{"id":155027,"date":"2024-12-18T07:15:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-18T06:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/?p=155027"},"modified":"2024-12-12T15:15:57","modified_gmt":"2024-12-12T14:15:57","slug":"reimagining-skin-care-how-bio-based-succinic-acid-could-transform-cosmetics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/reimagining-skin-care-how-bio-based-succinic-acid-could-transform-cosmetics\/","title":{"rendered":"Reimagining skin care: How bio-based succinic acid could transform cosmetics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n

In response, Professor Huimin Zhao, a biochemical engineering expert at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), has pioneered a more sustainable production approach using sugarcane fermentation. This innovative method reduces the carbon footprint of succinic acid production and sets a new standard for eco-friendly practices in the cosmetics sector. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Could bio-based succinic acid be the key to reducing cosmetic industries carbon footprint while enhancing skincare effiacy? \u00a9 Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The research, funded by BioMADE, a national organization dedicated to advancing bio-industrial manufacturing, underscores the industry\u2019s potential for a greener future. Melanie Tomczak, BioMADE\u2019s Chief Technology Officer and Head of Programs highlights the broader implications of Dr. Zhao\u2019s work and the importance of supporting sustainable technology development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this CosmeticsDesign Q&A, Dr. Zhao and Ms. Tomczak discuss bio-based succinic acid\u2019s environmental benefits, scalability, and transformative potential in the skin care market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CDU: Could you provide an overview of how your bio-based production method using sugarcane fermentation works? What are the key steps in the process, and how does it differ from traditional methods?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Huimin Zhao (HZ)<\/strong>: Bio-based succinic acid production uses sugarcane as a renewable raw material. The process starts by crushing sugarcane to extract its juice, which contains sucrose as a carbon source for the fermentation process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our engineered microorganism then converts sucrose into succinic acid. After fermentation, the succinic acid is purified and concentrated for use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This method differs from petroleum-based production by using renewable resources, requiring less energy, and generating fewer harmful by-products. It\u2019s a cleaner, more sustainable alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CDU: How does the current petroleum-based production of succinic acid impact the environment, and what are its primary sustainability challenges?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

HZ<\/strong>: Petroleum-based succinic acid production relies on fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. The process is energy-intensive and produces chemical by-products that can harm ecosystems if not properly managed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extracting and refining petroleum depletes non-renewable resources and can lead to environmental disasters like oil spills. The primary sustainability challenges include reducing carbon emissions, minimizing waste, and finding renewable alternatives to petroleum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CDU: Regarding environmental impact, how does bio-based succinic acid production compare with petroleum-based production? Are there specific benefits in terms of greenhouse gas emissions or resource use?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Melanie Tomczak (MT)<\/strong>: Researchers used tools like techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment to show that this process is financially viable. These tools also suggest that this process could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 34% to 90%, relative to fossil fuel-based production processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CDU: What challenges did you face in developing this sustainable production method, and how were they overcome?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

HZ<\/strong>: Developing a bio-based method required optimizing microorganisms to efficiently convert sugars into succinic acid. High yields and low production costs were key challenges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Controlling fermentation conditions, such as pH and temperature, also needed fine-tuning, which associates with production cost. These challenges were overcome through metabolic engineering of microorganisms, improving fermentation techniques, and scaling up processes in a cost-effective manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Collaboration and iterative testing were critical to success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CDU: How scalable is this bio-based method of succinic acid production, and what steps are necessary to implement it on a larger, industrial level?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

MT<\/strong>: This project showed that bio-based succinic acid production is feasible and economically viable at an industrial level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers scaled up their fermentation process to an industrial pilot scale in batch mode with a scaling factor of 300\u00d7 and achieved succinic acid production at a titer of greater than 60\u2009g\/L. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This project highlights how bio-based chemicals can be produced at an industrially relevant scale and are economically competitive. BioMADE and its members and projects are demonstrating that bioindustrial manufacturing can unlock a new future where everyday chemicals, materials, and more are domestically produced through the power of biology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CDU: Could you explain why succinic acid is so popular in acne-fighting skin care, and what makes it particularly effective in addressing this skin concern?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

