Certifications Back Our Personal Care Solutions

In an industry where words like “natural” and “organic” are frequently touted, transparency matters. That’s why CP Kelco relies on the backing of well-respected, third-party certifications with strict standards. They provide our customers with an extra layer of trust that our ingredients are aligned with your goals of product safety, animal welfare, ethics and origin.

The mission behind the COSMOS® seal is to create an international standard for identifying natural and organic products. The seal ensures environmentally friendly production and processing as well as responsible use of natural resources and a respect for biodiversity.

NATRUE® certification, from the International Natural and Organic Cosmetics Association, signifies that a product contains only 100% natural, natural-derived or nature-identical substances.

B Corp. Certification from the nonprofit B Lab is one of the most trusted in the world. It speaks to a company’s overall environmental and social impact. Using a rigorous assessment, it verifies that the company operates with transparency, integrity and is structured to be accountable to all stakeholders, from employees to suppliers and the planet. Zanea Seaweed Co., our seaweed raw material supplier for the GENU® Carrageenan family recently achieved this honor – a first for this space.

In addition, all our manufacturing facilities meet the strict requirements to be halal and kosher certified.

Read more about the halal certification process.

Our Certified Offerings

INGREDIENT COSMOS® NATRUE® ISO 16128 / readily biodegradable VEGAN KOSHER/ HALAL
ARBALON® R-50 EV Cellulose Liquid
GENUVISCO® CG-131 and GENUGEL® CG-130 Carrageenan (B Corp. Certified supplier*)
Upcycled Certified® KELCOSENS™ Citrus Fiber**
KELCOGEL® CG-HA (E) & CG-LA (E) Gellan Gum
GENU® pHresh DF Pectin
UniqSens™ SFE System
KELTROL® CG-T V (E), CG-V (E) and CG-SFT V (E) Xanthan Gum
KELTROL® CG-T (E) Xanthan Gum

* Zanea Seaweed Co., a CP Kelco company, obtained B Corp Certification.
** Upcycled Certified® is a registered trademark of Where Food Comes From.

Biotechnology and Upcycling Are Pivotal Strategies to Us

We take a holistic approach to sustainability, and that includes upcycling as part of the path to a more circular approach. KELCOSENS™ Citrus Fiber is the first citrus fiber ingredient on the market to be Upcycled Certified® by the Upcycled Food Association**. Upcycled products use ingredients that otherwise would have gone to waste.

EXTRACTION FROM PLANTS & ALGAE

GENU® Carrageenan extracted from red seaweed

KELCOSENS™ Citrus Fiber upcycled from citrus peel

GENU® Pectin upcycled from citrus peel

MICROBIAL FERMENTATION

KELTROL® Xanthan Gum developed through fermentation of microorganism found on cabbage leaves

KELCOGEL® Gellan Gum developed through fermentation of microorganism found on lily pond plants

As a global leader in nature-based ingredients, we are passionate about providing a comprehensive range of solutions for the personal care industry. Ask us how using our certified nature-based ingredients can help you reach your formulation and sustainability goals. Contact us today!

The Community that Carrageenan Built

It’s a mild and sunny day on the island state of Zanzibar, just off the coast of Tanzania. A group of women are gathered in front of ZANEA Seaweed Company to say hello, pick up supplies and start work at the seaweed farms that dot the shores.

Known in Swahili as mwani, seaweed cultivation involves tying seedlings onto ropes that are submerged in the water enough for it to be covered at low tide. Some of the crops are ready to be harvested and laid on screens to dry in the sun before being packed in sacks and exported to CP Kelco’s plant in Skensved, Denmark. The red seaweed tended by these women will soon become GENU®, GENUGEL®, GENULACTA®, GENU® Texturizer, GENUTINE® and GENUVISCO® Carrageenans.

It’s a mild and sunny day on the island state of Zanzibar, just off the coast of Tanzania. A group of women are gathered in front of ZANEA Seaweed Company to say hello, pick up supplies and start work at the seaweed farms that dot the shores.

