflammaging for Healthier, Brighter Skin

Carobsoothe, extracted from upcycled carob pods and titrated in inositols, targets the underlying causes of skin aging: chronic low-level inflammation (“inflammaging”) and oxidative stress. It works by stimulating Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) expression – boosting hydration, ROS protection, and cellular renewal – while significantly reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1α).

Technical Features & Benefits:

  • INCI: Ceratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract
  • Targets inflammaging and oxidative stress
  • Improves hydration and skin glow (+17% hydration, +6% healthy glow)
  • Reduces redness and inflammation (-31% IL-6, -27% IL-1α)
  • Strengthens skin’s natural barrier
  • Easy to formulate: add below 40°C, suitable for pH 4.5–8.0

Key Applications:

  • Anti-inflammaging skincare
  • Soothing and hydrating creams
  • Healthy glow products
  • After-sun care

 

Upcycled Beauty: Up-Citrus Rheo

Another major trend is upcycled beauty – using by-products that would otherwise be discarded to create high-value cosmetic ingredients. It’s about making sustainability visible and effective, and Sinerga’s Up-Citrus Rheo embodies this approach beautifully.

 

Up-Citrus Rheo: Sustainable Rheology with Sensory Appeal

Up-Citrus Rheo is a 100% natural rheological modifier derived from upcycled lemon peel waste. It allows formulators to create unique textures while delivering functional and sensorial benefits, such as mattifying skin, minimising pores, and delivering a soft-focus effect.

Technical Features & Benefits:

  • INCI: Citrus Limon Peel Powder
  • Creates innovative, sensorial textures
  • Mattifies skin and minimises pores
  • Delivers a soft-focus, smoothing effect (-6.5% appearance of fine lines)
  • Enhances oil control – ideal for oily and combination skin
  • Easy to formulate: cold and hot process compatible

Key Applications:

  • Mattifying primers and gels
  • Lightweight emulsions and mousses
  • Sorbet and icy textures
  • Products for oily or combination skin

 

Find Out More

We are proud to supply these new ingredients from Sinerga – they are ideal for forward-thinking formulators looking to innovate in the areas of Skin Longevity and Upcycled Beauty whilst also meeting consumer demands for natural, sustainable and upcycled skincare. 

If you’d like to find out more, request samples or talk to our technical team about your next green skincare formulation, get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

Syensqo Ingredient Launches at in‑cosmetics 2025: Spotlight on Repair, Hydration & Scalp Care

In‑cosmetics 2025 was a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with our industry peers, discover cutting‑edge formulation technologies, and strengthen partnerships with our valued suppliers. A highlight for HARKE UK & Ireland this year was standing alongside Syensqo as they launched five exciting new ingredients, each designed to address emerging consumer needs around skin barrier repair, hydration and scalp care. Let’s take a closer look.

 

1. Cerafy™ Mix Repair

A bio‑inspired lipid complex that mimics the natural ceramide profile of the skin’s barrier.

This water-soluble concentrate contains ceramides NP, AP, and phytosphingosine, helping to restore the skin’s natural lipid matrix. It is cold-processable and ideal for reinforcing the skin barrier in both skincare and scalp formulations.

Technical Features & Benefits:

  • INCI: Water, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Phytosphingosine, 2,3-Butanediol
  • Water-soluble and cold-processable
  • High Natural Origin Index: 1.0 (ISO 16128-2)
  • Reinforces lipid bilayers to strengthen barrier function
  • Improves moisture retention for long‑lasting hydration
  • Accelerates repair of skin micro‑fissures and reduces transepidermal water loss

Key Applications:

  • Post‑procedure creams
  • Barrier‑repair serums
  • Formulations targeting very dry or compromised skin

 

2. Dermalcare™ VG Squalane

A 100% vegetable-derived squalane from canola, sunflower, and olive oil, offering a secure supply chain. This multifunctional emollient delivers deep moisturisation with a silky, non-greasy feel, and is suitable for both skin and hair applications.

