Bio-based Shell NEODOL®, Bio-based Shell NEODENE® and Bio-based Shell IPA C+ for everyday personal care
Your First Choice for Personal Care Formulations
Personal Care Product Line
In today’s consumer-conscious world, the challenge lies in formulating products that not only meet rigorous performance expectations, but also align with increased calls for sustainability.
These performance grades are produced from bio-based and bio-circular feedstocks based on a mass balance approach.
Shell Chemicals’ bio-based and bio-circular products, collectively referred to as bio-based products, are available in large volumes from our world-scale production plant. These products have excellent quality and purity, and have global specifications.
Table of Contents
- Bio-based Shell NEODOL Alcohols
- Emollients in Lotions, Sunscreen, and Skincare Products
- Shell NEODOL Solubility
- Shell Bio-based IPA C+
- Bio-based Shell NEODOL Ethoxylates
- Sulfates Produced Using Shell NEODOL
- Bio-based Shell NEODENE
- EPA Safer Choice, EU Ecolabel, and Kosher Certification
- Examples of Product Formulations
- Efficiency and Assurance with Mass Balance
- Bio-based Mass Balance Process
- Shell Chemicals’ Commitment
Quality without compromise
The new bio-based Shell NEODOL and Shell NEODENE grades offer the same properties and high-performance qualities that formulators have trusted and valued for decades using our conventional feedstock grades.
The Shell NEODOL alcohol products have been widely used because of their unique chemical composition: The lightly branched structure offers foaming power, ease of formulating, product stability, and emollient properties. These properties are well suited for body wash, shampoo, and many other personal care products. The Shell NEODENE alpha olefins have a highly linear structure, which is beneficial for intermediates use in personal care products.
Chemical composition for high performance
The bio-based Shell NEODOL alcohol grades are produced using our proprietary hydroformylation technology. This gives both odd- and even-numbered alcohol carbon chains and a unique lightly branched structure. They are ideal to manufacture intermediates for cleansing agents and solubilizers. They can also be used as is, as stabilizers and emollients.
Benefits of Light Branching
Shell NEODOL alcohols and their derivatives are classified as “readily biodegradable” according to the OECD guidelines for chemicals. Products in this category are environmentally preferred. The essentially linear structure provides comparable properties and performance to commonly used oleo alcohols such as those based on palm kernel and coconut oils. Additionally, the light branching of Shell NEODOL products can improve handling properties and compatibility with other ingredients.
*Generic INCI name for the end product used in applications mentioned, Shell Chemicals does not manufacture the end products and, therefore, has not applied for an INCI name.
Shell NEODOL 23
- Used as is for viscosity control + emollient (skin care)
- INCI Name: C12-13 Alcohols
Shell NEODOL 135
- Used as is for viscosity control + emollient (skin care)
- INCI Name: C11-15 Alcohols
Shell NEODOL 25
- Used as is for viscosity control + emollient (skin care)
- Used as alkyl benzoate ester solvent (sunscreen + hair care + lip balm)
- INCI Name: C12-15 Alcohols
- INCI Name: C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Ester*
Shell NEODOL 45
- Used as is for viscosity control + emollient (skin care)
- INCI Name: C14-15 Alcohols
Shell NEODOL 5
- Used as is for viscosity control + emollient (skin care)
- Used to make a cationic “quat” (hair conditioner)
- INCI Name: Pentadecyl Alcohol
Leave the skin feeling soft and supple
Bio-based Shell NEODOL alcohols are colourless, nonirritating, nonsticky, and nonoily, making them ideal for use in lotions and creams as emollients. They leave the skin feeling soft and supple. They can also be used as a solvent/carrier for other personal care products.
Because they are of high purity, they help maintain formulated product colour and do not contribute to yellowing. They are also well suited for cosmetics and help the formulator control the viscosity of creams and lotions and other skin care and hair care formulations. In this respect, the C14,15 and C15 alcohols (Shell NEODOL 45 and Shell NEODOL 5 grades, respectively) are well suited as emollients in higher viscosity formulations.
Good solubility and compatibility with other ingredients
At room temperature, Shell NEODOL products are easily mixed with many solvents. The table compares Shell NEODOL 45 alcohol to 2-hexyl-1-decanol, a commonly used C16 alcohol, demonstrating the similarity between the two alcohols. In addition, Shell NEODOL 25 is miscible with many vegetable oils.
High solvency for well-blended formulations
Shell Chemicals bio-based Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) C+ is a clear, colorless liquid with high purity making it ideal for use in a wide range of personal care applications including: skincare, haircare, cleansing, and makeup. With high solvency power, IPA C+ enables dissolving and blending of ingredients, creating stable and well-mixed formulations.
