Angus Chemical Company launches ammonia alternative for hair color formulations

19-Jul-2021 - Last updated on 19-Jul-2021 at 16:21 GMT

$© Getty Images \ (Mireya Acierto)$

Late last week, the Illinois-based specialty chemical company launched a new alkalizer ingredient that promises to replace ammonia and MEA.

The new ingredient, trademarked as DL-2AP ULTRA PC and with the INCI name Aminopropanol, was developed using the company’s proprietary nitroalkane chemistry.

“DL-2AP ULTRA PC offers manufacturers a unique formulating tool with a more favorable environmental profile, superior biodegradability and lower odor than other chemistries on the market,” explains Laurie Marshall, Global Business Manager for Angus Chemical Company Home and Personal Care, in a press release announcing the ingredient launch. “It also helps colorant formulators produce the vibrant, natural-looking colors that keep consumers coming back for more.”

“Consumers,” she says, “want products that provide efficacy and ease of use, along with additional benefits, such as reduced damage, and conditioning.”

The latest hair color ingredient from Angus may replace ammonia and MEA

The new multifunctional amino acid alcohol promises to be at least 99% pure and has a high base strength as well as a (typical) molecular weight of just 75g.

DL-2AP ULTRA PC is, according to the ingredient product page on angus.com, well suited for use in formulations for hair bleaching, straightening, and styling products as well as for applications like oxidative hair colorants and semi-permanent hair colorants.

Besides the ingredient’s biodegradability and “more favorable environmental profile,” DL-2AP ULTRA PC is a desirable alternative to ammonia in hair color formulations because it has less of an odor. And it’s preferable to MEA because it is less of an irritant. The new ingredient also promises “reduced hair damage compared to ammonia or MEA when used in hair colorants,” according to the product page.

The business of chemistry: a quick look at the history and future of Angus

Previously a subsidiary of Dow, Angus Chemical Company was acquired in early 2015 by Golden Gate Capital. Today, Golden Gate has 50% ownership of Angus, having sold 50% to investment fund Ardian in October of 2020.

Angus has been in business since 1936. And like so many ingredient suppliers and specialty chemical companies, Angus serves numerous consumer and industrial markets, such as beauty and personal care, household and industrial cleaning, paints and coatings, electronics chemicals, chemical manufacturing, water treatment, oil an gas, and leather tanning.

Based in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, Angus Chemical Company continues to innovate to address current and future market needs—as the launch of DL-2AP ULTRA PC illustrates. To keep the innovation pipeline filled, Angus brought in Dr Kathleen Havelka as VP of Research and Development this past April.

“Kathleen has an impressive track record of leading innovation, driving the introduction of new technologies, fostering collaboration and finding improved technical solutions to support growth,” remarked David Neuberger, President and CEO of Angus, in a press release circulated that month.

“She brings a deep understanding of the strategic end markets we serve, as well as the diversified needs of our customers around the world,” he said, adding, “I look forward to the addition of Kathleen's experience and scientific expertise to the Angus leadership team.”

And earlier this year, Angus earned the Gold Recognition Level in sustainability performance by EcoVadis, another indication that the beauty ingredient company is intent of keeping pace with industry expectations.