hfoster

Tea Wax: Natural Creaminess and Skin Barrier Support from an Upcycled Source

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 07:00:18 GMT

We're the UK's trusted distributor of the Kahl wax portfolio, and tea wax has one of the most interesting origin stories in the range: a soft, creamy natural wax recovered as a by-product of decaffeinated tea production. We supply KahlWax 6614 Tea (INCI: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Wax), and at use levels of just 1 to 3% it brings richness, creaminess and a subtle natural tea scent to hair conditioners, body butters, hand creams, lip balms and colour cosmetics. If you're looking for a natural wax with a genuine upcycling story and measurable skin benefits, this is one worth knowing.

Where It Comes From

Tea wax comes from the leaves of Camellia sinensis , the evergreen shrub whose leaves and buds give us tea. Native to East Asia, the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, it's now cultivated across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Two main varieties are grown: the small-leaved Chinese variety ( C. sinensis sinensis ), used mainly for green tea, and the large-leaved Assamese plant ( C. sinensis assamica ), used mainly for black tea. Usually only the bud and the first two to three leaves are picked, by hand, and the harvest is repeated every one to two weeks.

On the plant, a natural wax coating protects the leaves against mould, parasites and loss of moisture. When tea is decaffeinated, the leaves are treated with CO2 extraction to reduce their caffeine content (fresh leaves contain around 4%), and that same step lifts the crude wax from the leaves. The caffeine recovered is sold on to other industries, while the crude wax is refined in Germany: heated to around 110°C with filter aids and filtered to produce the finished KahlWax 6614 Tea.

It's a genuinely circular ingredient. Tea wax is an upcycled by-product of decaffeinated tea manufacture, obtained through a mild, solvent-free CO2 extraction with no waste. It's a renewable resource, and the tea is sourced from a Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance certified supplier.

What Makes It Different

KahlWax 6614 Tea is a soft, creamy wax with a medium-low drop melting range of 60 to 66°C and a cone penetration of around 50 dmm at 25°C. It consists mainly of long-chain wax esters and hydrocarbons, and its hydrocarbon content of around 10% is comparable to beeswax, which is what gives tea wax its very soft texture.

In practice, that softness means it behaves more like an emollient than a classic structuring wax. It makes oleogels and W/O emulsions more substantial without significantly affecting hardness, while noticeably increasing creaminess, and because it's so soft its influence on the viscosity of anhydrous products is low. It offers good oil-binding capacity with both very polar and non-polar emollients, and works particularly well with paraffin oil. Kahl lists its benefits as re-fatting agent, oil binder/thickener, texture enhancer, pay-off enhancer and viscosity regulator.

The test data back this up. In a 20-person sensory panel, an O/W emulsion containing 3% tea wax was compared with a placebo containing 3% MCT oil and delivered a rich, creamy skin feel similar to that of an emollient. In a TEWL (transepidermal water loss) study on 12 volunteers, an O/W body butter with 3% tea wax significantly reduced TEWL one hour after application compared with the same formula without it, supporting the skin's natural barrier function.

Two formulation points worth knowing. Tea wax is dark olive to brown in colour, and depending on use level it shifts emulsions towards yellow, so it sits most comfortably in pigmented formulations; in non-pigmented products the colour may fade over time, so if colour matters Kahl recommends opaque packaging. It also carries a characteristic natural green/black tea scent and flavour, which you can use as part of a natural fragrance, complement with other notes, or mask easily with perfume oil.

KahlWax 6614 Tea is vegan, solvent free and suitable for natural cosmetics. For China it's listed as Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, and Annex 14 questionnaires are available to support CSAR compliance.

Working With It

The recommended use level is 1 to 3%. It's easy to incorporate into any type of formulation and is compatible with all commonly used cosmetic ingredients. Where it earns its place:

Hair care, at 1 to 2% in rinse-off and leave-on conditioners and scalp scrubs, where it adds re-fatting richness and a creamy texture
Skin care emulsions and gels, where it gives low viscosity systems, O/W emulsions and aqueous gels a soft, smooth and homogeneous texture, ideal for body butters and hand creams
Colour cosmetics and lip care, where its medium-low melting range delivers excellent pay-off and smoothness, used at up to 3% in a natural W/O lip balm

Kahl's own starter formulations show how versatile it is, with tea wax used from 1.0% to 3.0% across nine products: a natural hair conditioner and a leave-on conditioner (both 1.5%), a cream conditioner for oily hair (2.0%), a scalp scrub, a natural body scrub and a hand cream (all 1.0%), a body butter and a hot-poured body butter bar (both 1.5%), and a natural W/O lip balm (3.0%).

Tea wax itself has a Natural Origin Index of 1 (calculated to ISO 16128), and with its upcycled, solvent-free production, it's a natural fit for clean and naturally positioned ranges.

Why Source Tea Wax Through H Foster

EcoVadis Platinum rated , we hold EcoVadis Platinum status, placing us in the top 1% of suppliers assessed
globally for sustainability
UK-based stock and shipping , with shorter lead times than sourcing directly from Germany or Asia
ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified
Technical formulation support , backed by Kahl's in-house expertise, we work alongside customers to help develop

and refine their formulations, not just supply the raw material

Our EcoVadis Platinum accreditation isn't just a badge on the website. It's a genuine reflection of how we operate, and one of the reasons formulators come back to us.

