In today’s competitive cosmetic oral care market, brands are continually innovating to meet consumer demand for effective, aesthetically pleasing products. At HARKE UK and Ireland, we offer an extensive range of high-quality ingredients tailored to the needs of oral care formulators. 

Whether developing major product types like toothpaste and mouthwash or niche products like pressed powders and toothpaste tablets, we provide essential raw materials and technical support to help you create consumer-friendly solutions of outstanding quality.

Surfactants

Surfactants are an important part of oral formulations, primarily used to produce a stable, creamy foam that gives an aesthetically pleasing feel in the mouth. They also enhance the dispersion and solubilization of actives, fragrances, and powder additives.

• Sodium Coco-Sulfate: We offer powder and needle grades (Rhodapon® LZS-94 RPB and Rhodapon® CAS 100N MB) used in toothpaste. LZS-94 RPB is also suitable for pressed powders and toothpaste tablets. It’s a more eco-friendly alternative to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
• Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate: We offer two grades, including Geropon® TC-95 P, which replaces SLS in modern toothpaste formulations. It’s milder and can be used in toothpaste, pressed powders, and tablets. The liquid grade, Geropon® TC Clear MB, is ideal for mouthwash.
• Sodium Methyl Oleyl Taurate: Geropon® T77 PC MB is a fine powder that acts as a mild foaming agent in toothpaste, pressed powders, and tablets. It can substitute Geropon® TC-95 P.
• Sodium Cocamidopropyl Betaine: We have a grade of this material in fine powder form: Mackam® 2800 ( a coco variant (C12-18) ). It is used as a co-foamer in toothpaste,  though it is not recommended for pressed powders or tablets as it is hygroscopic and could cause stability problems.
• Ultra Low Salt Coco Betaine: Mirataine® CB35 ULS HP MB is a pure liquid grade that improves the taste in toothpaste and mouthwash.
• Ultra Low Salt Lauramidopropyl Betaine: Mirataine® 30 LS OC also enhances the taste of toothpaste and mouthwash.
• High-Active Cocamidopropyl Betaine: Mackam® 50 OC is a low odour and low colour grade.
• Glycolipid Biosurfactants: Mirasoft® SLA60 and SL L60 are bio-derived surfactants suitable for mouthwash and toothpaste.

Calcium Carbonate & Silica from Omya

As the distribution agents for Omya across the UK and Ireland, we are pleased to offer products covering a wide range of oral care applications. Highlights include:  

• Calcium Carbonate: Natural Calcium Carbonate (Calcite) in various grades for mild, medium, and strong cleaning.
• Silica: Dental-grade silica as an abrasive for cleaning.
• Functional Calcite Blends: Calcium Carbonate with Hydroxyapitite (e.g. Omyadent® 100) is used for tooth remineralisation, reducing sensitivity, and preventing dental decay.

Other Active Ingredients for Oral Care

Our portfolio also includes key oral care actives from our network of global suppliers:

• Shikimic Acid: Sinerga’s Verochic, a 100% extract from star anise, has a proven biostatic effect in oral products.
• Teeth Whitening/Stain Removal: Eureco™ LC P11 (powder) and Eureco™ LC L17 (liquid) are two PAP-based ingredients used in de-staining oral products and are effective biocides against plaque in the oral cavity.
• Spilanthol: Extracted from the plant Acmella Oleracea, this analgesic and antibacterial active is ideal for toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental gels.
• Inorganic Salts for Sensitive Formulations: We can also offer Potassium Nitrate, Tetra Sodium Pyrophosphate, and Sodium Tripolyphosphate, which find application in sensitive toothpaste and mouthwash.

Flavours

We offer a wide range of both natural and synthetic oral care flavours from our principal Carrubba. Please contact us for more details.

Rheology Modifiers

We have a wide range of rheology modifiers from leading suppliers for use in toothpaste, tablets, and mouthwash:

• Tylose® H grades: Hydroxyethyl cellulose for various viscosities in toothpaste depending on the application.
• Aquasol Carboxymethyl Celluloses: Rheolon®, available in various viscosity grades, is a standard additive in toothpaste.
• Guar Gum: Naternal™ S, a pure grade of gum, is an excellent natural viscosity modifier for oral products.
• Xanthan Gum: We have a large range of Xanthan gums that can be used either as stand alone or in blends with other rheology modifiers. Ouvracare CFT is the recommended grade for toothpaste.
• Succinoglycan: Rheozan® SH is a natural cosmetic-grade rheology modifier.
• Ceratonia Siliqua Gum: Natifeel by Sinerga is a natural gum derived from carob seeds.
• Ceratonia Siliqua Gum + Sclerotium Gum: Natirheo by Sinerga is a natural gum blend derived from carob seeds.
• Red Algae Gel: Ahnfeltiopsis Concinna extract, a film-forming rheology modifier from Pacific seaweed, adds texture to products.
• Carboxymethyl Chitosan: A marine-derived biopolymer that forms biostatic films, reducing plaque in the oral cavity.

Pharmaceutical Additives for Oral Care

Our Pharma division also offers specialty ingredients applicable to oral formulations:

• Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) grades: Used as a binder in pressed powders and tablets.
• OraRez™ (PVA/MA Copolymer): A film-former that reduces plaque.
• Iso-Malt (galenIQ™): These grades provide texture and sweetness for toothpaste, powders, and tablets.

 

Please contact us for technical support, formulation assistance, or for more information on any of the ingredients mentioned on this page.