Technical Features & Benefits:

  • INCI: Squalane
  • 100% plant origin, COSMOS-approved
  • Transparent and odourless, with excellent stability
  • Deeply emollient yet non‑greasy, with rapid skin penetration
  • Helps reinforce skin’s lipid matrix for supple, smooth texture
  • Exceptional oxidative stability for long shelf life

Key Applications:

  • Facial oils & lip treatments
  • Body milks
  • Scalp serums

 

3. Dermalcare™ A99 LW

A lightweight hyaluronic acid derivative designed for enhanced hydration with superior lift and plumping. It improves spreadability and sensory profile, delivering a soft, silky finish without greasiness.

Technical Features & Benefits:

  • INCI: Isononyl Isononanoate
  • Compatible with oils and silicones
  • COSMOS-approved with a Natural Origin Index of 1.0
  • Penetrates more deeply than standard HA for targeted hydration
  • Provides an immediate “plumping” effect that endures over hours
  • Works synergistically with high‑weight HA for multi‑layer moisturising

Key Applications:

  • High‑performance serums
  • Eye‑area patches
  • ‘Age‑defying’ day creams

 

4. Naternal™ Care XTRA

An enhanced readily biodegradable conditioning polymer designed specifically for highly damaged hair. Boron-free and sourced from responsibly harvested fenugreek, delivering exceptional wet and dry conditioning without build-up. Naternal™ Care XTRA is an ideal replacement for polyquaterniums such as PQ-10 in formulations for highly damaged hair.

Technical Features & Benefits:

  • INCI: Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
  • Enhanced readily biodegradable
  • Deeply conditions and strengthens even the most damaged hair
  • High detangling efficacy with no residue
  • Boron-free and responsibly sourced
  • High Natural Origin Index: 0.87
  • COSMOS approval ongoing

Key Applications:

  • Sustainable shampoos and conditioners for bleached or highly damaged hair
  • Intensive care creams and leave-in treatments
  • Sulfate-free systems

 

5. Naternal™ Care Clear SGI

A readily biodegradable, COSMOS-approved conditioning polymer ideal for clear formulations targeting low to medium hair damage. Derived from ethically sourced guar, Naternal™ Care Clear SGI provides lightweight, build-up-free conditioning – ideal for fine hair and even baby hair. 

Technical Features & Benefits:

  • INCI: Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
  • Readily biodegradable and no hazard classification for aquatic life
  • Responsibly sourced through Syensqo’s Sustainable Guar Initiative
  • Crosslinker-free powder of high purity
  • Ideal for ultra-clear formulations, maintaining product transparency
  • Delivers softness and manageability for low to medium hair damage
  • High Natural Origin Index: 0.91
  • COSMOS-approved

Key Applications:

  • Sustainable hair care formulations for fine and baby hair 
  • Transparent shampoos and rinse-off conditioners
  • Lightweight leave-ons and micellar water-compatible hair treatments

 

Looking Ahead

We are proud to distribute the cutting-edge products that Syensqo brought to in‑cosmetics 2025 – ingredients that not only push performance boundaries, but also reflect sustainable sourcing and clean‑label consumer demands. We can’t wait to see how our customers will leverage them in next‑generation personal care products.

If you’d like samples, technical data, or formulation support for any of these new launches, please contact the HARKE UK &Ireland team. 

Understanding EURECO™: Chemistry and Product Formats

EURECO™ PAP is chemically known as Phthalimido peroxy hexanoic acid. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a “bleach activator” but a true peroxy bleach. Find out more about EURECO™ PAP in this handy guide by Norman Lowe, Senior Technical Consultant at HARKE UK & Ireland.

 

EURECO™ Grades

EURECO™ PAP is available in multiple formats:

  • EURECO™ LX5: 5% dispersion of PAP in water, pH-buffered with HEDPA (1,Hydroxyethylidene-1,1 Diphosphonic acid or Etidronic Acid) and thickened with Xanthan Gum
  • EURECO™ LX10: 10% PAP dispersion (same formulation as LX5)
  • EURECO™ LX17: 17% PAP dispersion (same formulation as LX5)
  • EURECO™ RP103: Coated granular PAP (approx. 60%) for laundry powders, auto dishwash tablets, and stain-removing bleach boosters
  • EURECO™ WM1: Powdered PAP, available under special arrangements
  • EURECO™ HC P11: Powdered PAP/Cyclodextrin complex for oral care
  • EURECO™ HC L17: 17% PAP dispersion specifically for oral care

 

How EURECO™ Works

In its liquid forms, EURECO™ is a suspension of PAP in water at a pH of 3.5. At this pH, PAP is insoluble and stable, yet still active.