Request a Quote

Interested in trialling tea wax in your next formulation? Get in touch with our team for pricing, samples, or technical support.

sales@hfoster.co.uk

0113 243 9016

H Foster 1875

Specialty chemical distribution · EcoVadis Platinum · ISO 9001 · ISO 14001

Coconut Fatty Acid: The Chemistry Behind a Great Lather

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 06:00:53 GMT

At H Foster, we've supplied raw materials to industry since 1875, and coconut fatty acid is one of the most versatile materials in our fatty acid range . High in lauric and myristic acid, it's the chemistry behind the rich lather in countless shampoos, soaps and body washes, and it's just as at home in household cleaning agents, food applications and fragrance additives. If your formulation needs effective, naturally derived cleansing performance, this is one worth knowing.

Where It Comes From

Coconut fatty acid starts with the coconut itself. The oil is obtained from the inside of the coconut, the white kernel or “meat”, which is dried and pressed to give coconut oil.

Like all natural oils and fats, coconut oil is made up of triglycerides: three fatty acids joined to a glycerol backbone. To produce coconut fatty acid, the oil is split by hydrolysis, which breaks those ester links and releases the fatty acids. The glycerol removed in the process isn't wasted, either: it's recovered as glycerine, another widely used raw material.

The result is a naturally derived, plant-based mixture of fatty acids that carries the distinctive profile of the coconut into a wide range of finished products.

What Makes It Different

What sets coconut fatty acid apart is its chain length. Most common fatty acids, such as stearic and oleic acid, have 18 carbon atoms. Coconut fatty acid is dominated by shorter chains, above all lauric acid (C12) and myristic acid (C14).

That shorter-chain profile is what gives coconut-based ingredients their character. Soaps and surfactants made from lauric and myristic acid are more soluble and lather quickly, producing the rich, fast-building foam that people expect from a shampoo, hand wash or body wash. It's why so many cleansing ingredients carry “coco” in their name.

It also makes coconut fatty acid a genuinely versatile starting point: it can be neutralised to make soap directly, or used as a building block for a wide range of other ingredients.

Working With It

Coconut fatty acid is at its best wherever cleansing and foaming performance matter, but its uses reach well beyond personal care .

Where it earns its place:

Shampoos, soaps and body washes, where its lauric and myristic acid content delivers quick, rich lather and effective cleansing
Household cleaning agents, where the same cleansing performance works on surfaces rather than skin
Food applications
Fragrance additives

Whatever your formulation requirements, the right grade and specification will depend on your application. We're happy to share technical data and talk through your needs with your team, and samples are available on request.

Why Source Coconut Fatty Acid Through H Foster

EcoVadis Platinum rated , we hold EcoVadis Platinum status, placing us in the top 1% of suppliers assessed
globally for sustainability
UK-based stock and shipping , with shorter lead times than sourcing directly from Germany or Asia
ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified
Technical formulation support , backed by Kahl's in-house expertise, we work alongside customers to help develop

and refine their formulations, not just supply the raw material

As a family business since 1875, we treat our customers and partners like family: honest advice, personalised service and the right product for the job, every time.

Request a Quote

Interested in trialling coconut fatty acid in your next formulation? Get in touch with our team

for pricing, samples, or technical support.

sales@hfoster.co.uk

0113 243 9016

H Foster 1875

Specialty chemical distribution · EcoVadis Platinum · ISO 9001 · ISO 14001

Two Families, One Business: The H Foster Story

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 05:00:26 GMT

Every great story needs two beginnings before it becomes one. Ours starts in Leeds, in 1875 - and in a workshop nearly a century later that had nothing to do with chemicals at all.

Where It Began

In 1875, Henry Foster and his son Joseph started something small: a business making products from tallow and wool grease for the leather and textiles trades. Neither of them could have known it would still be trading 150 years later.

By 1900, the business had grown enough to move into new premises at 103 Kirkstall Road, Leeds - a site the company still occupies today. Joseph Foster, now the third generation at the helm, was building something built to last.

The 1920s brought a bold move: H Foster launched its own haulage company, becoming the first business in the area to run tankers. If the industry needed bulk delivery, H Foster would be the ones doing it.

By 1960, the fourth generation - Henry, Chris and Richard Foster - were running the show. As the wool trade declined across the West Riding of Yorkshire, they steered the business back to tallow, proving the family's knack for adapting without losing sight of what they did best. Around this time, H Foster was even producing its own stearic acid - a skill that would become central to the company's identity again, decades later.

A Bold Idea, Miles Away

Meanwhile, a very different story was unfolding. Geoffrey Eggar was working at Astor Chemicals when he met Herman Drews and Walter Hunternberg, owners of a German company called Kahl - and Geoffrey saw an opportunity. So he approached them, saying he wanted to sell to them. In truth, that was never the plan. Geoffrey's real intention all along was to become their UK distributor.

The meeting happened. The deal was struck. And in 1972, Geoffrey founded his own business - Eggar Chemicals - buying a former filling station on the A4 in the village of Theale to serve as its headquarters. It was a bold, confident move: bet everything on a relationship you talked your way into, and build a company around it. Remarkably, the Eggar-Kahl partnership continues to this day, more than 50 years later.

Eggar Chemicals grew quickly. Simon Eggar joined his father's business in 1977, and together the family built up a loyal customer base across the country. Growth brought a good problem: Eggar Chemicals ran out of space at its Theale warehouse.

