Lessonia has always specialized in the manufacture of powder cosmetic ingredients (exfoliants, fine powders, active ingredients, extracts...). From grinding and sieving to blending and debacterializing powders, Lessonia has acquired recognized expertise in its field.
Gradually, it has developed expertise in anhydrous cosmetic formulation (clay masks, peel-offs, scrubs, cleansing powders...) and is constantly innovating to meet the challenges of powder cosmetics.
The formulation of anhydrous cosmetics involves the use and mixing of ingredients in the form of fine powders with heterogeneous particle sizes. This constraint gives rise to unmixing, flow problems and powder safety issues (presence of dust). It was therefore essential for Lessonia to find a technical solution to improve powder flowability and avoid dust.
That's why the company chose to innovate with dry granulation technology, equipping itself with a new production line comprising a roller compactor, a granulator and a sieve: a fine powder is compacted into a fine tablet. It is then ground and sieved to obtain the desired granulometry.
The aim is to obtain a larger, more homogeneous particle size from a fine powder, optimized to ensure good powder flow.
Pharmaceutical-inspired technology
Lessonia came up with the idea for this new line from the world of pharmaceuticals and tablets. In the pharmaceutical industry, granulation technology is the first step in tablet manufacture.
Lessonia has been using a rotary tablet press since 2012, to manufacture tablets and lozenges (such as chewable toothpaste). Granulation technology is used upstream to improve powder handling issues (flowability, demixing and homogeneous granulometry).
An investment of €400,000 for new prospects in the future
With this new €400,000 investment, Lessonia intends to innovate and meet the challenges of the powder cosmetics market. It can also expand its range of services for manufacturers looking for solutions. However, a feasibility study on compacting their formula will be essential before starting the granulation process.
Photo: left: Charles-Henri Morice (Head of innovation); right: Nassim Serier - Continuous improvement manager.
