CP Kelco Launches AquaMax Functional PC Ingredients

• CP Kelco is launching a line of novel functional personal care ingredients based on a nature-based biopolymer originally discovered in fermented soybeans—such as natto, which is known in Japan.
The AquaMax product line is CP Kelco’s entry into the functional skin care ingredient space and represents the company’s growing interest in offering highly differentiated ingredients for beauty and personal care applications, the company said.

Developed by BioLeaders Corporation of Daejeon, South Korea, AquaMax is a polymer of y–polyglutamic acid produced by the fermentation of a proprietary strain of Bacillus subtilis.

“AquaMAX HM and AquaMax LM offer novel extrinsic and intrinsic modes of action that can bring a number of highly beneficial effects to the skin,” said Bruce W. Hein, global positioning manager, marketing at CP Kelco.

Research has shown that AquaMax effectively captures and retains moisture, helps enhance and extend critical hyaluronic acid functionalities, increases the levels of Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs), contributes to maintaining and improving the structural integrity of the skin, enhances skin moisture, elasticity and reduces TEWL and may moderate undesirable immune responses in the skin.
In other news, CP Kelco has filed a petition with the US Dept. of Commerce (DOC) and the US International Trade Commission (ITC) urging the investigation of xanthan gum imports into the US from China and Austria. The petition contains evidence demonstrating that Chinese and Austrian xanthan gum is being sold into the US market at below fair value, according to CP Kelco.

“Xanthan gum imports have increased dramatically over the past several years due to what we believe to be unfair pricing practices of Chinese and Austrian producers,” said John Taylor, VP, supply chain and logistics for CP Kelco.

“If the investigations determine that the US industry has been competing against unfairly priced imports, the actions taken by the DOC and ITC should restore fair competition in the US market and give all domestic producers an opportunity to maintain and expand US production and jobs in support of the customer base,” said Don Rubright, president of CP Kelco.

More info: www.cpkelco.com