Where the Two Stories Meet

Geoffrey had already done a little business with Richard Foster, and the Fosters, as it happened, had spare warehouse space to rent. Eggar Chemicals moved in to serve its customers up north - and before long, took office space too, once three sales reps were based there. It was a practical arrangement between two neighbouring businesses. Nobody could have guessed where it would lead.

In July 2005, Richard Foster - approaching retirement - asked the Eggar family a question that would change everything: would they like to buy H Foster? Geoffrey and Simon said yes. The deal completed on 1 August 2006, with Geoffrey Eggar as Chairman and Simon Eggar as Managing Director. One family's landlord had become another family's legacy.

The following year, the Eggars made a decisive choice: Eggar Chemicals was sold to Safic Alcan, allowing Geoffrey and Simon to give H Foster their full attention. It was the end of one chapter and the confident start of another - two family businesses, one history, moving forward as a single story.

One Company, Moving Forward

Under Eggar family leadership, H Foster hasn't just survived - it's thrived. In 2012, the company launched its first e-commerce venture. In 2016, the business was renamed H Foster 1875 Ltd, cementing its heritage in its very name. In 2019, the team moved into a new head office in Goring-on-Thames, and the following year earned ISO 9001 accreditation - a mark of quality the company has held onto ever since.

The momentum kept building. A rebranded 1875.co.uk website launched in 2020, followed by ISO 14001 environmental accreditation in 2021. In 2023, Simon was joined by his son Tom as an equal partner - the next generation, once again, stepping up.

Then, in 2025, came a milestone that captured exactly how far the company had grown. H Foster's operations had always been based at 103 Kirkstall Road in Leeds - the very site the Fosters had moved to back in 1900. But Leeds, like H Foster itself, had grown, and the Foster family - who had remained landlords of the site all this time - made the decision to sell it. Rather than a setback, the move became an opportunity: H Foster relocated its warehouse operations to Steventon, near Didcot, into a significantly larger site built to match the scale the business had reached. It was a symbol of everything the company had become since 1875 - too big now for the building that had housed it for over a century.

Recent years have brought some of the company's proudest milestones yet: supporting the Trust for Sustainable Living and The Living Rainforest in 2024, and achieving EcoVadis Platinum status the same year - placing H Foster among the top 1% of companies worldwide assessed for sustainability performance, a genuinely rare achievement and a reflection of a business built to last for the right reasons. The company was reaccredited as a Living Wage Employer in 2026.

150 Years On

From a Victorian workshop making tallow products, to a smokescreen sales pitch that built a UK chemical distributor, to a chance warehouse rental that brought two families together — H Foster's story could easily have never happened at all. Instead, it became one of quiet reinvention, bold bets, and generation after generation choosing to build rather than settle.

Today, H Foster stands 150 years old: a trusted chemical distribution partner across cosmetics, skincare, and industrial sectors, still run by the family whose own business grew so fast it needed a second warehouse just to keep up. And the best part of this story? It's still being written.

Request a Quote

Looking for a trusted chemical distribution partner? Get in touch with the H Foster team

 to discuss your requirements.

H Foster 1875

Specialty chemical distribution · EcoVadis Platinum · ISO 9001 · ISO 14001

Berry Wax: The Skin-Feel Enhancer from an Unexpected Source

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 05:00:15 GMT

We're the UK's trusted distributor of the Kahl wax portfolio, and one of the most quietly impressive materials in that range is berry wax , a soft, pale wax with a knack for making formulations feel genuinely luxurious. If you're formulating anything where skin feel matters, this is one worth knowing.

Where It Comes From

Berry wax comes from the peels of the fruit of Rhus verniciflua , better known as the Chinese lacquer tree, a species native to China and the Indian subcontinent, and cultivated across China, Korea and Japan. It's a tree with a long history of multiple uses: the sap for raw lacquer, the seeds for oil, the timber for wood. The wax is really a bonus by-product of a tree that's been valued for centuries for other reasons.

There's a patience built into this ingredient. While the tree is considered mature after two to three years, growers wait until it's ten years old before the first harvest of berries destined for high-quality wax, and a well-kept tree can keep producing for 50 years or more. Once harvested, the berries are dried and separated into peels and seeds; the peels are steamed and pressed to extract the crude wax, which is then further refined here in Germany.

It's also a genuinely low-impact crop: the trees grow wild, need no irrigation, and no pesticides or fertilisers, and nothing goes to waste, with the seeds pressed for oil and the shells used for animal feed.

What Makes It Different

Berry wax (INCI: Rhus Verniciflua Peel Cera ) is soft and low-melting, with a melting range of 48–54°C. Around 20% of it is already melting below 30°C, and that's the detail that matters most in practice: it means the wax partially melts on skin contact, which is what gives formulations that rich, non-sticky, silky feel rather than anything waxy or draggy.

It's not just a nice idea. Kahl's own testing backs it up. In a double-blind TEWL study, a 3% berry wax emulsion absorbed faster than the same formula with 3% shea butter, while still forming a light protective film that reduced moisture loss for around two hours after application. Separate sensory panels comparing emulsions with and without berry wax rated it consistently higher on smoothness, spreadability, skin absorption and overall texture, and volunteers described the result as rich and creamy with no waxy after-feel.