Known in Swahili as mwani, seaweed cultivation involves tying seedlings onto ropes that are submerged in the water enough for it to be covered at low tide. Some of the crops are ready to be harvested and laid on screens to dry in the sun before being packed in sacks and exported to CP Kelco’s plant in Skensved, Denmark. The red seaweed tended by these women will soon become GENU®, GENUGEL®, GENULACTA®, GENU® Texturizer, GENUTINE® and GENUVISCO® Carrageenans.

A Better Way of Life

For centuries, coastal communities have relied on the sea to support their way of life. However, aquaculture or aquatic farming is only decades old. CP Kelco began farming seaweed in Zanzibar in 1990 and helped to establish the ZANEA Seaweed Company soon afterwards for a local support base.

It has played an important role in improving the standard of living here – especially for women, who make up around 70% of the workforce and obtain a meaningful cash income for their skills. Their success can be seen in the increase in bank accounts in the area, improved homes and infrastructure, and, most importantly, the number of children receiving an education.

For centuries, coastal communities have relied on the sea to support their way of life. However, aquaculture or aquatic farming is only decades old. CP Kelco began farming seaweed in Zanzibar in 1990 and helped to establish the ZANEA Seaweed Company soon afterwards for a local support base.

It has played an important role in improving the standard of living here – especially for women, who make up around 70% of the workforce and obtain a meaningful cash income for their skills. Their success can be seen in the increase in bank accounts in the area, improved homes and infrastructure, and, most importantly, the number of children receiving an education.

This year, a new hospital will open on land donated by CP Kelco and ZANEA Seaweed Company. Its location was specifically chosen to support women in more remote areas of the community, where having nearby maternity care is critical to avoid complications.

Through grants from its nonprofit Huber Helps™ program, CP Kelco recently purchased a solar water pump for one of the villages, providing clean water for up to 2,000 people.

This year, a new hospital will open on land donated by CP Kelco and ZANEA Seaweed Company. Its location was specifically chosen to support women in more remote areas of the community, where having nearby maternity care is critical to avoid complications.

Through grants from its nonprofit Huber Helps™ program, CP Kelco recently purchased a solar water pump for one of the villages, providing clean water for up to 2,000 people.

In addition to training in sustainable farming methods, all material, including ropes and seed stocks, are provided to farmers free of charge. On a yearly basis, CP Kelco supplies and distributes materials valued at over $150,000 USD. Over 300 new boats as well as planting structures, drying facilities and new shelters have been donated.

CP Kelco is securing a sustainable seaweed aquaculture in Zanzibar so it can remain a source of livelihood for generations to come. The seaweed itself acts as a bioremediator and filter. A fast-growing algae, seaweed is one of nature’s most effective ways to fight carbon emissions, absorbing nitrogen and carbon dioxide. It utilizes energy from sunlight and takes up excess nutrients from the water to assist the ocean’s ability to fight harmful algae blooms that lead to fish kill.

CP Kelco is securing a sustainable seaweed aquaculture in Zanzibar so it can remain a source of livelihood for generations to come. The seaweed itself acts as a bioremediator and filter. A fast-growing algae, seaweed is one of nature’s most effective ways to fight carbon emissions, absorbing nitrogen and carbon dioxide. It utilizes energy from sunlight and takes up excess nutrients from the water to assist the ocean’s ability to fight harmful algae blooms that lead to fish kill.

To help the entire community take advantage of the economic opportunities provided by seaweed farming, CP Kelco works to prevent negative impact to the ecosystem, especially deforestation. Protection of the mangroves is essential to maintain the natural flow of the water and provide feeding grounds for native species.

CP Kelco plants a minimum of 20,000 trees per year.

To help the entire community take advantage of the economic opportunities provided by seaweed farming, CP Kelco works to prevent negative impact to the ecosystem, especially deforestation. Protection of the mangroves is essential to maintain the natural flow of the water and provide feeding grounds for native species.

CP Kelco plants a minimum of 20,000 trees per year.

One-third are used to preserve mangrove forest lands, one third supports the construction of homes and one-third is used to replenish the stakes, fish fences and other lumber supplies needed in seaweed farming.

Improving Education Opportunities

Prioritizing resources to improve education in Zanzibar is also a big part of CP Kelco’s commitment to the community. In the early ‘90s, only 62% of school-age children in Zanzibar were enrolled in primary schools according to the Zanzibar Ministry of Education. Through the Huber Helps™ program, CP Kelco has built classrooms, provided yearly donations of school supplies to the children, sponsored equipment and tools, and renovated school buildings for more conducive learning environments. The transformation in the community over the years has been significant.

