Sustainable formulation, COSMOS know-how and ingredient insights.
21 July 2026
Actives are the ingredients you make promises about — and where "natural" gets complicated. Five naturally-derived actives with real evidence behind them, plus honest guidance on pH, stability, and the claims you can legally make.
20 July 2026
Surfactants do the cleaning — and they're where most "natural" formulas either shine or strip. Here are five plant-derived surfactants worth knowing, with use levels, COSMOS status, the pH trap that catches everyone, and an honest word on foam.
14 July 2026
Occlusives are the final layer — the hydrophobic seal that stops the water and oils beneath from evaporating away. Here are five plant-derived occlusives worth knowing, with melting points, use levels, COSMOS status, and an honest word on what natural occlusives can and can't do.
13 July 2026
Emollients are the feel of your product — the difference between rich and cushioning and light, dry-touch. Here are five plant-derived emollients worth knowing, with use levels, sensory notes, COSMOS status, and the palm-sourcing truth
10 July 2026
Humectants are the water-magnets of a formula — they pull moisture in and hold it against the skin. Here are five worth knowing, with use levels, COSMOS status, and the honest truth about when a humectant helps and when it backfires.
10 July 2026
Emulsifiers hold your creams and lotions together — but the greener, plant-derived ones behave very differently from conventional PEGs. Here are five sustainable emulsifiers worth knowing, with HLB values, use levels, and honest formulating notes.
10 July 2026
"Natural" and "broad-spectrum preservation" don't always sit comfortably together. Here are five reliable, COSMOS-friendly preservative systems — and how to get the best from each.