UK-based beauty and cosmetics manufacturer THG LABS has announced a new partnership with biomaterials developer Carbonwave, aimed at improving the sustainability of its skincare, haircare, suncare and bodycare formulations.
The collaboration will see THG LABS incorporate SeaBalance® 2000, a bio-derived emulsifier made from Sargassum seaweed, into its product library. This upcycled ingredient is designed to help address the ecological challenges posed by Sargassum, which has been accumulating in the Caribbean, harming marine ecosystems and releasing methane as it decomposes.
Produced using a green chemistry process, SeaBalance® 2000 is COSMOS-certified, vegan, and suitable for halal and kosher formulations. It has been shown to support skin hydration and barrier function, offering a smooth, silicon-like texture without compromising on performance.
Kristal Goodman, Head of Product Innovation at THG LABS, said:
“We are committed to embedding sustainability into the heart of beauty product development and manufacturing, and we are always challenging ourselves to stay ahead of the curve with our ideas, processes and technologies. Having been among the first to use the new upcycled emulsifier from Carbonwave, we are excited to have a library of tested formulations that are already ready-to-go using SeaBalance® 2000.”
Beyond its use in cosmetics, the initiative supports environmental and social goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating job opportunities in coastal communities affected by Sargassum.
Jeff Yeh, VP of Sales at Carbonwave, added:
“We are thrilled to be joining forces with THG LABS to develop a comprehensive range of formulations that focus not only on sustainability, but also the luxurious and light, silicon-like skin feel of SeaBalance®. Most importantly, partnering with THG LABS will support the acceleration of our own mission to achieve significant climate, health, and environmental benefits via upcycling of Sargassum seaweed in the Caribbean and Mexico.”
The partnership reflects growing consumer demand for sustainable products, with 46% of global consumers reporting a shift in purchasing habits to reduce their environmental impact (PwC Voice of the Consumer Survey, 2024).
