Green Chem Finder, a smart tool designed to help formulators find sustainable green alternatives for cosmetic preservation.
New platform streamlines ingredient selection for sustainable cosmetics formulations.
Dr. Barbara Olioso, a renowned green chemist, has developed the Green Chem Finder, a smart tool to help formulators identify sustainable alternatives for cosmetic preservation.
Recognising the increasing complexity of regulatory systems and the trend toward sensitive skin and multifunctional ingredients, Barbara wanted to develop a tool to simplify the formulator's job. The platform, currently free to use, allows formulators to select ingredients based on parameters such as antimicrobial activity, pH, physical state, solubility, natural content, palm-free options, regulatory status, and multifunctional properties. Barbara Olioso emphasised that the data on the platform is curated directly from suppliers, unlike other generic databases, ensuring a more independent and detailed resource for formulators.
“For example, if one needs to build a preservative system for a formulation at high pH they can simply enter the pH range along with the antimicrobial activity required (antibacterial, antifungal, broad spectrum or booster), and the tool will select out of 300 ingredients, the ones showing antimicrobial activity in that range. Or if one is working with a powder-based system, you can select the solid option, and the tool will show which ingredients are available with that physical status. Several criteria can be selected at the same time, such as natural content, palm status and even regulatory status in Europe, China and the US, giving a very selective choice based on the criteria chosen,” explains creator Dr Barbara Olioso
Platform's Uniqueness and Value
The Green Chem Finder addresses the difficulty of finding cosmetic ingredients for preservation, given regulatory restrictions and the rapid pace of innovation, especially for smaller companies that lack extensive marketing.
The platform has a unique green and sustainability aspect, as it provides information for brands to prove traceability and support their claims, though self-certification is currently common for aspects like upcycled and wild-harvested ingredients due to a lack of third-party certifications. Barbara Olioso also mentioned including EWG ratings to increase transparency.
“ The Green Chem Finder platform addresses these industry challenges by helping formulators stay current with market trends and innovation while discovering, evaluating and selecting the most suitable ingredients for their formulations. With the era of "one preservative fits all" is behind us, having key parameters readily available—such as pH range of efficacy, solubility, and natural status—has become crucial for effective ingredient selection,” explains creator Dr Barbara Olioso
Comparative tools, transparency and future plans
Compared to other “formulator” tools like the Good Face Project and Coptis, for instance, Olioso indicated that some other platforms might focus more on regulatory compliance for ingredients across different markets, while the Green Chem Finder functions more as a boutique shop, offering more data per ingredient, and is currently free to ensure widespread industry access.
The Green Chem Finder platform provides formulators with clarity through transparent data covering microbiology, sustainability, and cosmetic science, allowing them to stay up to date and cutting-edge in the ingredients selection process.
All data has been carefully gathered and curated by Dr. Barbara Olioso, ensuring that ingredients featured on the platform come from reputable suppliers. Users can set up to 20 different search criteria, allowing the platform to shortlist ingredients that match their specific parameters. This streamlined approach enables formulators to focus their efforts on testing the most promising candidates. The platform also includes detailed supplier information, making it easier to obtain samples and additional technical data when needed.
There are future plans to approach suppliers for special features and tutorials to facilitate usage. The Green Chem Finder has already established partnerships with leading industry organizations including the Cosmetics Cluster UK, Evident Ingredients, and Inolex, further strengthening its commitment to supporting sustainable cosmetic innovation.
Free Access for Industry Professionals.
The platform is available free of charge to formulators, manufacturers, buyers, and brands etc.
- https://greenchemfinder.com.
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