Working With It

We'd describe berry wax as a formulation enhancer rather than a structural wax. It has a moderate oil-binding capacity, so it's not one to rely on as the sole wax in an anhydrous system, but that's not really its job. Where it earns its place is in:

O/W emulsions, where even a low use level (around 2%) creates a creamier texture, whitens the cream, reduces droplet size, and improves emulsion stability
Sticks, pencils and body butter bars, where its low melting point makes it an excellent pay-off enhancer and improves breakage resistance
Oleogel and structuring systems, where its needle-like crystals can “sinter,” forming solid bridges with other waxes like rice, sunflower or candelilla wax to reinforce the overall network

Recommended use level sits at 1–20%, and it's compatible with common esters and vegetable oils (sunflower, olive, coconut, argan, rice bran), though it's insoluble in silicone oils like dimethicone, worth flagging early if that's part of your formulation.

Why Source Berry Wax Through H Foster

EcoVadis Platinum rated , we hold EcoVadis Platinum status, placing us in the top 1% of suppliers assessed
globally for sustainability
UK-based stock and shipping , with shorter lead times than sourcing directly from Germany or Asia
ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified
Technical formulation support , backed by Kahl's in-house expertise, we work alongside customers to help develop

and refine their formulations, not just supply the raw material

Our EcoVadis Platinum accreditation isn't just a badge on the website. It's a genuine reflection of how we operate, and one of the

reasons formulators come back to us.

Request a Quote

Interested in trialling berry wax in your next formulation? Get in touch with our team for

pricing, samples, or technical support.

H Foster 1875

Specialty chemical distribution · EcoVadis Platinum · ISO 9001 · ISO 14001

H Foster Awarded EcoVadis Platinum Rating

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 14:22:16 GMT

We are delighted to share some fantastic news—our EcoVadis qualification has been upgraded from Gold to Platinum , placing us in the top 1% of companies globally!

This achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and delivering high-quality, eco-conscious solutions to our customers.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our entire team for their hard work and dedication. This milestone would not have been possible without everyone’s contributions. A special mention, however, must go to Kirsty Mitchell, who spearheaded this effort with remarkable dedication and resilience. Achieving this standard required countless hours of meticulous work, and Kirsty’s efforts have been pivotal in making it happen.

EcoVadis is the world's largest and most trust provider of business sustainability ratings, with a global network of more than 125,000 rated companies.

The EcoVadis score is a numerical representation (ranging from 0 to 100) that measures the quality of a company's sustainability management system. During assessment, companies are scored on the following themes: environment, ethics, labour & human rights, and sustainable procurement.

Once a company undergoes the EcoVadis assessment and showcases a robust management system addressing key sustainability criteria, they have the chance to earn EcoVadis Medals (and now badges as introduced in 2024). These accolades serve as a stamp of approval, recognising businesses that are making strides in the realm of sustainability.

We are incredibly proud to have achieved a Platinum sustainability rating. Thank you for being part of our journey as we continue to raise the bar for sustainability in the chemical industry.

Winter Skincare from Kahl

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 16:44:50 GMT

KEEP SKIN HEALTHY AND HYDRATED IN COLD WEATHER

When temperatures drop and the air turns drier, our skin requires extra care to stay healthy and balanced.

Winter's harsh conditions can lead to dehydration, redness, tightness, flaking, and overall discomfort. To combat these challenges, winter skincare formulations should include ingredients that create an occlusive and deeply moisturizing barrier, helping to prevent trans epidermal water loss (TEWL).

Our supplier, Kahl , has developed an insightful flyer showcasing how their natural waxes can enhance winter skincare products, offering effective protection and hydration. Click the button below to download the flyer and read more.

Introducing KahlCandle Waxes

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 10:31:49 GMT

Your Eco-Conscious Answer to Candle Production

H Foster has a relationship with Kahl that spans over 50 years, and we’re proud to be offering their high quality waxes for use in scented container candles.

Based on hydrogenated natural oils from renewable resources, KahlCandle grades are premium botanical waxes. They are ready-to-use, meaning they don’t need to be blended with paraffin or other waxes and are made from 100% renewable plant oils, meaning they’re suited to eco-conscious brands. Read on to find out more about the unique properties of each product.

KahlCandle key features & benefits

Very clean burning performance; very unlikely to cause soot
Excellent flame height and burning profile
After pouring they have a very good adhesion to the container, especially when preheated
Very versatile and adaptable
Can be combined with other waxes for easily customisable blends if desired
Compatible with all recommended wicks for hydrogenated oils

KahlCandle Sunflower

KahlCandle Sunflower is a blend based on hydrogenated sunflower and olive oil
It is a ready-to-use product developed primarily for use in scented container candles
It is a white wax with a colourless, crystal-clear melt and no characteristic odour

KahlCandle Coconut

KahlCandle Coconut is a pure white wax based on hydrogenated coconut oil
Refined coconut oil is usually made from copra and dried coconut kernels, which are pressed in a heated hydraulic press to extract the oil
Shows no frosting on the top of the candle and has a great performance and scent holding
Can be used as sole ingredient or blended with other hydrogenated oils to maximise fragrance retention or scent throw
No characteristic odour and is also compatible with beeswax

KahlCandle Soy

Based on hydrogenated soybean oil.
To produce the oil, soybeans are cracked, adjusted for moisture content, heated to 60-88 °C, rolled into flakes, and solvent-extracted. The oil is then refined and hydrogenated.
KahlCandle Soy is a slow burning product with a silky texture, neutral odour, and is compatible with other plant-derived hydrogenated oils.

KahlCandle Rice

An off-white wax based on hydrogenated rice bran oil and coconut oil.
Rice bran oil is extracted from the hard, brown, outer layer of rice called bran.
It is popular as a cooking oil in Asia and is industrially produced by solvent extraction.
Can be combined with KahlCandle Rice, Coconut, Soy, or Rapeseed for a more plastic behaviour.

