In the latter part of 2024, Juan Cebrian from Lubrizol Life Science held a presentation at the Coschem Conference in South Africa on how Fermentation Derived Cellulose (FDC) can stabilise delivery systems like liposomes or microcapsules, but also challenging cationic systems delivery suspensions, without impacting viscosity. This stabilisation in cationic environments can allow for the design of novel sprayable conditioners with suspended particles. The presentation related to Lubrizol’s new product, Arbalon™ R-50 Cellulose Liquid. Here is more detail of what it entailed.
As consumer demand for eco-friendly and high-performing personal care products continues to rise, the need for innovative, sustainable ingredients has never been more critical. Arbalon™ R-50 Cellulose Liquid stands out as a versatile, fermentation-derived rheology modifier that enhances formulation performance while maintaining a low environmental footprint.
What is Arbalon™ R-50 Cellulose Liquid?
Arbalon™ R-50 Cellulose Liquid is a bio-based, naturally derived cellulose liquid designed for use in personal care products such as skin and hair cleansers. Developed through fermentation, it forms a reticulated net-like structure of insoluble fibres that create a true yield value without significantly impacting formulation viscosity. This unique feature allows for robust suspension capabilities in a wide range of formulations, from water-thin foaming hand washes to thick, salt-thickened body washes.
Key benefits and features
Arbalon™ R-50 Cellulose Liquid offers several advantages that set it apart from traditional rheology modifiers and commercial nanocellulose:
- Exceptional aesthetics: Enhances the sensory experience in various applications by creating smooth and visually appealing formulations.
- Ease of processing: Its cold-processable nature makes it easy to disperse, simplifying the production process.
- Superior suspension: Provides powerful suspension capabilities, outperforming commercial nanocellulose in particle suspension tests.
- Formulation versatility: Works synergistically with other thickeners to maximise stability in surfactant-based systems, ensuring compatibility across a wide range of personal care formulations.
- Eco-consciousness: As a non-ecotoxic, naturally derived ingredient, Arbalon™ R-50 Cellulose Liquid aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.
Applications in personal care
Arbalon™ R-50 Cellulose Liquid is highly versatile and suitable for use in a variety of personal care products, including:
- Skin cleansers: Provides stability and suspension in facial and body washes, ensuring consistent performance.
- Hair cleansers: Delivers excellent suspension and aesthetic properties in shampoos and conditioners.
- Foaming hand washes: Creates effective formulations with luxurious foam and consistent texture.
Performance comparison
When compared to commercial nanocellulose, Arbalon™ R-50 Cellulose Liquid demonstrates superior performance in key areas such as ease of processing, suspension ability and formulation stability. For instance:
- In suspension tests, Arbalon™ R-50 Cellulose Liquid maintained particle suspension at higher levels, even under challenging conditions.
- It showed exceptional stability in sulphate-free surfactant systems, supporting its versatility in modern formulations.
Sustainability and shelf life
Arbalon™ R-50 Cellulose Liquid’s fermentation-based production process emphasises sustainability. Its naturally derived composition and non-ecotoxic properties make it a responsible choice for formulators looking to meet their sustainability goals. Additionally, it boasts a long shelf life of 24 months, ensuring reliability and consistency in commercial applications.
Why choose Arbalon™ R-50 Cellulose Liquid?
With its ability to deliver outstanding performance across a wide range of applications, Arbalon™ R-50 Cellulose Liquid represents a significant advancement in sustainable rheology modification for the personal care industry. Its unique combination of functionality, ease of use, and eco-consciousness provides formulators with the tools they need to meet evolving market demands while exceeding customer expectations.
Explore the possibilities with Arbalon™ R-50 Cellulose Liquid available in South Africa and East Africa and elevate your formulations to new heights. For more information, contact Carst & Walker today.
Principal: Lubrizol