High performance. Smart sustainability.

The demands placed on modern cosmetic formulations continue to increase: the market is looking for ingredients that combine high performance and versatility with support for sustainable product concepts. With Valida BC+, our partner Sappi addresses precisely this intersection.

The innovative ingredient was nominated for the Innovation Zone Best Ingredient Award 2026 in the “Functional Ingredients” category at in-cosmetics Global 2026, highlighting its strong potential in advancing sustainable functionality.

Valida BC+ as an innovative building block for modern formulations

Intelligent stabilization with fibrillated cellulose

Valida BC+ (INCI: Cellulose, Cellulose Gum) is based on fibrillated cellulose and is supplied as a preservative-free, free-flowing powder. Like other grades in the Valida range, Valida BC+ forms a finely structured 3D fibril network. This complex hydrogen-bonded network efficiently stabilizes particles and emulsions without affecting the viscosity of the formulation.

As a result, it enables versatile formulation possibilities across skincare, sun care, and color cosmetics – particularly in applications where stability, sensory performance, and efficacy are equally important.

Versatile benefits for modern formulations

Valida BC+ offers a broad range of functional performance benefits:

Stability & functionality

  • Stabilization of sensitive active ingredients such as UV filters and DHA
  • Improved dispersion and suspension stability of pigments and particles
  • Stability across a broad pH range and in solvent-containing systems
  • Synergistic effects with rheology modifiers such as xanthan gum and carbomer

Sensory performance

  • Lightweight, silky skin feel
  • Excellent water-binding properties to support skin hydration
  • Improved spreadability without whitening effects
  • Creamier and denser foam in surfactant-based formulations
  • Enhanced color intensity, improved glide, and mattifying effects in color cosmetics

Application & appearance

  • Optimized product pick-up in emulsions
  • Proven SPF enhancement with both physical and chemical UV filters
  • Film-forming properties that improve scratch resistance
  • Optimized spray performance
  • Improved adhesion on vertical surfaces (“vertical cling effect”)

Easy processing, maximum flexibility

Valida BC+ also stands out for its ease of formulation. The recommended use level ranges from 0.4% to 0.5%, depending on the application. The ingredient can be easily incorporated via cold processing while remaining heat-stable – making it ideal for flexible development processes.

Typical areas of application include:

  • Particle dispersion
  • Dispersion of oil droplets in emulsifier-free systems
  • Stabilization of creams and lotions
  • Foam enhancement in surfactant systems
  • Mattifying and wrinkle-smoothing applications

Application

Recommended dosage [%]

Particle dispersion

0,50

Dispersion of oil droplets in emulsifier-free systems

0,50

Stabilization of creams and lotions

0,40 – 0,50

Foam enhancement in surfactant systems

from 0,05

Wrinkle smoothing & mattifying applications

from 0,10

Innovation for the next generation of cosmetic formulations

Valida BC+ once again demonstrates how high-performance functionality and sustainable raw material concepts can be successfully combined. This creates new opportunities for formulators to develop innovative products with compelling sensory properties, improved stability, and high consumer acceptance.


Would you like to learn more or request a sample? Our team will be happy to advise you on potential applications and formulation concepts.

Dr. Stefanie Freye
Head of Product Innovation & Sourcing

Phone: +49 40 300 501 8289
E-Mail: s.freye[at]terchemicals.com