Skin care formulators believe cosmetic ingredients are not keeping pace with consumer demand for sustainable products, according to a new survey by US speciality chemical maker Eastman.
Eastman’s Global Skin Care Formulation Study found only 52% are satisfied with current ingredient options in the market.
Around 85% of those surveyed – in total, 150 R&D professionals involved in the selection of ingredients for skin care formulations at personal care CPG/FMCG (consumer packaged goods/fast-moving consumer goods) companies in Europe, Asia and the US – see sustainability as important.
This points to a critical gap between what formulators need to improve the sustainability profiles of their products and solutions the market offers, said Eastman.
“Skin care formulation is moving to a sustainability-first approach. Teams feel the pull from both sides—customers and retailers on one, corporate goals on the other—making sustainability a requirement rather than an afterthought,” it added.
“At the same time, many are dissatisfied with the current market offerings. Formulators are looking for solutions that meet rising standards without adding friction—clear proof, recognized test methods, and no compromise on performance or aesthetics.”
When formulators are asked which sustainability attributes matter most in their developments, end-of-life leads.
Microplastic-free tops the list (59%), with biodegradable close behind (47%), signaling that reducing persistence and demonstrating real breakdown are the clearest markers in ingredient selection.
Announced at NYSCC Suppliers’ Day 2026, the report also includes results from a consumer survey includes responses from 6,000 women ages 12–70 across six countries and explores perspectives on current skin care and SPF application options.
Eastman found consumers expect immediate and long-term results from their skin care solutions, with 45% reporting difficulty finding products that meet all their needs, signaling an opportunity for innovation.
Consumer loyalty, meanwhile, was found to be fragile; less than 50% of global consumers remain loyal to a single skin care brand and are willing to switch when expectations are not met.
Sustainable options are in demand; 57% of global consumers choose their preferred facial skin care brands because the brands use sustainable ingredients.
In addition, it is a struggle to find the right product fit; only about half of global consumers (52%) are satisfied with the skin-to-product compatibility of their current skin care products.
Eastman is exhibiting at NYSCC Suppliers’ Day booth 275, where it will present additional insights from the research, as well as its latest prototypes for lipstick, foundation, pressed powder, sunscreen stick, and mineral sunscreen plus its growing personal care portfolio.
This includes Esmeri CC1N10 cellulose ester micropowder, which it says presents a versatile option for formulators across a range of applications.