HZ<\/strong>: Succinic acid is popular in skin care because it\u2019s a gentle, multi-functional ingredient that helps fight acne without irritating the skin. It works by reducing inflammation, which calms red, swollen pimples. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Succinic acid also has antibacterial properties that help stop acne-causing bacteria from spreading. Additionally, it gently exfoliates the skin, clearing away dead cells that can clog pores, and it helps balance oil production. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike stronger acids, succinic acid is less likely to cause dryness or sensitivity, making it suitable for people with various skin types, including sensitive skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CDU: Can you speak to the potential cost implications for manufacturers in the cosmetics and personal care industry looking to transition to bio-based succinic acid? Are there cost savings or other economic benefits?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

HZ<\/strong>: Initially, bio-based succinic acid may have higher production costs due to technology development and scaling. However, as the process becomes more efficient and customer demand grows, costs are expected to decrease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manufacturers could benefit from long-term savings due to stable raw material prices and reduced energy use. Eco-friendly products also appeal to consumers, potentially boosting sales and brand loyalty, which can offset upfront costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CDU: What impact do you hope this eco-friendly production method will have on the skin care and cosmetics industry as a whole?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

HZ<\/strong>: We hope this method encourages widespread adoption of sustainable practices in the skin care and cosmetics industry. Using bio-based ingredients like succinic acid can reduce the industry\u2019s environmental footprint, align with consumer demand for eco-conscious products, and inspire innovation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over time, this could lead to a significant shift toward greener production methods across the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CDU: Beyond skin care, do you foresee applications for bio-based succinic acid in other types of cosmetic or personal care products?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

HZ<\/strong>: Yes, bio-based succinic acid has potential in other cosmetic products, like hair care and body care. Its anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties can benefit scalp treatments and body lotions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can also be used as a natural pH adjuster or humectant, helping maintain product stability and skin hydration. The versatility of succinic acid makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CDU: With the cosmetics industry increasingly focusing on sustainability, how do you envision the role of bio-based ingredients evolving over the next few years?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

HZ<\/strong>: The demand for sustainable ingredients will keep growing as consumers and brands prioritize environmental responsibility. Bio-based ingredients will likely become more mainstream as technologies improve, making them cost-effective and widely available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the next few years, we can expect stricter regulations and stronger incentives for using eco-friendly alternatives, driving innovation in sustainable formulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CDU: What advice would you give to skin care brands that are interested in adopting more sustainable ingredients but are concerned about maintaining efficacy and consumer trust?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

HZ<\/strong>: Start by researching ingredients that align with your brand values and meet consumer needs. Test sustainable options to ensure they deliver the same or better results as traditional ingredients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transparency is key\u2014educate consumers about why you\u2019re choosing eco-friendly ingredients and their benefits. Partnering with reliable suppliers and communicating your sustainability goals can help build trust and differentiate your brand.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In response, Professor Huimin Zhao, a biochemical engineering expert at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), has pioneered a more sustainable production approach using sugarcane fermentation. This innovative method reduces the carbon footprint of succinic acid production and sets a new standard for eco-friendly practices in the cosmetics sector.  The research, funded by BioMADE, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":114,"featured_media":155029,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","nova_meta_subtitle":"Succinic acid is emerging as a pivotal ingredient in the skin care industry and is celebrated for its acne-fighting properties and skin-friendly profile. However, traditional production methods, reliant on petroleum, pose significant sustainability challenges and contribute to environmental concerns","footnotes":""},"categories":[5572],"tags":[6843,12250,5838,12228,6406,16171,13064],"supplier":[21123,25331],"class_list":["post-155027","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bio-based","tag-biochemicals","tag-biocosmetics","tag-bioeconomy","tag-cosmetics","tag-environment","tag-fermentation","tag-personalcare","supplier-bioindustries-manufacturing-and-design-ecosystem-biomade","supplier-university-of-illinois-at-urbana-champaign"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/155027","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/114"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=155027"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/155027\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/155029"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=155027"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=155027"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=155027"},{"taxonomy":"supplier","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/supplier?post=155027"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}