KahlCandle Rapeseed

KahlCandle Rapeseed is a versatile container candle wax based upon rapeseed oil with comprehensive all-round features.
Rapeseed oil is one of the oldest known vegetable oils and is extensively cultivated in Canada, China, India, and France.
A white wax with a colourless melt and no characteristic odour
Has a great cost performance ratio.

If you’re looking for high quality, eco-conscious candle waxes for your business, get in touch with our friendly team of experts who will be happy to provide you more information on the KahlCandle range.

Discover H Foster’s Innovations at SCS Formulate Event

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 13:00:49 GMT

Visit h foster at SCS Formulate on 12 -13 November

We are excited to be exhibiting at the SCS Formulate show on the 12th and 13th November, at Coventry Building Society Arena, where we'll be showcasing a range of eco-conscious ingredients for use in various cosmetic applications.

SCS Formulate is the UK’s largest event of its kind, focusing on raw materials, ingredients and formulation services used in creating personal care and cosmetic products.

At the exhibition, you will be able to find every conceivable ingredient, raw material and other vital tool of your trade used in creating innovative cosmetic and personal care products. It is a unique opportunity to see the new, the innovative, the proven, the everyday and the obscure. Everything you need to create, make and market cosmetics for today and tomorrow.

You will find us on stand 350 . Fill out the form below if you'd like to book an appointment with one of our friendly experts to discuss your requirements for cosmetic formulations.

Sunflower waxes from Kahl

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 13:10:02 GMT

Kahl and H Foster have enjoyed a partnership that’s spanned over 50 years. Based in Trittau, about 30 Kms northeast of Hamburg, Kahl is at the forefront of natural wax refining. Along with refining the highest quality beeswax, carnauba wax and candelilla wax, Kahl produce a range of high-quality sunflower waxes. Take a look at the different qualities and uses of these waxes:

Contact our team today to order Kahl Sunflower Waxes

Why September is Crucial for Christmas Manufacturing

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 14:14:42 GMT

Planning ahead for the festive period is essential, especially for businesses relying on raw materials like waxes, fatty acids , and esters. Ordering stock in advance helps avoid supply chain disruptions and ensures timely production of your products for Christmas, avoiding last minute stresses. This is particularly important given the increased demand for candles, cosmetics, and personal care products during the holiday season.

Meeting Increased Demand:

Christmas drives a surge in demand across several industries, particularly those that depend on chemical ingredients for production. Whether you're manufacturing candles, personal care products, or cosmetics, the holiday season typically sees a significant spike in consumer purchases. By securing your raw materials early, you ensure that you can meet this increased demand without the risk of running out of stock. This is especially true for high-demand items like soy wax for candles or specialised esters used in skincare products.

Avoiding Supply Chain Disruptions:

Delays in shipping, shortages in raw materials, and logistical challenges can all contribute to potential disruptions. By placing your orders as early as September, you give yourself a buffer against these uncertainties. Restocking well before peak season reduces the risk of unexpected delays that could impact your production schedules.

Taking Advantage of Early Pricing:

Prices for raw materials often increase as demand grows closer to Christmas. Ordering in advance can lock in more favourable and profitable pricing before costs rise due to heightened demand. Securing your materials early also allows you to plan and budget more effectively, giving you a clearer picture of your production costs for the season.

Supporting Sustainability and Innovation:

H Foster is committed to providing sustainable and innovative chemical solutions. For industries focused on eco-friendly products, such as natural cosmetics or biodegradable candles, early ordering ensures you have access to the latest sustainable materials. Whether it's a new type of biodegradable wax or eco-friendly Kahl Resin, early planning allows you to incorporate these innovations into your Christmas offerings and products.

Key Industries Impacted:

Candles and Home Fragrance: The holiday season sees a surge in demand for festive candles, which are popular as both gifts and home decor items.
Cosmetics and Personal Care: Christmas gift sets and special holiday editions drive up the need for esters, fatty acids, and other ingredients.
Food and Beverages: Known for the time of year for sweet treats and full bellies, food-grade additives and acids are essential for creating festive treats and beverages.

By planning ahead, you ensure a smooth production process, all while meeting customer demands, and taking advantage of cost efficiencies. Don’t wait until the last minute—prepare now to make the most of the festive season!

Explore H Foster’s range of products and secure your stock today.

6290 Berry Wax KAHL Speciality Waxes

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 14:11:43 GMT

6290 Berry KahlWax is a low-melting, soft wax with a velvet, powdery skin feel and is derived from berry fruit peels of Rhus Verniciflua. It is an outstanding pay-off enhancer for stick and pencil preparations and gives O/W emulsions a mousse-like, whipped cream texture.

Because a significant part of this wax melts at temperatures below 30 °C, Berry Wax has a very silky and soft skin feel, comparable to a classic emollient. Additionally, it’s an excellent additive for oleogels, is suitable for lip gloss formulations and mascaras and works as an outstanding pay-off enhancer in lip products and pencils. Berry Wax also produces very soft textures and significantly improves the sensory characteristics of O/W emulsions. Although it’s soft, it can also enhance and stabilise structures of other crystallising materials and improve break resistance in stick preparations.

KahlWax 6290 Berry is very versatile and improves the sensory properties of cosmetic formulations. In O/W emulsions, it leads to super soft, smooth and silky skin feel and creates creamy textures even at low levels. It makes creams whiter and reduces the droplet size which has a positive influence on stability.

