Lubrizol, a globally recognized leader in specialty ingredients, announced the elimination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), from its peptide synthesis process.
PFAS have been widely used in products since the ‘50s. They're highly resistant to water, heat and oil, and through the many decades and various uses across industries, have racked up a myriad of health and environmental concerns. PFAS tend to stick around, worrying many for their potential to linger and accumulate in our soil, water and wildlife, which only exacerbates the concerns surrounding PFAS and public health.
Lubrizol’s Next Steps
Lubrizol is introducing three commercially available peptides synthesized without PFAS, building on the precedent they set in 2020, when they launched their naturally-derived peptides. The new generation includes Uplevity peptide, Uplevity e-Lift peptide and Leuphasyl peptide.
While more news of worrisome ingredients in beauty and personal care products seems to crop up each day, there’s no need to hit the panic button about PFAS—their use in cosmetic ingredients is limited, with PFAS seldom turning up in final formulations. Lubrizol’s move is a proactive one, intended to eliminate them in the peptide-synthesis process amid growing environmental and regulatory concerns.
“We recognize that sustainability is not just about being first—it’s about doing it right,” says Elena Canadas, global marketing director of beauty, home, pharma & nutra at Lubrizol. “Our PFAS-free peptides are the result of meticulous formulation work, regulatory foresight and a deep respect for the planet.”
Where Will You See These Peptides?
As their names suggest, Uplevity is one of the industry’s responses to the well-aging and peptide demands. The sheer volume of products on the market and heightened consumer scrutiny when it comes to transparency and value alignment mean that the demand for high-performing, innovative and socially responsible formulation has never been more pressing.
Peptides aren’t going anywhere, and the pressure for sustainable practices is only going to get more intense as we start looking to industry leaders, not just for the change we want, but the change we need.