Prioritizing resources to improve education in Zanzibar is also a big part of CP Kelco’s commitment to the community. In the early ‘90s, only 62% of school-age children in Zanzibar were enrolled in primary schools according to the Zanzibar Ministry of Education. Through the Huber Helps™ program, CP Kelco has built classrooms, provided yearly donations of school supplies to the children, sponsored equipment and tools, and renovated school buildings for more conducive learning environments. The transformation in the community over the years has been significant.

A 2021 UNICEF report on the children of Zanzibar estimates that 85% of boys and girls are now enrolled in primary schools. 

The travel distance to school can often be a key factor in school attendance, with children in rural areas often facing the longest travel times. When one of the employees at ZANEA Seaweed Co. shared how far his children had to walk to the nearest school in his district, we took action. We collaborated with the Huber Helps™ program and SOS Children’s Villages to raise $135,000 USD to support the construction of a new school, Chamboni Primary School.

B Corp Certification

In spring 2024, ZANEA Seaweed Co. achieved B Corp. Certification from the nonprofit B Lab. It’s one of the most well-respected and challenging certifications that a company can earn. The ”B” stands for ”benefit for all,” and recognizes that a corporate sustainability strategy should balance the protection and caring of people and planet equally with profit. The rigorous certification process measures a company against very high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and legal accountability. It looks at operations covering day-to-day activities and the business model, considering overall impact on employees, customers, community and the environment ― all are viewed as company stakeholders. ZANEA Seaweed Co. was measured across a range of responsibilities as varied as employee benefits and training to community support and environmental programs to delivering a high-quality product that empowers customers.

In spring 2024, ZANEA Seaweed Co. achieved B Corp. Certification from the nonprofit B Lab. It’s one of the most well-respected and challenging certifications that a company can earn. The ”B” stands for ”benefit for all,” and recognizes that a corporate sustainability strategy should balance the protection and caring of people and planet equally with profit. The rigorous certification process measures a company against very high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and legal accountability. It looks at operations covering day-to-day activities and the business model, considering overall impact on employees, customers, community and the environment ― all are viewed as company stakeholders. ZANEA Seaweed Co. was measured across a range of responsibilities as varied as employee benefits and training to community support and environmental programs to delivering a high-quality product that empowers customers.

A Product You Can Feel Good About

Extracted from this warm water red seaweed, our GENU® Carrageenan family of products are renowned for their thickening, gelling and stabilizing properties as well as their clarity in foods and beverages, personal care, pharmaceutical and home care products. They may be used as a vegan, nature-based alternative to synthetic texturizers.

Find out how carrageenan can become part of your story too.

Innovating to Reduce Plastic Usage

The global theme for Earth Day 2024 is Planet vs. Plastics. When it comes to consumer care and plastic, the better choice is to “reduce” instead of “recycle.” Most products are packaged in single-use plastic and recycling rates are extremely low: The British Beauty Council estimates that only 9% of packaging is recycled. As formulators know, personal care and home care products are largely water-based. Reduce or eliminate the water and there’s much less product to ship, lowering freight costs as well as opening up new packaging opportunities.

Earth Day bonus! Try our free recipe for a waterless hand cleanser:

Versatile, fermentation-derived KELTROL® CG-SFT Xanthan Gum is known for its unique smooth flow rheology and transparent thickening. COSMOS® Certified, vegan, non-GMO and organic-compliant ingredient grades available.

Key Attributes 
AppearanceTransparent Gel
pH4.5-5.0
Viscosity – Brookfield® RV5 viscometer @ 20 RPM
3,000-5,000 cP
Order of IngredientsIngredientINCI/Chemical NameWeight %
ASodium Coco SulfateSodium Coco Sulfate83.00
BKELTROL® CG-SFTXanthan Gum8.00
CDisodium EDTA,
Sodium Benzoate,
Potassium Sorbate,
Citric Acid Powder
Disodium EDTA,
Sodium Benzoate,
Potassium Sorbate,
Citric Acid
0.50
3.00
2.00
3.50

Process/Procedure

  1. Add Phase A to vessel.
  2. In Phase B, sift KELTROL® CG-SFT Xanthan Gum into batch and mix.
  3. Add remaining Phase C ingredients and mix thoroughly.

