Leveraging 15 years of expertise in zeolite technology, Italy’s SAES Chemicals has unveiled its ZeoSAES brand, a line of advanced, inorganic, and non-nano cosmetic ingredients. Introduced at the in-cosmetics Global trade show in Paris last year, the company’s beauty portfolio was also showcased at in-cosmetics Korea in Seoul in July, and at in-cosmetics Latin America in São Paulo, Brazil, in September. The new line promises to transform cosmetic products thanks to innovative textures and functionalities.
Transforming zeolites into versatile cosmetic ingredients
Structured into four divisions (Chemicals, Packaging, High Vacuum, Industrial), the SAES Group operates across a broad range of industries, supported by a team of 600 professionals and manufacturing facilities in Europe and the United States, with commercial offices also in Asia. While the company is new to the cosmetics sector, its reputation as a technological leader and its expertise in the development of breakthrough solutions position it well for success.
“At a heart of this initiative lies our expertise in the transformation of tiny zeolite particles into original and effective solutions of high relevance for diverse industries,” Stefano Tominetti, Head of SAES Chemicals, told Premium Beauty News. “Whether it is consumer electronics, high barrier packaging, or water-based coatings, our zeolite-based solutions can realize impressive results, boosting each product’s functionality and performance. Their versatility has seen a continuous expansion in their range applications across various sectors.”
The advantages of zeolites in cosmetics
Zeolite is a family of microporous biologically neutral and non-toxic materials that have been used in a large variety of industrial applications. SAES Chemicals benefits from a long experience in the development and production of synthetic zeolites by applying clean chemistry procedures. By manipulating key material parameters they can achieve specific functionalities and performance. This is how was born the new ZeoSAES line for cosmetic and personal care products.
“Our production processes offer precise control over structure, particle size and shape, pore distribution, loss on drying, surface charge, colour, crystallinity, and surface area. Each of these characteristics can be adjusted for specific purposes,” said Ginevra Della Porta, Chief Innovation Officer, SAES Group.
This green and tailored manufacturing approach ensures the zeolites are free from contaminants and maintain their non-nano status, making them safe and environmentally friendly for cosmetic applications.
According to SAES, zeolites bring a unique blend of functional and sensory benefits to personal care formulations. In particular, they offer an efficient alternative to a wide range of non-sustainable substances, such as microplastics and silicones, aligning with the increasing consumer demand for environmentally conscious products.
Four flagship ingredients
Produced through green chemistry processes, free from heavy metals, certified cruelty free and vegan, the ZeoSAES line meets the current demand for sustainable and clean beauty ingredients and complies with the standards of all the main retailers across the globe.
The line currently features four flagship ingredients:
– ZeoSAES Texturizer, which offers a lightweight, airy feel in formulations.
– ZeoSAES Soft Focus, enhances visual appearance by minimizing imperfections and providing a soft-focus effect.
– ZeoSAES Whipped, which creates a creamy, luxurious texture in formulations.
– ZeoSAES UV Booster, which improves the effectiveness of sunscreen filters for both UVA and UVB rays by creating a protective film on the skin while adding sensory benefits to sun care formulations.
These ingredients substitute traditional fillers and texturizing agents, and provide a smooth, luxurious feel, appealing to consumers who prioritize the sensory experience of beauty products. The company sees big potential for these ingredients in countries where beauty consumers have a strong affinity for sensory-driven and environmentally friendly beauty solutions.
To help formulators get the most out of its technology, SAES offers comprehensive support to its customers. The ZeoSAES team ensures that the zeolite particles disperse uniformly and avoid aggregation, a critical factor in achieving desired performance. Through its formulation lab and demonstration formulas, SAES provides hands-on guidance to help customers seamlessly integrate these innovative ingredients into their products.
A broad array of potential applications
Beyond their current applications, SAES sees great potential for zeolites to serve as carriers of active ingredients in skincare. Drawing from their success in other industries, SAES is actively developing this capability and anticipates announcing its first active zeolite-based ingredient in the near future.
“The entry of SAES into the cosmetics market with the new ZeoSAES line represents a turning point in the beauty industry and a further evolution of our company’s history. With 80 years of successful experience, we have positioned ourselves among the leading global players in a multitude of scientific and industrial applications,” concluded Ginevra della Porta. “Thanks to meticulous product specifications control and consistent investments in R&D, we ensure exceptionally high material quality. Our mission is to meet the needs of both the Italian and global cosmetics markets by offering cutting-edge solutions that combine outstanding performance with a strong focus on sustainability and well-being.”
Following its debut at in-cosmetics Paris 2024, SAES Chemicals is gearing up for additional showcases, including the in-cosmetics Global 2025 in April in Amsterdam.
