Croda International Buys Innovachem

Croda International Plc has acquired the assets of Innovachem, LLC of Cutchogue, NY. This acquisition adds Innovachem’s patented product portfolio to Croda’s range of ingredients for the personal care industry.

“Innovachem offers excellent technologies to help further expand Croda’s offerings to the personal care market,” said Keith Layden, chief technology= officer, Croda. “We are extremely pleased to be able to add these technologies to our portfolio, as well as to be able to service the needs of customers who are already using these ingredients in the marketplace. With Croda’s commitment to technology and service, we feel we can develop the Innovachem technology to offer more opportunities to our customer base.”

According to Croda, the acquisition of Innovachem adds two new interesting product lines to its personal care portfolio: the Panthequat conditioner and the Liquiwax range of cosmetic esters. As a quaternized panthenol, Panthequat conditioner offers the benefits of Provitamin B-5 (panthenol), such as healthy-looking, shiny, and manageable hair and smooth, soft, moisturized skin, along with the substantivity imparted by a long chain quaternary. This makes it an excellent ingredient for rinse-off systems.


The Liquiwax range will enable Croda to offer an even larger portfolio of multifunctional emollient esters with enhanced skin conditioning functionality, including softening and lubrication, as well as improved barrier function for excellent moisturization benefits.

“The product portfolio gained through the acquisition of Innovachem is an excellent fit into the Croda technology model,” said Kevin Gallagher, president, Croda Inc. “Their patented ingredients dovetail nicely into our existing framework of focusing on multifunctional, patented materials that provide a unique benefit to our customers and, ultimately, the consumer. We are excited about the acquisition and the ability it will provide to us to better service our customers around the world.”

The acquisition was finalized on December 20, 2012. During the first half of 2013, Croda will transition the products offered by Innovachem, and formerly sold through third party distribution, into its portfolio.