134 EUTECTIC SYSTEMS
Figure 1: Conceptual representation of supramolecular hydrogen-bond network formation in a eutectic liquid system. Selected natural solid components reorganize through cooperative hydrogen-bond interactions, leading to the formation of a structured eutectic liquid phase with properties distinct from the individual solids
naturally occurring compounds—such as organic acids, sugars, amino acids, or polyols—they are known as Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES). Closely related Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) follow the same principles but may include non- natural ingredients that are still acceptable for cosmetic use. In both cases, the result is a highly organized liquid system with properties that are very different from those of conventional solvents like water or alcohol. From a broader point of view, eutectic systems
reflect how complex liquids function in living systems. In nature, cells use structured liquid environments to protect and transport sensitive biomolecules, even under stressful conditions such as dehydration or temperature changes. Eutectic systems translate this natural strategy into formulation science, allowing formulators to work with molecular complexity rather than trying to eliminate it. Designing a eutectic system involves choosing specific ingredients from a very large number of possible combinations and testing them at precise ratios and conditions. Within this wide design space, certain combinations form liquids that are much more complex than their individual components. This complexity is not only structural but also functional. As the molecules organize into interaction networks, new properties appear— properties that cannot be predicted by looking at each ingredient on its own. These emerging properties create a very specific microenvironment that can influence solubility, stability, molecular movement, and interactions with other materials, such as skin. Several key features distinguish eutectic
systems from traditional solvents. They typically have very low vapour pressure, meaning they do not easily evaporate, which improves safety during handling and processing. Their polarity and viscosity can be adjusted through formulation, making them compatible with many different types of actives.
PERSONAL CARE MAGAZINE April 2026 They also tend to have lower water activity,
which can improve both chemical stability and microbiological robustness. Importantly, eutectic systems are usually easy to prepare, requiring only controlled mixing and mild heating, without complex chemical reactions or purification steps. This simplicity supports scalability and industrial use in personal care applications. Because eutectic liquids are structured rather
than random mixtures, they allow formulators to move away from trial-and-error solvent selection toward a more rational design approach. By carefully choosing the components, their ratios, and how they interact, molecular complexity can be transformed into predictable and functional liquid systems.
This shift turns eutectic systems from
unconventional solvents into intentionally designed formulation platforms and sets the foundation for more advanced concepts, such as Active Natural Deep Eutectic Systems, where performance emerges directly from molecular organization. Beyond their immediate formulation benefits,
eutectic systems offer broader advantages that affect manufacturing, safety, and supply chains. Because they are typically made from low-volatility, non-flammable, and low-toxicity components, eutectic liquids naturally reduce risks for both workers and the environment. This leads to safer manufacturing conditions, less need for strict containment, and more stable and predictable production processes. At the raw-material level, eutectic systems
often rely on ingredients that are widely available, geographically diverse, and compatible with renewable sourcing. This reduces dependence on fossil-derived solvents or specialized materials and lowers vulnerability to supply-chain disruptions caused by geopolitical or logistical factors. As a result, eutectic design supports not only sustainability goals but also greater independence and resilience in sourcing. From a processing standpoint, the stability
and low vapour pressure of eutectic systems allow manufacturing to shift away from managing solvent losses toward continuous and stable flow processes. This can improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and simplify scale-up. Importantly, these advantages come from the inherent properties of the materials themselves, rather than from additional controls added later in the process. Taken together, eutectic systems illustrate
a broader shift toward a new generation of formulation chemistry—one that addresses performance, safety, sustainability, and flexibility at the same time. Instead of gradually modifying existing formulations to make them ‘cleaner’, eutectic design makes it possible to build systems that are inherently safer, more stable, and more adaptable from the start. By turning molecular complexity into
predictable and functional liquid structures, eutectic systems offer a pathway away from solvent models based on limited fossil resources and toward more resilient and future-ready formulation platforms. This approach supports conscious design choices that balance scientific performance with operational safety, supply-chain robustness, and long-term industry needs.
Active Natural Deep Eutectic Systems (ANDES) Active Natural Deep Eutectic Systems (ANDES) represent the most advanced stage of eutectic system design, in which at least one component of the eutectic matrix is itself a biologically active ingredient. In these systems, the active is not simply
dissolved within a carrier phase but becomes structurally integrated into a supramolecular liquid network governed by cooperative intermolecular interactions. This integration alters the physicochemical environment surrounding the active, resulting in improved stability, enhanced functional availability, and increased dose efficiency.
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