Instructions for Usage

  1. Add 200 mL of warm tap water to a container.
  2. Pour 20 grams of hand soap powder into water and hand mix for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Let the mixture sit for 30–60 minutes and mix again.
  4. Your new cleanser is ready to use.

Solving the microplastics problem

Between regulatory efforts and brands policing themselves, the use of non-biodegradable microplastics in home care and personal care products is well on its way out. There are also more eco-friendly alternatives available that can act as exfoliating scrubbers or fragrance encapsulates to help you differentiate your product. Because no one likes to pay for water, CP Kelco can also help you develop more concentrated and low-water formulations. Read more about how to clean up home care products like laundry pods, liquid laundry detergent, fabric softener and dishwashing detergent with CELLULON® Cellulose Liquid.

Learn more about our solutions for sustainable personal care and home care formulations.

Brookfield® is a registered trademark of AMETEK Brookfield Inc.

The information contained herein is, to our best knowledge, true and accurate, but all recommendations or suggestions are made without guarantee, since we can neither anticipate nor control the different conditions under which this information and our products are used. There are no implied or express warranties of fitness for purpose. Each manufacturer is solely responsible for ensuring that their final products comply with any and all applicable federal, state and local regulations. Further, CP Kelco disclaims all liability with regard to customers’ infringement of third-party intellectual property including, but not limited to patents. We recommend that our customers apply for licenses under any relevant patents.

Sensory and Sustainability: Our Personal Care Ingredient Solutions

Meet our portfolio of innovative, readily biodegradable ingredients derived from renewable raw materials to help you reach your sustainability goals:

Our highly functional, fermentation-derived cellulose that forms a unique 3D net-like structure for exceptional suspension even in low- and no-water systems.

A vegan-friendly, nature-based alternative to synthetic texturizers. Extracted from red seaweed, it is renowned for its thickening, gelling and stabilizing properties as well as its clarity.

Upcycled from citrus peels, a byproduct of the juice industry, pectin is an easily recognizable thickening, gelling and stabilizing ingredient with skin-friendly moisturizing and hydrating properties.

A fermentation-derived rheology modifier that thickens, suspends and stabilizes across a wide range of temperatures while providing a silky, sensory experience.

Fermentation-derived from bacteria found on water lily plants. Gellan gum forms flexible, fluid gels, sprayable textures and thick gels with excellent pick-up in formulations with a light feel.

A versatile, fermentation-derived ingredient that delivers transparent thickening with smooth flow rheology.

Our carrageenan, pectin and xanthan gum blend emulsify oil-in-water systems, stabilizes, thickens and provides excellent sensorial benefits without the use of traditional emulsifiers or surfactants. 

And our first Upcycled Certified® ingredient*, KELCOSENS™ Citrus Fiber – What begins as food waste, citrus peels from the juice industry, are upcycled into a powerful personal care ingredient. Gentle on skin, KELCOSENS™ Citrus Fiber delivers emulsifier-free stabilization with SENSational textures.

*Upcycled Certified® is a registered trademark of the Upcycled Foods Association.

Our highly functional, fermentation-derived cellulose that forms a unique 3D net-like structure for exceptional suspension even in low- and no-water systems.

A vegan-friendly, nature-based alternative to synthetic texturizers. Extracted from red seaweed, it is renowned for its thickening, gelling and stabilizing properties as well as its clarity.

Upcycled from citrus peels, a byproduct of the juice industry, pectin is an easily recognizable thickening, gelling and stabilizing ingredient with skin-friendly moisturizing and hydrating properties.

A fermentation-derived rheology modifier that thickens, suspends and stabilizes across a wide range of temperatures while providing a silky, sensory experience.

Fermentation-derived from bacteria found on water lily plants. Gellan gum forms flexible, fluid gels, sprayable textures and thick gels with excellent pick-up in formulations with a light feel.

A versatile, fermentation-derived ingredient that delivers transparent thickening with smooth flow rheology.

Our carrageenan, pectin and xanthan gum blend emulsify oil-in-water systems, stabilizes, thickens and provides excellent sensorial benefits without the use of traditional emulsifiers or surfactants. 

