Natural ingredients aren’t just a trend—they’re necessary to meet rising consumer expectations for clean, sustainable products. Using high-quality naturals can elevate product performance while aligning with the values of eco-conscious buyers. This blog highlights four types of natural ingredients – and how to get them through responsible sourcing.

1. Ethylhexylglycerin

Ethylhexylglycerin is a dual-purpose ingredient that acts as a preservative and conditioning agent. It offers a natural, safer alternative to synthetic preservatives. Derived from plant-based sources, it enhances the performance of natural preservative systems by reducing microbial contamination and ensuring the longevity of formulations. 

In a breakthrough advancement for clean formulations, Novaphene Specialities has created EHG NG100, the industry’s first 100% naturally-derived ethylhexylglycerin—an achievement many suppliers thought was impossible.

EHG NG100 works effectively to maintain product safety while offering conditioning benefits for skin and hair, making it an essential component for clean, sustainable product formulations.

  • Personal Care: Rosemary extract and other natural preservatives like Ethylhexylglycerin inhibit mold and bacteria, ensuring the integrity of sensitive skincare formulations.
  • Animal Pharmaceuticals: Ethylhexylglycerin supports dermatological treatments for animals, providing preservative and conditioning benefits for safe and effective wound care formulations.

This 100% naturally-derived ethylhexylglycerin is safer than synthetic preservatives and offers sustainability benefits, appealing to modern consumers’ preferences.

READ MORE: ChemQuest International Announces Exclusive Distribution Partnership with Novaphene Specialities

2. Vitamin E

Vitamin E comes in two forms: natural and synthetic. Natural Vitamin E, derived from plant sources like sunflower or wheat germ oil, is more bioavailable and effective than synthetic Vitamin E. The natural form contains d-alpha tocopherol, which the body recognizes and absorbs easily, while synthetic Vitamin E, labeled as dl-alpha tocopherol, is less efficiently utilized.

‘Vitamin E’ is a group of fat-soluble compounds, including tocopherols and tocotrienols, renowned for their antioxidant properties. These compounds neutralize free radicals, preventing oxidative damage to cells and slowing the aging process.

READ MORE: What is Vitamin E? Benefits, Uses & Safety Insights

  • Personal Care: Vitamin E strengthens the skin barrier, enhances moisture retention, and soothes irritation. Its antioxidant power also protects other ingredients, extending product shelf life.
  • Supplements: Vitamin E supplements support immune function and skin health. Its antioxidant properties may reduce the risk of chronic diseases by minimizing oxidative stress.
  • Food: Vitamin E acts as a natural preservative in foods, inhibiting the oxidation of oils and fats. This extends shelf life while maintaining nutritional value.

Natural Vitamin E is generally more effective and well-tolerated than synthetic alternatives. It offers multifunctionality, enhancing both the efficacy and stability of formulations.

3. Capryloyl Glycine

Capryloyl Glycine is a natural amino acid derivative that significantly enhances skin conditioning and promotes healthy, balanced skin. Sourced from natural ingredients like coconut oil, it provides a gentle yet highly effective way to maintain the skin’s natural defenses. 

Capryloyl Glycine harmoniously works with other natural oils, such as jojoba and argan oil, to create nourishing and protective formulations. This multifunctional ingredient boosts hydration, reduces irritation, and restricts the growth of bacteria, making it essential for sustainable and skin-friendly product development. It also controls sebum production, making it ideal for anti-acne formulations.

  • Personal Care: Capryloyl Glycine enhances natural oils, such as jojoba and argan oil, by increasing their moisturizing and protective benefits. It supports gentle, effective formulations that promote skin balance and reduce irritation. Additionally, Capryloyl Glycine helps stabilize and optimize the performance of hydrating and reparative properties in formulations designed for dry, sensitive skin.
  • Household, Industrial, and Institutional Cleaning: Capryloyl Glycine improves eco-friendly cleaning formulations by enhancing skin-friendly attributes, reducing potential irritation, and boosting antibacterial performance.

Capryloyl Glycine and other naturally derived oils enhance the performance of natural formulations while emphasizing sustainability and effectiveness.

4. Isoamyl Laurate

Isoamyl Laurate is a versatile natural emollient derived from coconut oil and fruit esters. Known for its exceptional hydrating and smoothing properties, this ingredient complements natural emulsifiers, such as glyceryl stearate and lecithin, to provide luxurious, stable formulations. 

Its ability to enhance product texture while maintaining a lightweight, non-greasy feel makes it ideal for sensitive skin applications and a replacement for volatile silicones. Sourcing natural Isoamyl Laureate ensures that formulations remain sustainable, safe, and effective, maintaining the skin’s natural balance.

  • Paints, Coatings, & Inks: Isoamyl Laurate enhances the texture and stability of formulations, ensuring long-lasting, smooth finishes that can withstand environmental conditions.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Isoamyl Laurate’s emollient properties are utilized in topical formulations to provide smooth, non-irritating skin treatments.

Natural emulsifiers, derived from plant sources, are gentle on the skin and more compatible with its natural structure, making them a preferred choice for sensitive skin products.

How to Source Natural Ingredients

In your mission to create cleaner, more sustainable products, the last thing you want is to source low-quality natural ingredients that threaten safety and efficacy. So, how can you make sure you’re incorporating the best natural ingredients into your formula?

#1. Source certified natural ingredients

Industry-specific certifications protect your brand from penalties, recalls, and reputational damage while assuring users that your products meet quality standards.

READ MORE: Achieve MoCRA Compliance with ChemQuest

Certifications include: 

  • ISO: Ensures consistent quality and operational efficiency through standardized management practices.
  • USDA Organic: Verifies the ingredient is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
  • Fair Trade Certified: Guarantees ethical labor practices and promotes environmental sustainability across the supply chain.
  • Non-GMO Project Verified: Confirms the ingredient is free from genetically modified organisms.
  • REACH Compliance: Confirms the ingredient meets EU chemical safety and environmental regulations.
  • GMP: Ensures the ingredient is produced in a facility that adheres to strict safety and QC standards.
  • B Corp: Recognizes companies committed to high social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

#2. Follow ethical sourcing practices

As a brand or manufacturer for a brand, you purchase your natural ingredients from an ingredient distributor as opposed to buying directly from the source. Make sure you work with a partner that has ethical sourcing practices. This looks like: 

  • Environmentally conscious logistics processes 
  • Fair labor practices 
  • Supply chain transparency
  • Sustainable packaging
  • Biodiversity preservation
  • Support for local communities

#3. Practice thorough quality control 

Similarly, work with a partner that has transparent QC measures. Without proper quality control, ingredients may arrive contaminated or fail to meet specifications, causing delays and additional costs. A good QC process includes: 

  • Manufacturer qualification
  • Product qualification
  • Material Inspection
  • Sample Testing
  • Documentation and traceability
  • Final validation

Conclusion

Ingredients like Ethylhexylglycerine, natural Vitamin E, Capryloyl Glycine, and Isoamyl Laurate are key to developing clean, sustainable products that align with eco-conscious consumer values. These ingredients improve product performance and help brands meet growing environmental expectations. To maximize their benefits, it’s essential to source them responsibly.

Sourcing high-quality ingredients helps you protect your brand, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

ChemQuest International is a partner that sources high-quality chemicals with strict quality control, reliable delivery, and bulk storage in mind. For more details, contact us for product specifications and a quote.

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