SOFTISAN® 650 – A film so light, … it feels natural!

12. June 2025

Film formers play a crucial role in sunscreen, makeup or skin care concepts. They ensure the even spreading of the products when applied and provide protection against external influences. While most formulations so far rely on synthetic polymers, demand for natural alternatives is growing.

For more than four decades now, IOI Oleo has been providing film formers for the cosmetic industry and has thus shaped countless products. SOFTISAN® 649, which is contained in innumerable lip care formulations −and has contributed to millions of gentle kisses − is a classic. Later innovations such as SOFTISAN® 645 expanded the portfolio and opened up new possibilities for formulators.

However, the requirements for modern cosmetics are continuously increasing. Consumers expect not only performance, but also sustainable and natural ingredients as well as corresponding sensorial properties.

We meet this demand with our latest product launch:

Curtains up: SOFTISAN® 650, the new-generation, entirely natural film former.

But how can a single film former meet all of the specifications mentioned above? The answer lies in the structure as a polymer based on polyglycerin, polycarboxylic acid and natural fatty acids. With that, SOFTISAN® 650 offers:

Water resistance:

SOFTISAN® 650 forms a highly hydrophobic film that optimises the stability and performance of cosmetic formulations. By means of contact angle measurement, independent laboratory tests prove the strong film formation and improved water resistance after application.

An even and long-lasting film is decisive for the performance of numerous cosmetic products. Tests with fluorescent powder showed that formulations with SOFTISAN® 650 leave a visible film even after contact with water, while placebo formulations were completely washed off.

Long-lasting Performance – Protection, Moisture & Stability.

Modern cosmetics must not only have an immediate effect but also maintain their performance for several hours or even the entire day. That is exactly what SOFTISAN® 650 offers: It ensures lasting hold, protects the skin barrier and supports the hydration of the skin.

Long-lasting Effect

Cosmetic products often have to withstand high impacts – whether through the skin’s own sebum production, humidity or mechanical influences. In a novel 20-minute in-vitro test (equates to 24 hours in-vivo) on artificial skin, it was shown that formulations with SOFTISAN® 650 retain colour intensity and shine far longer than those without it. Already an application concentration of 5 % gives film formers longer hold.

An intact skin barrier protects against external influences and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Tests with (O/W and W/O) show that 2 % SOFTISAN® 650 already strengthens the skin barrier significantly. Within just 30 minutes, the TEWL value was measurably reduced – an effect that was still evident after 2 hours.

Moisture is essential for a healthy skin. SOFTISAN® 650 improves skin hydration. Corneometry tests confirm that: A significant increase in moisture content was shown after just 30 minutes and was still measurable after 2 hours.

A film that is hardly perceptible – light sensorial feel meets measurable performance.

Many conventional film formers have a noticeable disadvantage: They leave a sticky feel on the skin. To cover up this impression, formulators have to resort to additional ingredients. That makes developments more complex and more expensive.

SOFTISAN® 650 offers a completely new solution. Although it creates a measurable film, it is barely noticeable on the skin. The product acts as a performance booster that improves existing formulations without influencing their sensory properties.

Three characteristics make SOFTISAN® 650 unique:

  • Measurable performance

  • Light sensorial feel

  • 100 % naturalness

In short, with SOFTISAN® 650, IOI sets new standards for powerful, natural and sensorially pleasant film formers. It unites measurable performance, water resistance, skin protection and moisturising care – without the sticky feeling of conventional film formers.

SOFTISAN® 650 provides the perfect balance of effectiveness and wearing comfort, − be it for sun care, colour cosmetics or skin care. Wearing comfort. Thanks to its vegan, non-irritating and RSPO-certified formulation, it meets the highest regulatory and ethical requirements.

Contact our team for samples, technical support or personalised advice.

👉 Find out more & request samples now!

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Aurélien Tahon

Aurelien Tahon is Head of Application Development and Technical Product Management Personal Care at IOI Oleo GmbH. He is a graduate of the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, where he received a degree in Chemical Engineering . Aurelien worked in various positions (Hair Care formulator, R&D Raw Material Scouting and Global Strategic Procurement) within the Beiersdorf group for 15 years before joining IOI Oleo GmbH. He is passionate about music and loves to spend time with his 3 daughters.