Lubrizol introduces Glucamate Evolve for sulfate-free formulations
The product provides a biodegradability claim that supports sustainability narratives and potentially eases compliance with evolving environmental expectations for rinse-off products.
USA – Lubrizol has launched Glucamate Evolve thickener, a biodegradable viscosity builder designed for sulfate-free surfactant systems, meeting growing demand from formulators for mild, clear, and environmentally considerate cleansing products.
The new ingredient, which debuted at in-cosmetics Korea 2026, represents the latest addition to Lubrizol’s Glucamate family and is positioned as a next-generation solution that delivers efficient thickening in modern sulfate-free surfactant packages while supporting key aesthetic and performance attributes such as clarity, mildness, and pleasant flow behaviour.
By focusing on sulfate-free systems, Glucamate Evolve aligns with sustained market momentum behind “free-from” positioning and gentler cleansing formats across hair care, body wash, and facial cleansers, where brands are increasingly seeking to balance sensory appeal with mildness claims.
Lubrizol spokeswoman said, “With Glucamate Evolve thickener, Lubrizol empowers formulators to create the next generation of sulfate-free cleansing and hair products, combining powerful performance, premium aesthetics, luxurious foam and formulation versatility in a biodegradable solution that aligns with today’s clean beauty and sensory-driven market demands.”
A central differentiator for Glucamate Evolve is its biodegradability profile, which Lubrizol emphasizes to support brand owners’ sustainability goals and respond to increasing regulatory scrutiny around the environmental fate of rinse-off ingredients.
The thickener is engineered to break down more readily in the environment than some conventional synthetic thickeners, helping formulators reduce the ecological footprint of sulfate-free products without compromising performance.
Sulfate-free surfactant systems, often based on isethionates, glutamates, sarcosinates, or other mild anionic and amphoteric surfactants, can be technically challenging to thicken while maintaining clarity and mildness.
Glucamate Evolve is designed to perform in these complex matrices to achieve target viscosities and desirable rheology, including honey-like flow and the clear appearance consumers associate with premium cleansing products.
Meanwhile, Lubrizol recently reached a significant milestone by achieving PFAS-free peptide production, bolstering its commitment to green chemistry and sustainability efforts.
The company has successfully eliminated the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), from its peptide synthesis process.
The new PFAS-free peptides introduced include Uplevity peptide, Uplevity e-Lift peptide, and Leuphasyl peptide.
These peptides are produced using Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS), a Nobel Prize-winning method that traditionally requires reagents such as TFA, a PFAS.
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