And our first Upcycled Certified® ingredient*, KELCOSENS™ Citrus Fiber – What begins as food waste, citrus peels from the juice industry, are upcycled into a powerful personal care ingredient. Gentle on skin, KELCOSENS™ Citrus Fiber delivers emulsifier-free stabilization with SENSational textures.

*Upcycled Certified® is a registered trademark of the Upcycled Foods Association.

Discover how to create unique textures without sulfates, silicone or parabens.

EMULSIONS

Blue gel swipe

KELCO-CARE® Diutan Gum

UniqSens™ SFE
Emulsifier-Free System

KELCOSENS™ Citrus Fiber

KELTROL® Xanthan Gum

GELS/CREAMS

White cream swipe

GENU® Pectin

KELCOGEL® Gellan Gum

GENU® Carrageenan

Discover how to create unique textures without sulfates, silicone or parabens.

EMULSIONS

Blue gel swipe

KELCO-CARE® Diutan Gum

UniqSens™ SFE
Emulsifier-Free System

KELCOSENS™ Citrus Fiber

KELTROL® Xanthan Gum

GELS/CREAMS

White cream swipe

GENU® Pectin

KELCOGEL® Gellan Gum

GENU® Carrageenan

Let us help you tap into consumer trends, solve formulation challenges, and explore new ideas in functionality and format.

Ask us about our range of COSMOS® certified, vegan, halal, kosher, non-GMO and organic-compliant ingredient grades to meet consumers’ growing demand.

Exclusive Recipe Card Downloads

Nature-Based Ingredient Solutions for More Sustainable Skin Care

Clean beauty starts with the best ingredients. Meet our portfolio of innovative, readily biodegradable ingredients derived from renewable raw materials to help you reach your sustainability and circularity goals:

  • KELCOSENS Citrus Fiber (Allē Award winner for Best New Natural/Bio-Derived Base Ingredient)
  • ARBALON Cellulose Liquid
  • KELCO-CARE Diutan Gum
  • GENU® pHresh Pectin
  • GENUGEL® & GENUVISCSO® Carrageenan
  • KELCOGEL® Gellan Gum
  • KELTROL® Xanthan Gum
  • UniqSens™ SFE Emulsifier-Free System

We offer a complete range of COSMOS® certified, vegan, halal, kosher, non-GMO and organic-compliant ingredient grades to meet consumers’ growing demand.

From silky serums to luxe creams, discover how to deliver unique, tunable texture sensations. Contact us for a sample and download our free recipe cards featuring KELCOSENS Citrus Fiber, KELTROL® Xanthan Gum and GENUVISCO® Carrageenan.

Please complete the form below to receive your download via email.

KELCOSENS™ Citrus Fiber Wins Prestigious 2024 Allē Award!

BEVERLY HILLS (Mar. 7, 2024) – CP Kelco is proud to announce that its KELCOSENS Citrus Fiber was named the winner of the new “Natural/Bio-derived” ingredients category at the Cosmetics & Toiletries  Allē Awards. The ceremony and red-carpet event honoring “the best in R&D and brand innovation” was held last night in Beverly Hills, California.

John Swazey, CP Kelco (left) and Rachel Grabenhofer, managing scientific editor, Cosmetic & Toiletries (right) at the Allē Awards
red-carpet event.

The annual C&T Allē Awards program recognizes the scientific discipline, formulating skills, resourcefulness and creativity of innovators throughout the cosmetic product development process – from ingredient suppliers and finished product manufacturers, to test method/tool designers, digital tech developers and more. KELCOSENS Citrus Fiber was rated on its merits of sustainability, multifunctionality, novelty, proof of efficacy and safety, among other qualities.

Competition in the overall Base Ingredients category was intense! The CP Kelco team is incredibly honored to receive this recognition and wishes to thank Cosmetics & Toiletries as well as their esteemed panel of independent judges.

KELCOSENS Citrus Fiber is an Upcycled Certified® ingredient* derived from citrus peels, an abundant byproduct of the juice industry near our plant in Brazil. This gentle emulsifier alternative provides stabilization and a light skin feel to help personal care product developers create SENSational textures, from serums to gels and luxe creams. Read more about it.

