Performing plant-based emolient to replace silicone in hair care - by Seppic

The hair care market is undergoing an evolution driven by consumer demands for naturalness and sustainability. Silicones, once essential, are being used less frequently due to their synthetic origins, often non-biodegradable nature, environmental concerns, and negative consumer perception. Regulatory actions, such as EU restrictions on D4/D5 silicones and upcoming bans on D5/D6 in leave-on products by June 2026, further accelerate this shift.

To meet this demand, Seppic significantly expanded its data package for the Emogreen range, a collection of biodegradable, plant-based emollients. In a move to support formulators in their quest for naturality without compromising on performance, new comprehensive data confirm Emogreen as a high-performance, sustainable alternative to synthetic silicone oils widely used in hair care formulations, such as dimethicone, phenyl trimethicone, and dimethiconol.

A comparative sensorial analysis with an expert panel demonstrates sensorial correspondence between silicone oils usually used in hair care products and each Emogreen grade. For example, a sensorial analysis of a cream-gel on non-damaged long hair tresses, has demonstrated that Emogreen L15 offers similar experience to Dimethicone 5cst with less greasiness and tackiness on the hair fiber which makes it a real solution for formulators also looking to replace volatile cyclic silicones (D5, D6).

Seppic has also developed a tool comparing the main silicones with the Emogreen range to help formulators identify alternatives based on the different properties they are looking for: sensoriality, shine, colour retention, volume control, etc. For example, Seppic has compared its emollients Emogreen to various silicone oils on volume control efficacy on type III hair. Emogreen HP 40 brings better performance on volume control & anti-frizz effect on textured hair. EmogreenTM C69 can also be considered for controlling frizz and volume in curly hair (type III), and EmogreenTM L19's sensorial qualities make it a good candidate for disciplining type II hair.

It’s now possible to offer consumers a premium sensorial experience and visible results with a plant-based range, in a demanding market like hair care.