Among the key players at PCHi 2026 (Personal Care and Homecare Ingredients), a world-class event that brings together international ingredient suppliers, formulators, and manufacturers to showcase industry innovations and market trends, is Croda China, one of the global leaders in the sector. The company is an ingredient supplier and a partner of world-renowned pharmaceutical companies, universities, and research institutions. HPC Today, media partner of the event held in Hangzhou from March 18 to 20, took the opportunity to discuss innovations and challenges in the personal care sector with Medhee Jarumaneeroj, Croda Regional Marketing Director – Asia.
“We are launching the global product NatraPhos™ LPC F1, which has been continuously developed over more than two decades with the goal of identifying solutions to improve the skin and strengthen its barrier function,” says Croda’s representative. “We firmly believe in this product because, in recent years, consumers have rediscovered the importance of a strong skincare foundation. Many are now asking for biomimetic skin solution that strengthens the skin’s barrier function”.
With this product—a naturally derived lysophospholipid dispersed in glycerin—Croda expands its range of natural phospholipids.
“There are many players in the industry shifting their focus from basic skincare and hygiene towards strengthening the skin barrier and improving its function -underlines Mr. Jarumaneeroj-. In the past, we used to say that we could stop aging, and the market was focused on anti-aging. Today, however, new trends show that consumers are more aware and wiser. They understand that aging cannot be stopped but can be embraced as a blessing and a source of wisdom. This is why concepts such as skin longevity, hair longevity, health, and wellbeing are gaining importance. We believe that by understanding technologies that can truly strengthen the skin barrier, we can also enhance product efficacy for consumers. Asian consumers, in particular, place great importance on sensory benefits. They look for products that provide soothing effects and pleasant sensations, while also delivering visible results. When applying a product, they want to feel that it delivers a better overall experience.”
Research goes hand in hand with innovation and remains a must for Croda.
“If you look at the concept of innovation, it can be divided into two main areas. One is what we call ‘new-to-the-world’ innovation, which focuses on disruptive discoveries and breakthroughs. The other is about finding new ways to improve existing products -explains Croda Regional Marketing Director – Asia-. These two areas represent the key pillars of our innovation strategy. If you rely only on disruptive innovation, you risk not having continuous improvements along the way. That is why we focus on both directions: enhancing current products through extended research and new findings, while also constantly challenging ourselves to discover the next disruptive innovations”.
“Mr. Jarumaneeroj, how does this new ingredient align with current trends in natural and cosmetic ingredient manufacturing? I think consumers have a strong preference for natural-derived ingredients. 80% of Thai consumers say the eco-friendliness of products influences their purchase decisions. Sustainability, innovative formulation bases are appealing to consumers. However, they are also aware that purely natural products may not always deliver the results they expect. For this reason, consumers are increasingly open to a balance between natural ingredients and advanced technologies. It is no longer about ‘natural versus science’, but rather about combining natural components with scientific innovation to create effective solutions. In this way, customers can clearly see how technology enhances natural inspirations and extracts within the final ingredients”.
Interview with Medhee Jarumaneeroj, Croda Regional Marketing Director – Asia