About CP Kelco

CP Kelco is a nature-based ingredient solutions company with approximately 90 years of experience working with food, beverage, consumer and industrial product manufacturers worldwide. We apply ingredient innovation and problem-solving to develop customized solutions that leverage our regional insights, meet manufacturers’ goals and address consumer needs and preferences.

  • Unique Portfolio. Produces extensive range of high-quality, plant-based and fermentation-derived ingredients to formulate tailored solutions.
  • Technical Excellence. Offers strong collaboration with a global team of scientists and applications experts, leveraging our regional state-of-the art R&D facilities.
  • Sustainability. Committed to providing responsibly sourced and produced ingredients.
  • Market Insights. Understands market and consumer trends to help customers create relevant and innovative products.

Our key product lines include pectin, gellan gum, xanthan gum, carrageenan, fermentation-derived cellulose, diutan gum, microparticulated whey protein concentrate, and our new upcycled ingredients, NUTRAVA® and KELCOSENS™ Citrus Fibers. Learn more at www.cpkelco.com.

*Upcycled Certified® is a registered trademark of the Upcycled Food Association.

5 Things You May Have Missed from Our Recent Skin Care Webinar

Maybe you were unable to join us at our recent webinar, How to Find the Best Ingredient for Your Sustainable Skin Care Formulation, that we co-hosted with Tom Vierhile from Innova Market Insights. Or maybe you would like a little refresh? If so, we have you covered with five of the top things that you may have missed.

1. Mapping top skin care ingredients from gels to emulsions

Using xanthan gum as our guide, we explored textural qualities and sustainability expectations when assessing the best ingredient choices for formulation needs.

GELS

Fluid and elastic gel textures.

GENU® Pectin

  • Gel textures, barrier protection
  • Upcycled from citrus peels

GENUVISCO® Carrageenan

  • Elastic gel textures, film forming
  • Sourced from seaweed
KELCOGEL® Gellan Gum
  • Fluid gel network, ideal for spray

EMULSIONS

Silky, light and refreshing feel for emulsions. 

KELCO-CARE® Diutan Gum
  • Silky sensory, no stickiness
KELTROL® CG SFT Xanthan Gum  
  • Smooth, non-gelly, less tacky

UniqSens™ SFE System

  • Light, non-tacky feel and emulsifier-free stability

KELCOSENS™ Citrus Fiber

  • Refreshing feel, light touch
  • Upcycled from citrus peels

Meeting sustainability expectations

Nature-Based
Fermentation
Responsibly Sourced
Upcycled
Readily Biodegradable

GELS

Fluid and elastic gel textures.

GENU® Pectin

Gel textures, barrier protection

Upcycled from citrus peels

GENUVISCO® Carrageenan

Elastic gel textures, film forming

Sourced from seaweed

KELCOGEL® Gellan Gum

Fluid gel network, ideal for spray

EMULSIONS

Silky, light and refreshing feel for emulsions. 

KELCO-CARE® Diutan Gum

Silky sensory, no stickiness

KELTROL® CG SFT
Xanthan Gum

Smooth, non-gelly, less tacky

UniqSensSFE System

Light, non-tacky feel and emulsifier-free stability

KELCOSENS Citrus Fiber

Refreshing feel, light touch

Upcycled from citrus peels

Meeting sustainability expectations

Nature-Based
Fermentation
Responsibly Sourced
Upcycled
Readily Biodegradable

2. Finding functionality in upcycled ingredients

We showed how KELCOSENS Citrus Fiber, which is upcycled from citrus peels, not only has a great sustainability story but can create a range of textures, including the light and fresh feel that consumers desire now.

3. Unveiling the latest skin care trends

Innova Market Insights presented a sneak peek of the latest skin care trends based on their 2023 global consumer survey and data analysis. Are your formulations aligned with what consumers want now?

4. Answering questions about your formulation challenges

From mineral sunscreen tips to the best thickeners and replacing synthetic emulsifiers, we received a lot of great questions from webinar attendees. In fact, there were so many that we couldn’t get to that we decided to create a follow-up Q&A document for you.

5. There's so much more!

We don’t want this to be a total spoiler alert! It’s not too late to access our webinar recording so you can receive all the great info yourself.