Inside the Lab: Pet Care Formulations Driving Real Performance for Your Next Pet Care Project
Petcare formulation standards are evolving rapidly. Once centred on basic cleansing and mildness, today’s pet care products are expected to deliver performance, stability, sensory appeal, and biological relevance - often approaching the benchmarks set by human cosmetics.
Responding to this shift, DKSH Performance Materials UK has now expanded into the UK Petcare market, extending its formulation expertise beyond human applications. The focus is clear: supporting UK pet care manufacturers to find high performance raw materials and formulation-led development that align with the market expectations and consumer trust.
Entering the UK Pet Care Market with a Formulation-First Approach
DKSH Performance Materials’ expansion into pet care is built on one core principle: Successful pet care products start with formulation design, not ingredient substitution.
By combining access to trusted, high-quality pet care ingredients with lab-based formulation co-development, DKSH supports manufacturers at every stage of innovation:
- Translating performance targets into formulation architecture
- Selecting ingredients suited to pet skin and coat biology
- Optimising stability, sensoriality, and manufacturability
- Supporting scale-up and market-ready product development
This formulation-first approach enables faster, more confident entry into competitive pet care categories.
Odour Control in Petcare: Functional Deodorisation at the Molecular Level
Odour control remains one of the most complex challenges in pet grooming and hygiene products. Effective solutions must neutralise odour molecules without irritation, disruption of the skin barrier, or harsh masking agents.
A foambased, rinsefree grooming formulation developed in the DKSH lab demonstrates how targeted ingredient systems can achieve this balance.
Key Ingredients Supporting Odour Control Performance
- Cluster-Dextrin®: A non-GMO, starch-derived deodorising ingredient that captures odour-causing molecules at the source. It enables long-lasting freshness without harsh actives, making it suitable for frequent pet use.
- Tamavisco®: An upcycled, tamarind-derived ingredient providing moisturisation and conditioning. It helps maintain skin and fur comfort particularly important in rinse-free and leave-on grooming formats.
- MG-60: A mild foaming agent that creates a fine, stable foam structure. It improves spreadability while reducing mechanical irritation and enhancing after-feel during application.
Formulation Outcome
A gentle, rinse-free pet grooming product aligned with modern pet care routines, offering effective odour control, improved sensorial experience, and skin tolerance.
Paw & Nose Protection: Barrier Repair Beyond Traditional Occlusion
Paws and noses are continuosly exposed to friction, temperature changes, and environmental stressors. As a result, barrier reinforcement a central formulation priority in modern petcare.
A protective balm formulation developed by DKSH highlights how ingredient-led design can move beyond heavy occlusion to deliver durable, consumer-friendly protection.
Key Ingredients Supporting Barrier Repair
- Cocolatum 503: A lauric-acid-rich skin protectant supporting moisturisation while contributing natural antibacterial properties, helping protect vulnerable areas.
- Citron Barrier Ceramide: An upcycled citron seed-derived pseudo-ceramide engineered to strengthen the skin barrier. It delivers hydration performance that exceeds Ceramide NP while maintaining a non-greasy sensory profile.
Formulation Outcome
Long-Lasting paw and nose protection with a light, User-Friendly texture, supporting regular application and improved pet comfort.
Antimicrobial & Skin Health Support: Designed for Pet Skin Biology
Microbial imbalance is a frequent contributor to pet skin discomfort. However, antimicrobial strategies in pet care must remain biologically compatible and gentle enough for routine use.
A spray-based formulation developed in the lab illustrates how biologically relevant actives can be integrated into multifunctional pet care products.
Key Ingredients Supporting Skin Health
- E-Polylysine: A fermentation-derived, GRAS-approved polymer providing antimicrobial protection alongside antistatic and coat conditioning benefits. It supports hygiene while maintaining skin tolerance.
- Petmile-S: Tested in canine-derived cells, this active target skin issues linked to mites and harmful bacteria. It helps reduce inflammation by inhibiting IL-6 and TNF-a expression, supporting healthier skin function.
Formulation Outcome
A multifunctional skincare spray delivering antimicrobial support, improved coat condition, and petappropriate skin compatibility.
Why UK Petcare Manufacturers Partner with DKSH Performance Materials
DKSH Performance Materials UK offers more than ingredient supply. Manufacturers benefit from:
- Formulation-Led development supported by lab expertise
- Access to innovative, sustainable, and upcycled pet care ingredients
- Understanding of UK and European market expectations
- Support from concept development through to scaleup readiness
This integrated approach helps brands innovate with confidence while meeting evolving consumer and regulatory demands.
Let’s Explore Your Next Petcare Innovation
Discover how formulation-led ingredient systems can support your next pet care Product launch in the UK.
Discover how formulation-led ingredient systems can support your next pet care Product launch in the UK.
Start a formulation discussion with our experts or explore how DKSH can support your development journey.
Or contact our UK Representative below:
Milagros España
Sales Manager, Personal Care Industry
Performance Materials, Great Britain
Mobile +44 7495 341 313
[email protected]
[email protected]