To activate it fully, the pH must be raised. PAP becomes soluble and functions as an effective bleach and bactericide. However, it also begins to degrade in solution, making pre-mixed formulations unstable. Therefore, liquid grades must be dispensed at the point of use – primarily in industrial settings. EURECO™ RP103, as a coated granule, is stable and suited for incorporation into retail and commercial formulations like laundry powders, stain removers and auto dishwash powders/tablets.

 

EURECO™ Applications

1. Laundry

  • EURECO™ LX5: Ideal for retail and small-scale professional settings (e.g. nursing homes) – supplied in 1L packs
  • EURECO™ LX10 & EURECO™ LX17: Used in industrial laundries, dosed during wash cycles
  • EURECO™ RP103: Used in retail laundry detergents and stain removers

2. Auto Dishwashing

  • EURECO™ LX17: Dosed into industrial dishwashers
  • EURECO™ RP103: Incorporated into household dishwashing tablets and powders

3. Surface Disinfection

  • Used in spray disinfectants and wash-down products
  • Effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses
  • Also functions as a deodoriser and surface bleach (EURECO™ LX5 can be used neat for kitchen/bathroom cleaning)

4. Oral Care

  • Removes stains like tea, coffee, and red wine
  • Two available formats:
    • EURECO™ HC P11: Powdered with Cyclodextrin
    • EURECO™ HC L17: 17% liquid dispersion (citric acid used instead of HEDPA)
  • INCI Names:
    • Powder: Phthalimido peroxy caproic acid + Cyclodextrin
    • Liquid: Phthalimido peroxy caproic acid

5. Cosmetics

  • Used in tooth whitening products (replaces hydrogen peroxide)
  • Can potentially be used in other cosmetics (like syndets and lotions for skin care) as an anti-acne, sebum balancing and skin de-spotting agent

 

EURECO™ Usage Guidelines

Recommended pH Ranges

  • Laundry applications: Optimal pH = 7–9. Higher pH (>9) leads to charge repulsion from fabric fibres, reducing efficacy.
  • Hard surface cleaning: Acceptable pH ~11 (no fibre repulsion).

Dosage for Laundry

(EURECO™ LX17, Textile:Bath Ratio = 1:4)

Fabric Type Main Wash (g/kg) Main Wash (g/L) Rinse (g/kg) Rinse (g/L)
Low Stained 4.0–7.0 1.0–1.8 2.0–5.0 0.6–1.3
Normal Stained 7.0–10 1.7–2.5 5.0–8.0 1.2–2.1
Heavily Stained 10–16 2.8–4.2 8.0–10 2.1–3.2

Domestic Machines

(EURECO™ RP103, 9L Wash Volume)

Staining Level PAP (ppm) RP103 (g/wash)
Normal 100 1.45
Heavily Stained 200 2.9

Auto Dishwashing

  • EURECO™ can replace 10–15% TAED/percarbonate systems with just ~5% RP103, reducing chemical load and inventory

Enzyme Compatibility

  • EURECO™ is enzyme-friendly, with no negative effects observed

Disinfection Use Levels

  • Effective at 600–1000 ppm (based on EN test protocols)
  • Performs well at 30–40°C, reducing energy needs compared to >60°C for TAED/percarbonate systems

 

Key Benefits of EURECO™

  • Non-toxic and biodegradable
  • Safe for human and cosmetic use
  • Registered under BPR and COSing
  • Effective bleach at low temperature
  • Broad-spectrum disinfectant
  • Reduces textile wear and dye loss
  • Compatible with enzymes
  • VOC-free, chlorine-free, hydrogen peroxide-free
  • Pumpable liquid and stable powder formats
  • Requires fewer caustic chemicals
  • Lower energy usage

 

Regulatory Status of EURECO™

  • Listed under Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), Article 95 (Product Types 1 & 2)
  • Registered on COSing: Phthalimido peroxycaproic acid

 

Next Steps

EURECO™ delivers safety, sustainability, and superior performance across cleaning and cosmetic applications. For further information or specific data requests, get in touch with our experienced technical team – we’d be happy to talk to you.

