Inolex granted patents for Cationic Amino Lipid Technology

PHILADELPHIA, PA, February 5, 2024 —Korean Patent KR102613882B1and Brazilian Patent BR112021017173B1.

Inolex is advancing innovation in key beauty care markets with newly granted patents for its cationic amino lipid technology. The two patents, issued in Korea and Brazil, claimSelf-neutralizing amino acid based-cationic compositions and their use in cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceutical applications.

Both patents cover Inolex’s advanced conditioning ingredients under the AminoSensylBrand, includingAminoSensyl™ Ultra MB,Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Brassicyl Valinate Esylate andAminoSensyl™ HC,Brassica Alcohol (and) Brassicyl Valinate Esylate.

AminoSensylis a quat-free conditioning line that delivers safe, natural, and environmentally-friendly hair care ingredients to brands seeking more sustainable options. Commonly used in hair conditioners, shampoos, and hair treatments, quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) bear a permanent cationic charge independent of formulation pH and are not 100% biobased. The permanent charge binds strongly to anionic surfaces, causing safety concerns, environmental persistence, and aquatic toxicity over their life cycle.

Inolex’s cationic amino lipid molecular design, however, incorporates a protonated primary amine derived from 100% biobased amino acid and neutralized with biobased ethanesulfonic acid resulting in a natural, non-permanent cationic charge that is safer for people and the environment.

According to Michael J. Fevola, PhD, Vice President of Research & Development at Inolex, “Our cationic amino lipids are the next generation of high performing conditioning derived exclusively from renewable sources and with improved sustainability benefits. We pursued patent coverage in rising beauty care markets like Korea and Brazil, as these markets set the pace for consumer innovation, particularly in scalp and hair care.” Further, says Fevola, “Providing access to ingredient advancements in growing markets like Korea and Brazil helps encourage more sustainable ingredient adoption globally.”

Inolex’s non-aquatoxic and readily biodegradable ingredients are designed using the principles of green chemistry and combine quat-free technology with uncompromising performance.

References:

Korea PatentKR102613882B1Title: Self-neutralizing amino acid-based cationic composition

Brazil PatentBR112021017173B1Title: Cationic compositions based on self-neutralizing amino acids and aqueous formulation

Related News

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Conrad A. Plimpton

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Conrad A. Plimpton

April 2026

Conrad A. Plimpton, longtime Chairman and CEO of Inolex and a respected leader in the global personal care industry, passed away on April 19 at the age of 83. A visionary deal maker and entrepreneur with a deep passion for applied science, Conrad led the 1981 buyout of Inolex and helped shape it into the independent, multigenerational ingredient design firm it is today.

Read More
Inolex Appoints Rishabh Shah Director of R&D, Applications & Technical Service

Inolex Appoints Rishabh Shah Director of R&D, Applications & Technical Service

April 2026

Industry veteran with over 15 years of experience in formulation science, technical service, and customer-driven innovation.

Read More
Inolex Appoints Nancy Appelquist Director of Supply Chain

Inolex Appoints Nancy Appelquist Director of Supply Chain

March 2026

Industry veteran with over two decades of experience leading operations, strategy and team development.

Read More