Gattefossé introduces Protecticire® MB, a 100% natural-origin active texturizing ingredient designed to help preserve hair quality over time. Winner of the Bronze 2026 Innovation Zone Best Ingredient Award in the Functional Ingredient category at in-cosmetics Asia, this ingredient is powered by Gattefossé’s wax butter technology, combining functionalized waxes to form an imperceptible protective film on the hair surface. Delivering both functional and sensory benefits, Protecticire® MB helps reduce breakage and split ends, protect color, and enhance softness, shine and lightness across a wide range of haircare applications.
Supporting the hair longevity trend
As consumers seek healthier-looking hair that lasts longer, attention is increasingly shifting beyond scalp care to the fiber itself. Over time, hair lengths and ends become particularly vulnerable and are often the first to show signs of damage
Protecticire® MB was developed with this challenge in mind. By helping preserve the integrity and resilience of the hair fiber over time, it supports a preventive approach to hair care and answers the growing demand for long-lasting beauty and protection.
“Consumers are increasingly looking for high-performance solutions that combine efficacy, naturality and versatility. Protecticire® MB directly addresses these expectations while strengthening our portfolio of innovative natural ingredients. Following the launch of Definicire® in 2018, our active texturizing ingredient that helps recreate the hair’s protective lipid layer, Protecticire® MB represents a new step forward in natural hair protection.”
Lysiane Teyssier, Product Marketing Leader, PC Textures & Applications.
Natural waxes empowered by Gattefossé’s wax butter technology
Drawing on decades of expertise in lipid chemistry, Gattefossé selected carnauba, rice bran and jojoba waxes for their complementary properties. Using Gattefossé’s exclusive, patented wax butter technology, these natural waxes are transformed into a balanced structural system that combines the strength of solid waxes with the flexibility of jojoba esters.
Inspired by the natural protective role of plant waxes, Protecticire® MB forms a lightweight, invisible shield on the hair surface to help protect it from everyday mechanical, thermal and chemical stress associated with styling, heat, coloring and bleaching, as well as environmental factors including UV exposure, pollution and chlorinated water.
“The performance observed across the formulations and testing protocols designed by our team was particularly compelling. Protecticire® MB consistently protected the hair fiber against multiple stress factors while helping maintain its structural integrity. These results not only confirm the effectiveness of our wax-based approach but also demonstrate the value of a rigorous evaluation strategy in translating science into benefits consumers can both see and feel”.
Camille Viseux, Evaluation Laboratory Manager, Personal Care.
Sensory benefits and formulation versatility
Beyond its protective efficacy, Protecticire® MB offers formulators considerable flexibility. Supplied as easy-to-handle pellets, it can be incorporated into a broad range of rinse-off and leave-in applications, from sprays and serums to conditioners, masks and solid formats.
Its unique structure enables formulators to create diverse textures while delivering noticeable sensory benefits. Hair feels softer, shinier and lighter without visible residue or heaviness. Suitable for all hair types, Protecticire® MB helps brands address multiple consumer expectations with a single natural-origin ingredient. Its multifunctional profile also opens opportunities beyond hair care, including selected color cosmetics applications.
By combining naturality, scientifically proven efficacy and formulation versatility, Protecticire® MB enables the development of next-generation products designed to help consumers protect their hair today and preserve its beauty over time
Protecticire® MB, officially launched at in-cosmetics Asia (November 3–5), has just won the Bronze 2026 Innovation Zone Best Ingredient Award in the Functional Ingredient category. Visit Gattefossé at Booth A30 to learn more.
