Lubrizol is launching Glucamate Evolve thickener, a brand new biodegradable, high-performance thickener designed specifically for sulfate-free surfactant systems. According to the company, the ingredient delivers efficient viscosity building, high clarity, enhanced foam quality and fragrance tolerance, enabling formulators to develop cleansing and hair care products combining “mildness, performance and sensory appeal.”
With this new development, Lubrizol aims to address evolving expectations in the cleansing category. As consumers seek products that combine clean beauty principles, skin care-inspired benefits and enhanced sensory experiences, sulfate-free formulations are gaining traction, particularly in sensitive skin and baby care applications. At the same time, texture and foam remain important product differentiators, with rich gels, creams and gel-to-foam formats, as well as creamy, abundant lather, increasingly used to enhance the cleansing experience.
Glucamate Evolve thickener was developed to address these requirements, offering efficient thickening performance in sulfate-free systems, which can be challenging to thicken. The new ingredient provides high viscosity efficiency while maintaining clarity and smooth rheology, allowing formulators to create visually appealing textures with a rich, honey-like flow.
According to Lubrizol, the new ingredient also contributes to the sensory profile of formulations by supporting richer foam and enhancing overall skin and hair feel. Its compatibility with silicones and ability to support efficient cationic deposition provide additional flexibility for multifunctional cleansing applications.
The functional innovation is designed to perform across a broad range of formulations, including those containing high levels of fragrance. It tolerates up to 4–5% water-soluble fragrance, according to Lubrizol, enabling formulators to develop strongly scented products while maintaining clarity and smoothness.
With Glucamate Evolve thickener, Lubrizol aims to support the development of next-generation sulfate-free cleansing and hair care products, combining viscosity performance, clarity, foam quality and formulation flexibility in a biodegradable ingredient.