Order 6290 Berry Wax from H Foster:

The Benefits of Stearic Acid in Everyday Products

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 10:30:00 GMT

What is Stearic Acid?

Stearic Acid is a saturated fatty acid found in animal and vegetable fats that can be used for a wide variety of products and applications. Practically insoluble in water, its functions are as a lubricant, binder and defoamer. It can also be used in a number of skincare and cosmetic applications to thicken the end product and bind the ingredients together.

We have listed a number of applications and benefits that come with the introduction and use of Stearic Acids in everyday products such as creams, lotions and facial products.

Applications & Benefits

Cosmetics and Personal Care:

Stabilising Agent: Helps stabilise and thicken creams and lotions, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture.

Emulsifier: Aids in mixing water and oil, helping create uniform and long-lasting products.

Cleansing Agent: Contributes to the soap's hardness and lathering properties, providing effective cleansing as well as a rich and velvety lather.

Moisturising: Adds a moisturising effect, making soaps gentle on the skin.

Candles

Hardening Agent: Used to harden candles, making them burn longer and maintain their shape.

Improved Scent Throw: It enhances the fragrance released in scented candles.

Plastics & Rubber

Lubricant: Acts as a lubricant and release agent in the production of plastics and rubber , improving mould release and product finish.

Stabiliser: It stabilises formulations, ensuring durability and performance of the final product.

Leather Production:

Softness and Flexibility: Acts as a conditioning agent in leather production, helping soften the leather, making it more pliable and easier to work with.

Water Resistance: Stearic acid contributes to water repellency, protecting the leather from moisture and extending the lifespan of leather goods.

Smooth Finish: Helps achieve a smooth, polished surface on leather products when used in the finishing process.

Road Markings:

Durability: Enhances the durability of road marking paints and thermoplastics, ensuring that they remain visible and effective for longer periods.

Enhanced Adhesion: Road markings must adhere well to the asphalt or concrete surface. Stearic Acid improves the adhesion properties of road marking materials, preventing them from peeling off or fading prematurely.

Concrete:

Workability: Acting as a plasticiser in concrete mixtures, improving their workability, making it easier to pour and shape concrete.

Reduced Shrinkage: Concrete shrinkage during the curing process can lead to cracks and structural weaknesses. Stearic acid helps in reducing this shrinkage.

Durability: Enhances the durability of concrete structures by improving the resistance to environmental factors such as freeze-thaw cycles and chemical exposure.

Environmental & Health Considerations

Stearic acid is biodegradable and generally considered safe for use in consumer products. It is derived from natural sources, making it an eco-friendly and resourceful ingredient.

With naturally occurring thickening properties that can be used in a variety of different skincare, healthcare and other products, the addition of Stearic acid is widely used not only for being a natural emulsifier but also for being naturally sourced and eco-friendly.

Click here to discover our range of Stearic Acid products.

Inside Sustainability: Super Suppliers and Sustainable Solutions

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 08:13:01 GMT

We are proud to be featured in the latest issue of Inside Sustainability where our MD & Owner Simon Eggar, Business development Manager & Owner Tom Eggar, and Office Manager Kirsty Mitchell sat down with Inside Sustainability to discuss super suppliers and sustainable solutions.

“As a family business, H Foster is strongly committed to helping companies that are starting out. "We welcome customers making soap in their kitchen right up to a company in the FTSE100,’” said Tom Eggar, Business Development Manager & Owner. In 2019, the company moved to offices in Goring-on-Thames, downsizing to reduce its carbon footprint. H Foster also has a warehouse in Leeds. The site has been used in some form since the company was founded, but there are plans to move to another facility run by renewable energy within the next two years”

“H Foster has a small team of 10 employees but also works closely alongside several consultancies. “We are a big believer in outsourcing certain functions and often work with QFactorial,” Simon Eggar explained. “Running up to Brexit, we also took on a company called Penman to help us navigate through UK REACH, which was replacing the European version. Working with consultants means when we need additional resources, we can continue to offer a professional service without any glitches in our supply chain.”

“The company recently achieved EcoVadis Gold Certification. Only 5% of the companies who apply to EcoVadis achieve Gold on their first certification. During the application Process H Foster found it was already ahead of the curve. “At first, the information that’s required to get the rating can seem daunting,” explained Office Manager Kirsty Mitchell. “But as we dug deeper, we realised we were meeting a lot of the conditions already, just not in the correct format. We weren’t sure what rating we were going to get, but were incredibly pleased, proud and surprised that the certification was gold.”

H Foster & NATIVE EXTRACTS: An Exciting Partnership

Tue, 28 May 2024 14:49:52 GMT

H Foster are delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with Australia's leading phyto-tech company, NATIVE EXTRACTS.

NATIVE EXTRACTS has evolved the botanical extract industry and natural ingredient category over the last decade and are committed to eco-conscious manufacturing practices. Their CEO and Innovator, Lisa Carroll, has agreed to work closely with H Foster resulting in us being their distributor and route to market in the UK.

With both companies being family businesses with an emphasis on quality processes and service delivery, we are very excited to work with NATIVE EXTRACTS and bring their expertise and ground-breaking natural ingredient innovations to the UK. Working alongside them and collaborating with our current projects will have a considerable impact on the brands we know and love, creating new points of difference for the UK market.

