71
J. Cosmet. Sci., 76.1, 71–74 (January/February 2025)
*Address all correspondence to Joachim Venzmer, joachim.venzmer@evonik.com
Biosurfactants: Sophorolipids and Rhamnolipids
JOACHIM VENZMER
Evonik Operations GmbH, Research, Development &Innovation, Essen, Germany
Accepted for publication September 23, 2024.
Synopsis
There is a shift from fossil-based surfactants to renewable, natural, and sustainable biosurfactants in response
to climate change and consumer demand for environmentally friendly products. Traditional bio-based
surfactants had limitations in environmental friendliness and performance. However, recent advancements
have led to the development of microbially-produced biosurfactants, such as sophorolipids and rhamnolipids,
which are not only biodegradable, but offer outstanding performance profiles. These biosurfactants are
produced through fermentation using renewable resources, such as sugars, and do not rely on tropical oils,
making them renewable and environmentally friendly.
Biosurfactants must compete with conventional surfactants in terms of performance and cost-effectiveness.
Especially rhamnolipids offer excellent solubilization, mildness, and compatibility with various materials,
including skin and are eco-compatible with aquatic organisms. The mildness of glycolipid biosurfactants
is particularly noteworthy, as they do not negatively interact with proteins, enzymes, aquatic organisms or
plastics. Additionally, rhamnolipids provide good foaming, which is an important consumer cue for cleaning
and cosmetic applications.
In conclusion, glycolipid biosurfactants present a sustainable and effective alternative to traditional surfactants,
with significant advantages in terms of mildness and eco-compatibility. The growing demand for clean and
renewable solutions has led to increased market growth for biosurfactants in personal care products and
cosmetics, which is enabled by the availability of commercial-scale production processes.
INTRODUCTION
During the past century, the cleaning properties of most laundry, household cleaning, and
cosmetic products were based on surfactants derived from fossil sources. Driven by the
current debate on climate change, growing awareness of personal health, and the sustainable
production of food and consumer goods, the demand for renewable, natural, and sustainable
ingredients is increasing rapidly. In response to changing consumer demand for sustainable
products, there is now a rapid shift toward more environmentally friendly surfactants that
are not only fully biodegradable but also minimize the product carbon footprint and are
not harmful to aquatic and other organisms.
J. Cosmet. Sci., 76.1, 71–74 (January/February 2025)
*Address all correspondence to Joachim Venzmer, joachim.venzmer@evonik.com
Biosurfactants: Sophorolipids and Rhamnolipids
JOACHIM VENZMER
Evonik Operations GmbH, Research, Development &Innovation, Essen, Germany
Accepted for publication September 23, 2024.
Synopsis
There is a shift from fossil-based surfactants to renewable, natural, and sustainable biosurfactants in response
to climate change and consumer demand for environmentally friendly products. Traditional bio-based
surfactants had limitations in environmental friendliness and performance. However, recent advancements
have led to the development of microbially-produced biosurfactants, such as sophorolipids and rhamnolipids,
which are not only biodegradable, but offer outstanding performance profiles. These biosurfactants are
produced through fermentation using renewable resources, such as sugars, and do not rely on tropical oils,
making them renewable and environmentally friendly.
Biosurfactants must compete with conventional surfactants in terms of performance and cost-effectiveness.
Especially rhamnolipids offer excellent solubilization, mildness, and compatibility with various materials,
including skin and are eco-compatible with aquatic organisms. The mildness of glycolipid biosurfactants
is particularly noteworthy, as they do not negatively interact with proteins, enzymes, aquatic organisms or
plastics. Additionally, rhamnolipids provide good foaming, which is an important consumer cue for cleaning
and cosmetic applications.
In conclusion, glycolipid biosurfactants present a sustainable and effective alternative to traditional surfactants,
with significant advantages in terms of mildness and eco-compatibility. The growing demand for clean and
renewable solutions has led to increased market growth for biosurfactants in personal care products and
cosmetics, which is enabled by the availability of commercial-scale production processes.
INTRODUCTION
During the past century, the cleaning properties of most laundry, household cleaning, and
cosmetic products were based on surfactants derived from fossil sources. Driven by the
current debate on climate change, growing awareness of personal health, and the sustainable
production of food and consumer goods, the demand for renewable, natural, and sustainable
ingredients is increasing rapidly. In response to changing consumer demand for sustainable
products, there is now a rapid shift toward more environmentally friendly surfactants that
are not only fully biodegradable but also minimize the product carbon footprint and are
not harmful to aquatic and other organisms.
Purchased for the exclusive use of nofirst nolast (unknown) From: SCC Media Library & Resource Center (library.scconline.org)
