Inside the Lab: Pet Care Formulations Driving Real Performance for Modern Pet Care Brands
Pet care formulation standards are evolving rapidly across global markets. What was once focused primarily on basic cleansing and mildness has now shifted toward performance-driven, biologically relevant, and sensorially refined formulations often approaching the benchmarks of advanced human cosmetic products.
Today’s pet owners expect grooming, skin care, and hygiene products to deliver measurable efficacy, long-term stability, safety, and comfort, while aligning with sustainability values and regulatory expectations worldwide.
Responding to this evolution, in 2026 DKSH Performance Materials Personal Care and Home Care team is now expanding our know-how, product range and service into high- performance pet care development, supporting manufacturers globally with ingredients, formulation design, and lab- led innovation. Since we should start taking care of our pets as good as ourselves, this is an exciting new chapter for the DKSH Personal Care team to start delivering science in the pet care formulations.
Entering Modern Pet Care with a Formulation-First Mindset
Global pet care innovation increasingly demands more than simple ingredient replacement. Successful products are built on intentional formulation architecture designed around pet skin biology, coat structure, usage frequency, and real-world performance expectations.
DKSH Performance Materials Personal care’ formulation-first approach is centred on:
- Translating performance goals into robust formulation structures
- Selecting ingredients aligned with pet skin and coat physiology
- Optimising sensory profile, stability, and manufacturing feasibility
- Supporting scale-up from lab to commercial production
By integrating ingredient expertise with formulation development, DKSH Performance Materials Personal care enables faster innovation cycles and reduced development risk across competitive pet care categories.
Odour Control in Pet Care: 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-causing molecules without relying on harsh masking agents, aggressive antimicrobials, or skin-disruptive chemistry.
A foam-based, rinse-free grooming formulation developed in the DKSH lab demonstrates how targeted ingredient systems can deliver long-lasting freshness while maintaining skin and coat comfort.
Key Ingredients Supporting Odour Control Performance
- Cluster-Dextrin®
A non-GMO, starch-derived deodorising ingredient that encapsulates odour-causing molecules at the source. It enables prolonged freshness without irritation, making it suitable for frequent pet use and leave-on applications. - Tamavisco®
An upcycled, tamarind-derived ingredient offering moisturisation and conditioning benefits. It helps maintain skin and fur comfort—particularly important in rinse-free and low-water grooming formats. - MG-60
A mild foaming agent that produces a fine, stable foam structure. It enhances spreadability, reduces mechanical irritation, and improves after-feel during application.
Formulation Outcome
A gentle, rinse-free pet grooming solution delivering effective odour control, improved sensorial performance, and high skin tolerance—aligned with modern pet care routines worldwide.
A gentle, rinse-free pet grooming solution delivering effective odour control, improved sensorial performance, and high skin tolerance—aligned with modern pet care routines worldwide.
Paw & Nose Protection: Barrier Repair Beyond Traditional Occlusion
Paws and noses are continuously exposed to friction, temperature changes, and environmental stressors. As a result, barrier reinforcement has become a central formulation priority in advanced pet care products.
A protective balm formulation developed by DKSH demonstrates how ingredient-led barrier repair strategies can move beyond heavy occlusion toward durable, user-friendly protection.
A protective balm formulation developed by DKSH demonstrates how ingredient-led barrier repair strategies can move beyond heavy occlusion toward durable, user-friendly protection.
Key Ingredients Supporting Barrier Repair
- Cocolatum® 503
A lauric-acid-rich skin protectant that supports moisturisation while contributing natural antibacterial properties, helping safeguard vulnerable areas.
- Citron Barrier Ceramide
An upcycled citron seed-derived pseudo-ceramide engineered to strengthen the skin barrier. It delivers hydration performance exceeding Ceramide NP while maintaining a light, non-greasy sensory profile.
Formulation Outcome
Long-lasting paw and nose protection with a comfortable texture that encourages regular application and improves overall pet comfort.
Long-lasting paw and nose protection with a comfortable texture that encourages regular application and improves overall pet comfort.
Antimicrobial & Skin Health Support: Designed for Pet Skin Biology
Microbial imbalance is a common contributor to pet skin discomfort. However, antimicrobial strategies in pet care must remain biologically compatible, gentle, and suitable for routine use.
A spray-based formulation developed in the DKSH lab highlights how biologically relevant actives can be integrated into multifunctional pet care solutions.
Key Ingredients Supporting Skin Health
- e-Polylysine (E-Polylysine)
A fermentation-derived, GRAS-approved polymer offering antimicrobial protection alongside antistatic and coat-conditioning benefits. It supports hygiene without compromising skin tolerance.
- Petmile-S
Tested in canine-derived cells, these active targets skin challenges 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 pet-appropriate skin compatibility.
A multifunctional skincare spray delivering antimicrobial support, improved coat condition, and pet-appropriate skin compatibility.
Why Global Pet Care Brands Partner with DKSH Performance Materials Personal Care & Home Care team.
The DKSH Performance Materials Personal Care & Home Care team offers more than ingredient sourcing. Global manufacturers benefit from:
- Formulation-led development supported by application labs
- Access to innovative, sustainable, and upcycled pet care ingredients
- Understanding of global market trends and regulatory landscapes
- Support from early concept development through scale-up readiness
This integrated model enables brands to innovate with confidence while meeting evolving consumer, performance, and sustainability expectations worldwide.
Let’s Explore Your Next Pet Care Innovation
Discover how formulation-driven ingredient systems can support your next pet care product launch across grooming, hygiene, skin care, and protection categories.
Start a formulation discussion with DKSH Performance Materials Personal Care & Home Care experts and explore how science-led development can accelerate your pet care innovation journey.
