The cosmetic industry's increasing need for natural-based products has led producers and suppliers of cosmetic ingredients to respond. For instance, Clariant will launch three new lines of vegetal-based biopolymers under the theme "Touch of Nature" at the upcoming in-cosmetics show in Barcelona. The natural-based products are extracted from fungal sources and can be applied as active ingredients and sensory boosters in skin and hair care.

The three product lines already are in commercial trials with customers. Early reports suggest that, besides offering a top-drawer environmental profile, the vegetal biopolymers also outperform synthetic and animal-based products on sensorial properties.