This new partnership will be bringing over 400 cosmetic ingredients that harness the natural molecules from a botanical’s cells, including an unprecedented library of Australian Native botanical powerhouses, to the UK.

We are looking forward to building a positive, lasting relationship with Lisa and the Native Extract’s team, as we work together to supply more clean and conscious innovations and eco-conscious manufacturing practices, with full transparency, for brands to champion in the UK market.

To see the full range of NATIVE EXTRACTS ingredients, visit the link below.

H Foster Awarded EcoVadis Gold Status

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 11:00:01 GMT

Have you ever wondered how companies are evaluated for their commitment to sustainability? Enter EcoVadis.

Back in 2023, H Foster was awarded a Gold Medal by EcoVadis, the world’s largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings , with a global network of more than 125,000 rated companies. Here’s what it means for us.

Platinum - Top 1% (overall score between 78 and 100)

Gold - Top 5% (overall score between 70 and 77)

Silver - Top 25% (overall score between 59 and 69)

Bronze - Top 50% (overall score between 50 and 58)

It is rare for a company to achieve Gold on their first assessment, but that’s exactly what H Foster did. You can find out more about the sustainability practices and commitments that helped us achieve this here: https://www.hfoster.co.uk/our-corporate-social-responsibility

The eligibility criteria are subject to periodic review, ensuring that only the most deserving companies receive these certifications. So, when you spot a company proudly displaying an EcoVadis Medal or Badge, you can be confident that they've not only undergone a rigorous assessment but have also demonstrated a commitment to sustainable practices that goes above and beyond.

We’re incredibly proud to be one of those companies, and will continue to make strides in sustainability to be sure that we remain deserving of our status.

Cheers to a greener future!

A Letter from the Chair

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 14:31:35 GMT

With a new year well underway, we wanted to stop and reflect on everything we achieved as a team during 2023, and the events that will shape the business moving forward.

In January 2023, Tom and I sat down and crafted a business plan for the year, beginning with tackling the longstanding beast in our business, which has been with us since our acquisition of H Foster in 2006. It's important to clarify that this "beast" is not a living entity but rather our accountancy software. In our wisdom, we also decided to introduce a new CRM in 2019. Unfortunately, the chosen system was not fit for purpose and, despite a considerable amount of time to the call centre, it has never worked effectively.

It was then that we made the decision to change software on both elements and, after a considerable amount of investigation, we identified a new system. However, the next problem was carrying the data over. Rolling the data over, warts and all, from the old to the new was not deemed to be a good idea, so we decided to input it all manually. No small task! Kirsty and Penny started first thing Saturday 1st July and worked flat out for 14 days to complete the task. All the while, H Foster continued to deliver an uninterrupted service.

The second major step we have achieved for the company is having a CSR report assembled. The report on our website lays out what we are about as an operation; our values and our vision as to how we see ourselves as an operation in the modern world. The CSR report led to us applying for an EcoVadis sustainability rating. In November, we received our certification and found out we had achieved GOLD, putting H Foster in the top 5% of companies assessed by EcoVadis. This was very timely as it arrived just before SCS Formulate, the UK’s largest event of its kind, focusing on raw materials, ingredients and formulation services used in creating personal care and cosmetic products.

The SCS Formulate show was great, we were incredibly pleased with the booth. It was an important show for us as we were launching an exciting new range of botanical Cellular Extracts from Australia’s leading phyto-tech company, NATIVE EXTRACTS , that has evolved the botanical extract industry and natural ingredient category over the last decade. Lisa Carroll, Innovator & CEO of NATIVE EXTRACTS and I had agreed that H Foster would be their distributor and route to market in the UK. NATIVE EXTRACTS and H Foster 1875 share a very similar ethos; we are both family businesses, committed to eco-conscious manufacturing practices and quality processes with an emphasis on service delivery. We are very excited to work with Lisa’s company and bring their expertise and ground-breaking natural ingredient innovations to the UK market. This will have a considerable impact on brands creating new points of difference in the UK market, both in the short term and also in the longer term, with the projects NATIVE EXTRACTS are working on.

This partnership represents the introduction to the UK market of over 400 cosmetic ingredients that harness the natural molecules from a botanical’s cells, including an unprecedented library of Australian Native botanical powerhouses, along with presenting a “new look” at the natural molecules their flagship Cellular Extraction protocols can offer the UK market on the traditional and popular botanical extracts. We will be showing UK brands how they can refresh existing extracts with more clean and conscious innovations that support their pursuit in True to Nature cosmetic ingredients that considers eco-conscious manufacturing practises, inclusivity with First Nation growers in the supply chain, and transparency for brands to champion new stories for the future.

As Tom has said to me, 2023 was a reset year for the company and we both look forward very much to 2024. Thank you for being on this exciting journey with us.

Simon Eggar,

Chairman & Managing Director

Benefits of Oleic Acids

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 12:06:32 GMT

Selecting chemical components for various applications requires insight into their benefits and compatibility with your products. Oleic acid , offered by H Foster, a leading UK supplier in the chemical supply industry, stands out for its remarkable properties. Let's delve into the specific benefits that make oleic acid an indispensable ingredient in a multitude of sectors.

A Tradition in Cosmetics

Oleic acid has been used for centuries in traditional cosmetic practices . Its applications range from skin moisturising to the treatment of burns, psoriasis, and eczema, showcasing its versatility and effectiveness in skin health and repair.

