KINGSPORT, Tennessee
Eastman, a global specialty materials company, today launched Eastman Esmeri™ SK1N10, a readily biodegradable1, non-nano2 cellulose ester micropowder. It is designed to help reduce trade-offs between biodegradable ingredients and sensorial performance in skin care and sun care.
Designed for aqueous and oil-in-water systems, Esmeri SK1N10 (INCI: Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (and) Disodium Succinate) helps deliver an immediate soft-focus blurring effect, a quick dry-down that reduces tackiness and shine control for a soft, powdery matte finish. The multifunctional ingredient can be used in serums, creams, moisturizers, sprays, eye treatments and sunscreens, including formulations with commonly used actives such as retinoids.
In sun care formulations, Esmeri SK1N10 can enhance the performance of both organic and inorganic UV filters through UV scattering. This results in an SPF-boosting effect that has the potential to reduce UV-filter concentrations while also enhancing tactile properties.
Eastman surveyed 150 research and development professionals at personal care consumer packaged goods (CPG) and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies across 11 countries. Nearly half of the respondents said they expect biodegradability of their ingredient portfolio to become mainstream in their region within two to five years. However, only 52% report satisfaction with current market offerings.
The research also surveyed 6,000 women and girls ages 12–70 across six countries and found 45% have difficulty finding facial skin care products that meet all their needs. The respondents identified sticky product texture, post-application greasiness and a lack of visible results as common frustrations.
“Consumers increasingly expect skin care and sun care products to deliver sustainability benefits and strong performance,” said Lauren Leonard, global market development manager at Eastman. “Formulators need ingredients that can help them balance these priorities and navigate changing regulations. Esmeri SK1N10 offers a multifunctional, high-performing biodegradable solution.”
Esmeri SK1N10 is not considered a synthetic polymer microparticle under EU Regulation 2023/2055, as it meets the biodegradability criteria established in the regulation and is sourced under Eastman’s wood pulp sourcing policy. It offers a readily biodegradable, non-nano alternative to legacy microparticles such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and nylon-12. It gives formulators a high-performing solution when evaluating alternatives to silica and traditional cellulose powders.
The introduction of Esmeri SK1N10 marks the latest expansion of the Esmeri portfolio, reflecting Eastman's ongoing investment in advancing cellulose ester innovation for personal care. As the Esmeri portfolio continues to grow beyond color cosmetics and into a broader range of personal care applications, Eastman is leveraging its deep expertise in cellulose ester technology to develop high-performance solutions that help address evolving market, regulatory and sustainability needs. These innovations are backed by Eastman's rich heritage in materials science, including more than a century of experience in cellulose chemistry, rigorous performance testing and trusted global manufacturing capabilities.
Explore Eastman’s website to learn more about Esmeri SK1N10 and the company’s expanding portfolio of personal care solutions.
About Eastman
Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 13,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2025 revenue of approximately $8.8 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.
Media Contact
Sunjay Lee (for Eastman)
Sunjay.lee@ruderfinn.com
1Readily biodegradable in compliance with regulation (EU) 2023/2055 on “Synthetic Polymer Microparticles”
2According to EC recommendation of 2022/C 229/01
