NATURAL INGREDIENTS 95
Replacing microplastics: bamboo cellulose fibres
Manal Ziegler, Jeanette Brüggen, Lorna-Jane Browne - CFF
The personal care industry is undergoing a profound transformation as brands, formulators and consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability, biodegradability and responsible sourcing. Rising regulatory pressure on microplastics, along with growing consumer awareness about environmental impact, has accelerated the search for natural, functional alternatives to synthetic ingredients traditionally used in cosmetics and toiletries. Among the emerging solutions, bamboo- derived cellulose fibres represent a promising class of multifunctional materials that combine performance with environmental responsibility.1,2 Bamboo, in particular, offers a highly efficient
raw material source due to its rapid growth cycle, minimal agricultural input requirements and natural regeneration capacity.6
Bamboo-based
cosmetics help reduce the environmental footprint of beauty products. This aligns well with consumer demand for green beauty and clean formulations.3 Materials such as PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) and Nylon have historically been essential in formulations requiring soft focus effects, texture improvement and oil absorption. However, their petrochemical origin and limited biodegradability present challenges in achieving environmentally responsible product profiles.1 As a producer and developer of natural
cellulose fibres, CFF demonstrates how materials can be engineered to meet both performance and sustainability requirements in modern cosmetic formulations. This article explores the sustainability profile
and multifunctionality of Sensocel® bamboo fibres in deodorants, colour cosmetics and exfoliating skin care formulations. Specific grades within our product range demonstrate how tailored fibre morphology can replace microplastics while enhancing product performance and sensory appeal. Sensocel bc 20 is a natural absorber in dry shampoo and as a suitable component for shampoo and hair styling products (e.g. hair spray). Sensocel bc 40 enhances deodorant performance by binding sweat and improving skin feel. Sensocel bc 20+ serves as a microplastic-free
alternative to Nylon-12 in cosmetic powders and emulsions. Sensocel bc 90 and bc 200 (long fibres) in mascara provide a natural lash extension effect without synthetic fibres. Sensocel bc 1000 offers gentle, controlled exfoliation in Gommage peeling formulations. Together, these technologies, developed
www.personalcaremagazine.com
by CFF, illustrate how engineered sustainable cellulose can replace synthetic materials while improving product performance and overall consumer experience.
Material design and functional properties Cellulose fibres are composed of ß-(1➞4)-linked glucose units. These chains aggregate into microfibrils, forming hierarchical structures that provide both mechanical strength and functional versatility.4 The performance of cellulose fibres in cosmetic
formulations is highly dependent on their morphology. Key physical parameters include fibre length, WBC/OBC, surface roughness and bulk density and porosity. Through mechanical processing, bamboo
cellulose can be tailored into functional fibres with defined characteristics.
Interaction with formulation matrices In cosmetic systems, cellulose fibres interact with both aqueous and lipid phases. Their hydrophilic
ABSTRACT
Bamboo has gained significant attention in recent years as a sustainable and multifunctional resource, especially within the cosmetic industry. As one of the fastest- growing plants in the world, bamboo is naturally renewable, requiring minimal water and no pesticides. This makes it an attractive raw material for brands aiming to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high product performance. In cosmetics, bamboo is valued both in its natural form and as processed bamboo fibre or extract. Bamboo fibre is typically derived from the plant’s pulp and can be refined into fine powders or fibres used in personal care products. Bamboo contains high amount of minerals known for supporting skin strength, elasticity and overall health. Because of this, bamboo-based ingredients are often incorporated into skin care and hair care formulations
October 2026 PERSONAL CARE MAGAZINE
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132
