Rahn launches plastic microbead alternative

Earlier this year, environmental experts raised concerns of plastic pollution in waterways and there were calls to ban synthetic plastic microbeads, which are found in soaps and cosmetics, particularly in exfoliators.

This led to many manufacturers such as Unilever, Beiersdorf, Colgate-Palmolive, P&G and L'Oréal all announcing they would stop the use of plastic microbeads over time.

Market demand​

This led to Rahn introducing its new active ingredient and its Head of Cosmetics Actives Barbara Obermayer tells CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com this is to provide customers a natural alternative to peeling beads based on microplastics.

“Due to its mineral origin Fossil Peeling Powder is an ideal alternative to synthetic peeling particles (e.g. made from polyethylene),”​ she says.

The new active is a 100% natural mechanical peeling powder, based on fossilised cell walls from diatoms, tiny algae.Their sediment on the ground of the sea is called diatomaceous earth.

“For our product we use a carefully refined diatomaceous earth of high quality,”​ explains Obermayer.

“With Fossil Peeling Powder​ [we] even have a product of marine origin which doesn't contribute to marine pollution. And even more: according to our tests one particle size is sufficient for body and face applications, so our customers also have an efficient solution.”​

Exfoliator​

The product is designed for exfoliation in a number of areas, from sensitive facial skin to rough skin elsewhere on the body, and in vivo​ data shows that it is suitable in size for both facial and body scrubs, providing a noticeable, powerful but gentle exfoliation effect to the skin and doesn't cause any irritations or micro-lesions.

The active can be incorporated in any kind of cosmetic formulation such as wash creams, emulsions, serums, lotions too, says Obermayer.

The exfoliating action will be more or less powerful depending on the concentration, according to Rahn, and the product will help to remove superficial dead skin cells, stimulate cell renewal, rejuvenate new skin cells underneath, eliminate impurities, improve skin texture and smoothness, as well as to restore the skin’s natural radiance and complexion.