The properties of IPA C+ provide flexibility to the formulator to be used as an astringent to remove excess oils and sebum or as an antiseptic to cleanse and remove bacteria. IPA C+ is non-oily and lightweight for use in topical skincare topical lotions, leaving skin feeling clean and dry and in certain formulations may provide a toning effect on the skin, making it appear smoother and more refined.
Shell IPA C+ is safe for use in the production of biocidal products in compliance with EU Biocidal Products Regulation (Article 15), European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and Healthcare (EDQM) European Pharmacopoeia Standards and US Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel.
Versatile building blocks that meet your needs
When looking for excellent emulsification and cleansing properties, Shell NEODOL ethoxylates should be your first choice. Being colourless, and ranging from liquids to low-meltingpoint solids, they are ideal for use in multiple formulations. Shell Chemicals’ portfolio offers carbon numbers from C9 to C15, and various EO numbers, enabling them to be used in a variety of products including, body wash, cosmetics, hair care, and skin care.
Good for:
- Emulsification
- Cleansing
- Foaming
- Biodegradability
Shell NEODOL 91-6
- Used "as is" for skin care, e.g. creams and lotions
- INCI Name: C9-11 Alkteh-6
Shell NEODOL 91-8
- Used "as is" for skin and hair care, e.g. facial cleanser and hair mousse
- INCI Name: C9-11 Alkteh-8
Shell NEODOL 23-2
- Used as a sulfate, for rinse-off/cleansing, e.g. shampoo
- INCI Name: Sodium C12-13 Alketh-2 Sulfate*
Shell NEODOL 135-1
- Used as a sulfate, for rinse-off/cleansing, e.g. shampoo and liquid soap
- INCI Name: Sodium C11-15 Alketh-1 Sulfate*
Shell NEODOL 135-3
- Used as a sulfate, for rinse-off/cleansing, e.g. shampoo and liquid soap
- INCI Name: Sodium C11-15 Alketh-3 Sulfate*
Shell NEODOL 25-3
- Used as a sulfate, for rinse-off/cleansing, e.g. shampoo and liquid soap
- INCI Name: Sodium C12-15 Alketh-3 Sulfate*
*Generic INCI name for the end product used in applications mentioned, Shell Chemicals does not manufacture the end products and, therefore, has not applied for an INCI name.
Ideal for foaming and lather
Sulfates based on Shell NEODOL product grades can substitute for oleo analogues in personal care products such as shampoo, body wash and liquid soap products. The sulfates can be based on the Shell NEODOL alcohol itself and on lower-EO-number Shell NEODOL ethoxylates. The high linearity of anionic surfactants based on Shell NEODOL have excellent lather and cleansing properties. Their low critical micelle concentration means they are as effective as oleo grades at reducing interfacial tension (skin/water and hair/water), providing effective cleansing.
A prototype liquid soap formulation as shown in the table was tested to compare back-to-back Shell NEODOL 23 and oleo-based sulfates for foaming. Oleo alcohol ethoxysulfate was present as a common ingredient.
- Water 84.9%
- LMMEA 5.4%
- Alcohol Ethoxy Sulfate 6.2%
- Cocoamidopropyl Betaine 1.0%
- Alcohol Sulfate 1.2%
- Sodium Chloride 1.5%
Intermediates for multiple applications
Shell NEODENE high-purity, linear alpha olefins offer versatility in product manufacturing and can be used as intermediates to increase foaming performance in cleansing agents and moisturizers, as well as other applications.
Examples of Shell NEODENE linear alpha olefins use in several applications.
Intermediates and Applications
Shell NEODENE 6 XHP
- Intermediate: 1,2-Hexanediol
- Application: Skin Care / Cosmetics
Shell NEODENE 8
- Intermediate: 1,2-Octanediol (Caprylyl Glycol)
- Application: Skin Care / Cosmetics
Shell NEODENE 10
- Intermediate: C11 Aldehyde
- Application: Fragrance
(Sodium) C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Application: Cleansing
(Sodium) C16-18 Olefin Sulfonate
- Application: Cleansing
Certified safe and sustainable ingredients
Safer Choice is a voluntary EPA program that certifies cleaning and other products made with ingredients that are safer for people, pets, and the planet without sacrificing performance. Products on the EPA Safer Choice Ingredient List must meet strict criteria on the biodegradation, degradation products, and level of aquatic toxicity. Several Shell NEODOL products have been reviewed by EPA’s Safer Choice program and qualify for use in Safer Choice-certified grades; see the illustration below.
In Europe the following Shell NEODOL grades are listed in the Detergents Ingredients Database (DID) which can support product applications for environmental standards/schemes such as Ecolabel: NEODOL 23-2; NEODOL 25-3; NEODOL 25-7; NEODOL 91-5; NEODOL 91-6 and NEODOL 91-8.
