Manufacturing of chemicals - different methods

Synthetically produced chemicals are those created by humans through chemical processes. These substances can be completely new, or be variations of naturally occurring substances. Synthetically produced chemicals can also be naturally occurring, i.e. it is exactly the same substance that exists naturally but has been produced artificially. Some examples of such substances are urea (urea), ceramides, lactic acid but also retinol and vitamin C, all of which are skin-identical substances but which can be produced synthetically.

In the production of synthetic chemicals, different techniques or methods are used, which may be more or less resource-intensive and/or environmentally friendly. There are several different methods for producing synthetic substances, below we list some of the most common.

Traditional organic synthesis

This method involves creating new chemical compounds by reacting different chemicals under controlled conditions. It is the classic technique for creating synthetic substances and has been used for centuries. Traditionally, petroleum-based raw materials have often been used as starting materials, but nowadays it is increasingly common to start from various natural and often plant-based and renewable raw materials during production. The most common cleansing substances and emulsifiers in skin care are produced in this way.

Biofermentation

Biofermentation is a more environmentally friendly technique that involves using microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast or fungi to produce chemicals. This method is used in the production of substances such as antibiotics, alcohol, and a number of other biotechnological products. In skin care, various organic acids such as lactic acid or citric acid are usually produced via biofermentation, but also oils such as squalane. The substances referred to as postbiotics are also produced or extracted from biofermentation reactions.

Green chemistry

Green chemistry aims to develop chemical processes and products that are more environmentally friendly and require less resources. Green methods try to reduce the use of hazardous substances, reduce energy consumption, reduce the amount of water or other solvents used and reduce waste from the chemical processes.

Upcycling

Upcycling for the production of chemicals is a method that involves making use of residual products and converting existing materials and chemicals into other and more valuable substances. It can be reuse or extraction of residual waste, use of by-products or use of residual material as starting material or energy source in fermentation processes. The conversion aims to reduce waste, save resources and reduce the total environmental impact of the substances by reusing and converting chemicals instead of producing them from scratch. It is becoming more and more common with upcycling and that it is applied widely in the chemical industry and is increasingly highlighted in skin care.

Overall, the development of new methods for the production of substances is incredibly important to reduce our overall environmental impact and make chemical production more sustainable.

Environmental impact and safety of chemicals, natural is not better than synthetic

Both naturally occurring and synthetically produced chemicals can affect the environment and human health. A natural substance does not have to have better properties than if it had been produced synthetically, and vice versa. Some of the most potent toxins we know, such as botulinum toxin, are completely natural and occur in the environment around us. Natural perfumes and essential oils are among the most allergenic substances we use in skin care. It is therefore important to choose, handle and use all substances responsibly, regardless of origin or manufacturing method. Environmentally friendly techniques such as biofermentation and green chemistry can reduce the negative impact that chemicals have on the environment. It can also reduce the use of finite resources. In the end, if the substances are spread, they must be able to be taken care of and broken down, by the treatment plants or in the environment, have low toxicity, i.e. not have a negative impact on humans or the environment. The choice of good substances is central, regardless of whether it is natural or synthetically produced.

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