NEWS
KCC Silicone, LG agree to develop sun care polymers
Korean duo KCC Silicone and LG Household & Health Care have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Seoul to jointly research silicone polymer materials optimized for UV protection products. The two companies plan
to combine LG Household & Health Care’s expertise in UV protection formulations from its Beauty Research Institute with KCC Silicone’s high-purity silicone technology to develop sun care products that offer both superior blocking performance and differentiated sensory experience. To this end, they will jointly conduct research on silicone
polymer materials suitable for UV protection products, develop sun care formulations incorporating these materials, and carry out efficacy evaluations. Additionally, they intend to establish a collaborative framework for sharing research outcomes and engaging in academic activities, with plans to expand joint research
into skincare materials in the future. “As climate change emphasizes the importance of UV protection, sun care products have become essential year-round,” said Kang Nae-kyu, CTO of LG Household & Health Care. KCC Silicone is the 100%
owner of Momentive Performance Materials, a global high- performance silicones and specialty solutions company. Liam Song, CEO of KCC Silicone, added: “Through this MOU, the two companies will strengthen their close cooperation to continuously advance innovation in the K-beauty industry and enhance competitiveness in the global market.
Merck completes €665m China sale
Merck has completed the sale of its Surface Solutions business unit to Global New Material International (GNMI) of China for €665m ($769m). The transaction covers Merck’s
global Surface Solutions business with sales of more than €400m in 2024, which GNMI will continue under the new Susonity brand. Around 1,100 employees, more
than 600 of whom are based in Germany, have been transferred to GNMI. As part of the agreement with
Merck, GNMI has guaranteed both the future of the Gernsheim site and the employment of its staff based in Germany until 2032. Savannah, USA, and Onahama, Japan, will remain important
production sites for Susonity alongside Gernsheim. Moreover, Merck and GNMI have
entered into a series of supply and service agreements to ensure the seamless transition of the business. Merck will remain the owner of
the property at the Gernsheim site. The area used by Surface
Solutions will be leased to GNMI on a long-term contract. The GreenTech-Park Fluxum in
Gernsheim is not affected by the divestment. The German firm will use the
net proceeds from the divestment to strengthen its strategic core businesses.
“With the closure of this
transaction, we are further sharpening our portfolio focus
on technology-driven business,” said Belén Garijo, CEO of Merck (pictured, centre). “By divesting Surface Solutions,
we are positioning our Electronics business sector even more strongly as a provider of semiconductor solutions. At the same time, GNMI offers new possibilities for the Surface Solutions business,” added Kai Beckmann, member of the Executive Board at Merck and CEO Electronics (pictured, left).
Geltor raises VC to fund polypeptide expansion
US personal care ingredient maker Geltor has raised fresh funding via an equity financing round led by Miami venture capital outfit Starlight Ventures. The deal, which brings
Geltor’s total funding to-date to $137m, was co-led by iSelect and included significant participation from existing investors. California-based Geltor
plans to expand access to its biodesigned polypeptide portfolio
www.personalcaremagazine.com
to customers in new geographies and bring new solutions to market for both topical and ingestible products. “We’re moving fast and have
already hit key milestones: launched a vegan collagen polypeptide in Latin America; received the first and only “no questions” letter for our ingestible biotech type 21 collagen (PrimaColl) from the FDA in response to our GRAS notification,” said CEO Alexander Lorestani (pictured, right).
It also plans to push the limits
of AI-enabled polypeptide design and biomanufacturing with trusted partners where it sees opportunities for significant disruption. Geltor has signed a Biodesigner
AI collaboration with a leading beauty and personal care brand. “This is an amazing moment to
be the go-to partner for biodesigned polypeptides at scale,” said Lorestani. “Designer polypeptides and their
derivatives are exceptionally adept at delivering paradigm-shifting results (think Ozempic, Botox, Insulin), and we’re extremely encouraged by the progress we’ve made in delivering the power of these molecules to consumers globally.”
September 2025 PERSONAL CARE
Lubrizol unveils Singapore
innovation hub Lubrizol has inaugurated its Southeast Asia Innovation Centre in Jurong, Singapore and signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). Spanning 15,000 square metres
over multiple floors, the centre integrates advanced laboratories, immersive experience zones, and dedicated spaces for technical training and knowledge exchange. It is home to scientists and
product developers who leverage local R&D and testing capabilities, advanced decision science and a collaborative mindset to unlock opportunities for customers across a wide array of industries, including beauty and personal care. The centre is designed to
deepen collaboration and advance market relevant innovations, supporting Lubrizol’s commitment to delivering high-value solutions and enhancing speed to market for customers in Southeast Asia and beyond. The centre joins the recent establishment of Lubrizol’s Asia Pacific Centre of Excellence for Suncare Formulation in Singapore, which has earned recognition from leading global beauty and personal care brands for its technical excellence and market-leadership. The launch of the centre with
support of the Singapore EDB will also advance Singapore’s role as a strategic hub for innovation, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability.
The EBD MOU outlines a shared
commitment to advance innovation and explore future investment opportunities over the next five years.
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