Additionally, Shell NEODENE and Shell NEODOL bio-based grades (mass balance approach) are kosher certified.
*CAS listed in SCIL (Safer Choice Ingredient List)
Typical Ingredients with Shell NEODOL and Shell NEODENE Options
- Water (Aqua)
- Sodium C12-13 Alketh Sulfate* - Derived from Shell NEODOL 23-2 based Sulfate
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate - Derived from Shell NEODENE 14-16 based Olefin Sulfonate
- Glycerin
- MIPA C12-15 Alketh Sulfate* - Derived from Shell NEODOL 25-3 based Alkanolamine
- C14-15 Alcohols - Shell NEODOL 45 used as viscosity controller
- Dye, perfume, preservatives, etc.
The path to sustainable solutions
The mass balance accounting approach is a key component of Shell Chemicals’ sustainability portfolio including bio-based, lower carbon, and bio-circular solutions. It is not just about the final product; it is about transforming the way we create and manufacture to help you deliver on your sustainability goals.
Mass Balance allows personal care product manufacturers to partially replace conventional materials and products with more sustainable alternatives without establishing new manufacturing processes. The process is certified by an independent third-party which helps provide assurance, transparency, and credibility for sustainability claims. It also helps reduce resource consumption and minimize environmental impact while it helps assure the product quality and consistency.
Shell Chemicals has several third-party certification systems in place where the bio-based content is verified by an independent organization, and more are being added to provide options for our customers.
Companies can advance their sustainability goals when they incorporate bio-based Shell NEODOL, Shell NEODENE, and/or Shell IPA C+ in their formulations.
Understanding mass balance
Shell Chemicals’ bio-based content is verified by an independent, third-party certification organization such as (but not limited to) ISCC PLUS, REDcert and SCS global services. Certified by independent third parties.
Watch the video!
Transcript
Transcript
Title: How Does Mass Balance Work?
Duration: 57 seconds
Description:
The mass balance approach enables chemical companies to incorporate sustainable or renewable feedstocks into the chemicals that they provide and, therefore, can help other companies in the value chain – such as FMCG and packaging companies – to achieve their sustainability-related business objectives.
How Does Mass Balance Work? Transcript
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How does mass balance work?
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Sustainable Feedstock
Raw Material
If you’re a consumer goods or packaging company, you are likely under growing pressure to provide products with more sustainable content.
Mass balance enables suppliers (chemical companies) to efficiently incorporate sustainable or renewable feedstock into the chemicals they provide you.
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Conventional Feedstock
Raw Material
It also means suppliers can process sustainable or renewable feedstocks alongside convertinoal onces without requiring separate manufacturing facilities.
Sustainable chemicals produced in this way offer the same performance as the supplier’s conventional chemicals.
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Raw materials(Sustainable Feedstock/Conventional Feedstock) > Chemical production in shared plant(Combined Production) > Product
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Combined Production
Production
The feedstocks are mixed. The mass balance approach ensures that the exact quantity of sustainable or renewable material is carefully accounted for in the end product. This is verified by an independent third party.
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Raw materials(Sustainable Feedstock/Conventional Feedstock) > Chemical production in shared plant(Combined Production) > Product(Final Product)
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The Result?
Mass balance means you know – and can prove – exactly how much sustainable or renewable content was fed in. So, you can support the transition to a more sustainable economy.
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Develop your sustainable solutions together with Shell Chemicals.
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Shell Chemicals
Questions? Email us at ShellChemicals@shell.com
Supporting your business, every step of the way
Shell Chemicals is a global leader, producer, and supplier of alcohols, ethoxylates, and higher olefins. Market leaders in personal care products already use Shell ingredients in their formulations and know that Shell Chemicals is a reliable partner for technical and commercial assistance.
Our bio-based products are manufactured to global standards and provide transparency and accountability with our options for third-party certification. Our integration with other Shell businesses provides our customers the ability to secure advantaged feedstocks, performance products, scale, and reliable delivery.
The scientists at Shell Chemicals continually develop, refine, and improve our personal care product line and are always willing to offer industry-leading expertise to customers formulating with Shell NEODOL, Shell NEODENE, and Shell IPA C+.
At Shell Chemicals, Product Stewardship is paramount. We hold ourselves accountable to high standards in health, safety, security and the environment (HSSE) for our products. By collaborating both independently and with industry groups, we are constantly evaluating and elevating our product line to address our customers’ needs. By offering bio-based feedstocks, based on mass balance, you can enhance your products to meet growing consumer demand for more sustainable personal care products.
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