Moisturising and Skin Penetration

Oleic acid excels in skin care. It replenishes moisture and soothes irritated skin, making it a prime ingredient in anti-ageing serums, heavy moisturisers, and replenishing creams. Its ability to penetrate the skin effectively allows it to transport and improve the efficacy of other skincare ingredients.

Benefits for Dry Skin

For those with dry skin, oleic acid offers significant benefits. Its presence in various oils makes it a staple in facial oils, where its moisturising properties can be fully utilised. This is due to its quick absorption into the skin, helping to retain moisture and relieve dryness.

Nutritional Health Benefits

Consuming oleic acid offers significant nutritional benefits that support heart health and contribute to a healthy diet. Its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to fight free radical damage are key reasons why oleic acid is beneficial in our diets.

Oleic acid has many uses in the food industry. It's commonly used to create synthetic butters and cheeses, as well as to flavour a variety of products, including baked goods, sweets, ice cream, and lemonade. This wide range of applications showcases oleic acid's versatility and its role in enhancing the taste and quality of foods. For more information on the applications of oleic acid in food and drink, visit: Food & Drink Applications .

A Champion among Cleaning Agents

Oleic acid is often used in household cleaning products for its surfactant properties. Surfactants help break down oils and grease, making it easier to clean surfaces. Oleic acid is particularly effective in removing stubborn stains and dirt, it helps to lift and disperse the grime, making it easier to wipe or rinse away.

Sustainability and Environment

H Foster recognises the importance of sustainability in today’s market. Oleic acid, a standout in our product line, is not just versatile but also kind to our planet. According to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) , oleic acid is readily biodegradable, meaning it breaks down naturally without harming the environment. This makes it a sustainable option for industries aiming to decrease their environmental impact. By choosing oleic acid, you’re selecting a path that prioritises ecological responsibility alongside top-notch performance.

By understanding these benefits, we at H Foster ensure that our oleic acid products meet the high standards required for such versatile applications, from personal care to nutrition and beyond.

Selecting H Foster as your oleic acid supplier means choosing a partner committed to your success. With over a century of expertise, we don't just deliver chemicals; we deliver confidence. Our knowledgeable team is on hand to provide insights and support, ensuring that you benefit fully from the remarkable properties of oleic acid.

Are You Ready to Enhance Your Products with Oleic Acid?

Discover the transformative power of oleic acid with H Foster. Whether you're formulating a new skincare line, seeking healthier food ingredients, or finding sustainable industrial solutions, our premium quality oleic acid is your ideal choice.

10 Key Buying Decisions for Paraffin Wax

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 12:28:11 GMT

We know that when making buying decisions for paraffin wax , there are several factors to consider to ensure you select the right specification for your specific needs. These factors can vary depending on the intended use of the paraffin wax. Here are our top 10 considerations which we help clients with on a regular basis (if you’d like any guidance, please contact us ):

Grade

Paraffin wax comes in various grades. Higher-grade paraffin wax is typically more expensive but may be necessary for specific applications like food or pharmaceuticals . Consider the grade required for your application.

Melting Point

Paraffin wax comes in different melting point ranges. The choice of melting point depends on the intended use, such as candle making, cosmetics, or industrial applications. Make sure to select a melting point that suits your purpose.

Colour

Some applications, like candle making , may require specific colours or dyes. We supply Paraffin wax in an uncoloured form, so you are free to adapt it to your unique aesthetic and/or branding requirements.

Odour

Paraffin wax can have a slight odour, which can vary depending on the grade and source. Some applications, such as cosmetics , may require odourless paraffin wax, while others may not be as sensitive to this factor.

Source and Certification

Ensure that the paraffin wax is always sourced from reputable suppliers and that it meets relevant industry standards. For specific applications like food, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetics, certification may be necessary to meet regulatory requirements. As experts in our field, we can help with this as required.

Quantity and Packaging

Consider the quantity of paraffin wax you need, as well as the packaging options available. Bulk options (where we specialise) are often more cost-effective for industrial applications, while smaller, consumer-sized packages may be suitable for hobbies like candle making. For smaller, independent orders, see our sister site www.1875.co.uk , which offers a minimum order quantity of just 1kg.

Price

Price is a significant consideration, and it can vary depending on factors like grade and source. To understand the options based on your specific requirements, get in touch .

Supplier Reputation

As always, choose a reputable supplier with a track record of delivering quality products and providing good customer service. If you’d like to find out more about us, feel free to get in touch for a no obligation sample or quote request or to request further details.

Environmental and Sustainability Factors

In today's environmentally conscious world, some buyers may consider the environmental impact of their purchase. We offer alternative products if sustainability is a key concern.

Shipping and Storage Conditions

Consider shipping and storage requirements, especially when buying in bulk. Ensure the wax can be safely transported and stored, and take into account any temperature or handling specifications. Our team is on-hand to advise on all of these considerations and more.

By carefully evaluating these key factors, you can make informed buying decisions when selecting the right paraffin wax for your specific needs and applications.

We would certainly like to be of help so if you have any questions or would like to request a quote, please contact us today.

Working with responsible suppliers

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:38:08 GMT

We know how important it is to research our suppliers to make sure we’re working only with the most ethical.

Soap making boot camp

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 13:38:08 GMT

H Foster sells ingredients. It’s what we do, and it’s what we’ve always done. When our customers ask for advice, we always try to help, but sometimes we fall short.

What matters to us?

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 14:38:08 GMT

As you can imagine (as will be the case with most of you reading this) a lot matters to us. Definitely too many things to list here.….which can only be a good thing!