The specific innovation
On 8 April 2026, Evonik presented SPHINOHANCE® Clear ahead of in-cosmetics Global in Paris. The supplier describes it as a glycolipid-ceramide combination designed to enable transparent aqueous and surfactant formulations for skin, hair and scalp. The official product page lists the INCI as Ceramide NG, Glycolipids, Sodium Benzoate, Aqua.
What is new here is not the existence of ceramides themselves. The supplier's claimed innovation is a ready-to-use system for incorporating them into formats where clarity is part of the product brief, such as a clear shampoo, cleansing gel or aqueous leave-on product. On 15 October 2026, the subject also appeared in the SEPAWA Congress programme under a title concerning the removal of clarity barriers for ceramide formulations.
What the published prototype shows
Evonik published an exact example formula, “Clear Ceramide Shampoo”, code SV 711-5/1.3, dated 9 March 2026. It contains 1.00% SPHINOHANCE® Clear. The document reports a clear appearance, pH 5.8 and a Brookfield viscosity of 2,900 mPa·s. These are supplier data for that specific prototype, not PIBU LAB results.
The most important detail appears in the same document: the stability test is marked “In Process” and the challenge test is marked “in progress”. The prototype therefore should not be presented as a fully validated commercial formula. The supplier itself requires customers to perform their own inspection and testing for the intended application.
Which claims remain supplier claims
Evonik's product page states ceramide deposition on skin and hair in rinse-off applications, together with benefits relating to hydration, flaking, redness and sebum in specified applications. The public materials reviewed do not provide the full protocols, all numerical results and statistical analyses. These benefits should therefore be treated as supplier claims until the relevant dossiers and evidence have been reviewed for the exact formula and claim selected.
A practical reading for developers
Our editorial assessment is that the system merits laboratory screening when clarity and ceramide positioning are both important. Before making a decision, request the technical data sheet, specification, certificate of analysis, recommended use level and available efficacy data. Then compare a control base with a version containing the ingredient, using the same process. Measure clarity or turbidity, pH, viscosity and changes at different temperatures; assess compatibility with the surfactant system, preservation strategy and packaging.
This is a genuine formulation opportunity published in 2026, but it is not automatic proof of a market-ready product or permission to use every marketing claim. The useful innovation is the technical platform; substantiation starts with the specific finished formula.
