PRESS RELEASE

LANXESS Introduces Cosmelin Biodegradable Ester Portfolio for Cosmetics and Personal Care

- New product line for skin and hair care, sun protection, and decorative cosmetics
- Premium sensory performance in both silicone-containing and silicone-free cosmetic formulations
- Degrades faster in the environment after use

Specialty chemicals company LANXESS is launching Cosmelin, a new line of high-performance, readily biodegradable esters for the cosmetics and personal care industry. The products are aimed at manufacturers of skin and hair care, sun care, and decorative cosmetics.



Formulation flexibility
The Cosmelin range of readily biodegradable esters offers a large formulation flexibility. They were developed to deliver premium sensory performance in both silicone-containing and silicone-free formulations. In the latter case, they can be used as a high-performance alternative to silicone.

Readily biodegradable
The range of Cosmelin esters meets the requirements of the OECD 301 standard for ready biodegradability and serves as a functional substitute for cyclomethicone and dimethicone – classic silicone compounds widely used in cosmetics. Compared to these, the esters degrade significantly faster and more completely in the environment after use.

“With the Cosmelin esters LANXESS is addressing the growing demand for clean beauty products and eco-friendly ingredients without compromising the skin-feel and performance that consumers expect from premium cosmetic products” says Vince Patram, Head of Global Marketing Lubricant Additives at LANXESS.

Large sensory range and versatile use
Another advantage of the Cosmelin product line is its extensive sensory range: The esters cover the spectrum from very light, fast-spreading textures to rich, film-forming formulations. Designed for low irritation and low comedogenicity, the product range is suitable for sensitive skin formulations. This versatility enables its use across skincare, sun care, haircare, and color cosmetics applications.

Key applications
In skin care, the Cosmelin esters provide breathable moisturization without heaviness or occlusion, offering versatile skin textures including silky, powdery and plush feels while enhancing skin hydration and supporting the skin barrier.

For sun care, Cosmelin provides strong solvency for organic UV filters, forming water resistant, lightweight and non-whitening protective films.

In color cosmetics, its excellent wetting, pigment dispersion and color payoff ensure smooth, adherent application, enabling both glossy and matte finishes as required.

For hair care, it reduces friction, improves smoothness and imparts natural shine without greasiness, helping repair and smooth hair cuticles.

Broad product portfolio
The Cosmelin portfolio includes a range of monoester, diester, polyol ester and trimellitate products to meet diverse texture requirements, from light and dry to rich and silky. Cosmelin 5131 (Isononyl Isononanoate) features an ultra-light, powdery skin feel. Cosmelin 5145 (Cetyl Ethylhexanoate) delivers a rich, silky glass skin finish for formulations, while Cosmelin 5141 (Triisotridecyl Trimellitate) provides high gloss and long lasting makeup performance.

Looking ahead, LANXESS will continue to expand its Cosmelin product portfolio to meet the diversified market demand for sustainable beauty ingredients. The Cosmelin product line complements LANXESS’ portfolio for home and personal care products with preservatives as well as fragrance chemicals.

About LANXESS
LANXESS is a leading specialty chemicals company with sales of EUR 5.7 billion in 2025. The company currently has about 11,500 employees in 32 countries. The core business of LANXESS is the development, manufacturing and marketing of chemical intermediates, additives and consumer protection products. LANXESS has achieved leading positions in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Index and the MSCI ESG and ISS ESG ratings, among others, for its commitment to sustainability.