Ashland wins the Beiersdorf Innovation Pitch award

Manufacturers of personal care products continually search for new innovations to improve the performance and aesthetics of skin care creams. Ashland Specialty Ingredients, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. , now offers HydroSheer? II formulation technology, a system designed to modify emulsion behavior in such a way that finished lotions appear clear or virtually clear during rub out on wet skin. Solving a long-standing formulation challenge,Ashland won the first ever Beiersdorf Innovation Pitch award at the in-cosmetics trade show, April 2nd in Hamburg,Germany.

Ashland’s HydroSheer II technology takes into account a number of formulation variables required to produce stable creams and lotions that apply clear on wet skin, including the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance or HLB. The featured ingredients are Escalol? UV filters for SPF protection and Prolipid?141 lamellar gel for smooth feel, application uniformity and formulation stability.

“In designing a system that matches the unique lamellar organization of skin’s lipids, and other requirements, we are meeting a consumer need for creams and lotions that perform better on a number of levels,” said Anna A. Gripp, global marketing leader for sun care,  “HydroSheer II formulation technology may change the way skin care emulsions are made and sold.”

Previously,Ashland commercialized its HydroSheer formulation technology for spray and gel form products, providing formulators the option to produce sunscreen products with water-resistant films miscible in water.

The Beiersdorf Innovation Pitch

Beiersdorf’s Innovation Pitch award is an extension of the company’s open innovation initiative called “Pearlfinder.” By integrating external knowledge into its research and development, Beiersdorf seeks to further bolster its innovation power.

Out of 66 entries, 23 companies were selected to the final round at the in-cosmetics trade show. The ideas were evaluated by a Beiersdorf jury consisting of experienced R&D, marketing and scouting heads. Key criteria included uniqueness, feasibility, consumer benefit, fit with Beiersdorf brands and market potential – with the winners excelling in these areas. Ashland, a long-time Beiersdorf strategic partner, won first place for a promising idea related to sun care.