New Bio-Based Emollient Offers Silicone-Free Haircare
A new plant-derived ingredient helps reduce frizz and improves combing ease for those seeking natural beauty alternatives.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Beauty
Live Poll
Would you choose bio-based hair care products if they performed as well as traditional chemical alternatives?
Givaudan has launched SensoTrue DM5, a bio-based emollient derived from sugarcane and upcycled pine terpenes designed to replace 5 cSt dimethicone. This new ingredient aims to provide a natural alternative for haircare products without sacrificing performance.
Why it matters
The development responds to consumer demand for naturally derived beauty ingredients that match the sensory and functional benefits of traditional synthetic silicones. It offers a way for consumers to identify more sustainable options that still deliver on specific hair health outcomes.
Instrumental testing shows SensoTrue DM5 reduces wet combing force by 60%, frizz by 24%, and flyaway by 42% compared to 5 cSt dimethicone. Consumer reports indicate 88% of women felt their hair was healthier after 10 days of use.
The players
Givaudan
A global manufacturer of ingredients for the fragrance, beauty, and wellness industries.
The details
SensoTrue DM5 functions through a blend of molecular weights: low-molecular-weight volatile alkanes allow for even distribution and clean evaporation, while mid-molecular-weight non-volatile alkanes penetrate the hair cortex for hydration. By mimicking the slip and protective properties of silicones using renewable plant-based sources, the formulation aims to maintain manageability and shine.
Timeline
10 days: duration of the consumer testing period for reported hair health improvements.
Health Landscape
The introduction of SensoTrue DM5 follows a broader industry trend of replacing traditional synthetic silicones with renewable alternatives. It represents an evolution in formulation science aimed at matching established performance benchmarks using sustainable botanical sources.
If you are looking to transition to products with plant-derived ingredients, check product labels for new bio-based emollients that match the function of traditional dimethicone. Discuss with your hair care professional whether these alternatives align with your specific hair texture and hydration needs.
The takeaway
Plant-based alternatives are increasingly capable of replicating the performance of synthetic hair treatments. When shopping, prioritize products that list the specific, sustainable sources of their ingredients to better understand what you are applying to your hair.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Beauty to understand how ingredient trends affect your routine.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Global Cosmetic Industry.
Live Poll
Would you choose bio-based hair care products if they performed as well as traditional chemical alternatives?