 

Heat Transfer Fluids: Antifrogen™ Grades

Heat transfer fluids have many applications. They prevent machines from overheating, systems from freezing, and enclosed systems from corroding. These fluids are used in all types of mechanical engines, pumping systems, refrigeration and air-conditioning/heating systems, domestic and industrial heating systems, fire protection sprinkler systems, solar heating systems, undersoil heating systems (e.g., on football pitches), and geothermal heating systems.

 

Why Use Antifrogen™?

The most efficient heat transfer fluid would simply be water. However, water has major limitations:

  • It freezes at 0°C, and as ice forms it expands (by 9% to 10%), which can break pipes in enclosed systems.
  • It boils at 100°C. Applications exceeding this temperature will produce steam, creating pressure issues.
  • Water is also very corrosive, which can lead to leaking metal pipes.

To solve these problems, glycols are typically used in heat transfer fluids. When blended with water in specific ratios, glycols lower the freezing point and raise the boiling point. Additionally, these blends include a highly effective anti-corrosion package that protects a wide range of metals.

At HARKE UK & Ireland, we are the agents for Clariant’s range of Antifrogen™ and Protectogen™ heat transfer fluids.

 

The Antifrogen™ Advantage

Antifrogen™ products are considered premium in the market. They guarantee long life and optimal efficiency, which is crucial since the systems they are used in are often very expensive. The relative low cost of the fluids helps reduce the risk of system failure and increases the time between refills, cutting operating costs.

What Sets Antifrogen™ Apart?

Antifrogen™ fluids have been developed over many years and are tested far beyond standard conditions. For example, the standard corrosion test ASTM D1384 is performed at 88°C for 336 hours. Antifrogen™ products are tested at this standard and also at extended conditions: 1000 and 3000 hours at 180°C! These tests demonstrate both thermal stability and corrosion inhibition.

Test results are available and confirm the high performance and long in-use lifespans of these fluids. Get in touch for more information.

Available Antifrogen™ Products

  • Antifrogen™ N: Monoethylene glycol-based fluid for non-food applications. Working range: -35°C to 150°C.
  • Antifrogen™ L: Monopropylene glycol-based solution for food and beverage applications. Working range: -25°C to 150°C.
  • Antifrogen™ KF: Potassium formate-based, non-toxic fluid primarily for food industry and low-temperature applications.
  • Antifrogen™ SOL HT: High-boiling glycol-based fluid specifically for solar thermal systems. Working range: -23°C to +200°C.
  • Antifrogen™ GEO: Monoethylene glycol-based solution specifically for geothermal heating systems.

These products are not used neat. They are usually diluted with deionised water or, in some cases, soft mains water. Dilution levels vary by application and product type, typically between 20% to 50%.

 

Protectogen™ Grades

Not all systems require ultra-long lifespans or extreme performance. For these cases, Protectogen™ grades offer a more economical option. Based on similar technology as Antifrogen™ but not tested to the same extremes, these fluids are suited for less complex systems.

Available Protectogen™ Products

  • Protectogen™ N ECO: Monoethylene glycol-based solution for non-food applications. Working range: approx. -50°C to +100°C.
  • Protectogen™ L ECO: Monopropylene glycol-based fluid for food-related applications. Working range: approx. -50°C to +100°C.

 

Next Steps

HARKE UK & Ireland can supply both neat fluids in various pack sizes or ready-to-use dilutions. Comprehensive technical backup data is available to help you select the optimum product and dilution for your specific application. Get in touch today for more information – we’d love to hear from you.