We are pleased to introduce this new bioactive scalp care ingredient from Syensqo. Upcycled from coffee grounds and designed using AI-guided peptide technology, it is formulated to deliver soothing, hydration and anti-hair loss benefits.
Written by Norman Lowe, March 2026
This is the second blog on Oxone™; the first was an introduction to this stable peroxy bleaching powder. This blog goes to the next step, showing starting-point application formulations that HARKE UK & Ireland has developed.Continue reading
In this blog, we celebrate some of Carrubba’s candle fragrance trends for 2026 and look at what ingredients are shaping air care this year. Continue reading
Lips have been a universal symbol of beauty throughout history. They are central to cosmetics, as formulators focus on accentuating their shape and visual appeal. Yet their skincare needs are often overlooked, receiving much less attention. Consumers reach for lip balms when things get bad, and brands have largely followed suit. But this is changing fast. Continue reading
Cold process formulation is attracting a lot of attention at the moment, mainly due to the many practical benefits there are to be had. When you remove heating and cooling cycles it reduces energy use, shortens batch times and removes the risk of degrading heat-sensitive ingredients. For many production teams it also means simpler, more flexible processing.
Written by Norman Lowe, April 2026
In surfactant chemistry, we discuss four broad types based on their ionic charge. The first three are: “anionics,” which provide a negative charge in solution; “cationics,” which provide a positive charge in solution; and “non-ionics,” which do not ionize in solution and thus carry no charge. The fourth type is the “amphoterics,” which possess both a negative and positive charge, for example:
R.N⁺(R²)2.COO־
This example features a quaternary nitrogen group (N⁺R₄) with a positive charge and an acyl group (COO־) with a negative charge within the same molecule. This is balanced at neutral pH and is known as the “zwitterionic form.”Continue reading
We’re always excited to share the latest innovations from our principal suppliers that will help formulators stay ahead of key trends. At in-cosmetics Global 2026, Sinerga launched two exciting new ingredients, HydroxyPro-Lift and Chitorepair GPC, as well as celebrating new efficacy tests for existing ingredient X-Solve. Here are more details.Continue reading
In‑cosmetics 2026 in Paris was another fantastic opportunity to reconnect with our industry peers, discover cutting‑edge formulation technologies, and strengthen partnerships with our valued suppliers. One of our highlights this year was standing alongside Syensqo as they launched three exciting new ingredients across scalp care and skin care. Let’s take a closer look.Continue reading
The air care market is booming, from reed diffusers and scented candles to liquid electric plugins. In the UK alone, air care is valued at over £620 million (Mintel), and globally it is expected to grow by over 7% by 2034 (Fortune Business Insights). So we’re pleased to introduce an exciting new ingredient to air care formulators: Rhodiasolv® AIR L UP by Syensqo.
Alkyl amine oxide surfactants are a versatile class of surfactants used in both detergents and cosmetics. They are non-ionic in character and compatible with cationic and anionic surfactants. Below is a detailed overview of their chemistry and applications by Norman Lowe, Senior Technical Consultant HPC and Industrial at HARKE UK & Ireland.Continue reading
