Lubrizol to introduce microencapsulated curcumin gummy concept at Vitafoods Europe
Lubrizol Nutraceuticals has developed a scale-ready gummy application concept based on its Curcushine microencapsulated curcumin ingredient, set to debut at Vitafoods Europe in Barcelona (5-7 May 2026).
The concept demonstrates how microencapsulated curcumin can be incorporated into industrially relevant gummy formulations – addressing longstanding formulation challenges around curcumin’s poor water solubility and characteristically bold flavour profile.
What’s in the gummy formulation
Each sugar-free pectin gummy delivers 100 mg of Curcushine™, Lubrizol’s proprietary microencapsulated curcumin extract. The gummies are flavoured with natural orange and ginger – complementing the subtle turmeric notes – and sweetened using maltitol and stevia as plant-based sugar substitutes.
The pectin base reflects market demand for plant-based and reduced-sugar formats, though Curcushine has also been validated in gelatin-based gummy systems, indicating versatility across gelling matrices and delivery formats.
The science behind Curcushine
Curcumin is the primary bioactive polyphenol in turmeric and has been studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in relation to Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) – both implicated in collagen deterioration and skin ageing.
Curcushine uses a patented microencapsulation process to render curcumin water-dispersible and more bioavailable, making it technically suitable for aqueous and semi-solid food formats such as gummies, beverages, and dispersible powders.
“Curcumin naturally brings a sensory imprint, but encapsulation softens that significantly,” said Alan Connolly, R&D Manager at Lubrizol. “It allows us to offer a harmonious flavour experience, and supports a wider range of fresh flavour concepts – in gummies and beyond – while also enhancing bioavailability.”
Clinical evidence
A clinical study involving 63 healthy female volunteers assessed Curcushine as a nutricosmetic ingredient. Following six weeks of daily intake, skin imaging analysis showed statistically significant reductions in wrinkles, skin redness, and brown spots compared to placebo. The treatment group also showed improvements in skin luminosity and homogeneity, alongside reduced markers of oxidative stress.
Formulation scalability and industry application
The gummy concept has been designed with direct transferability to industrial-scale production. Lubrizol states that microencapsulation maintains ingredient stability and integrity whilst mitigating turmeric’s characteristic flavour, enabling sensory-acceptable product formulations without compromising functional delivery.
“Beauty and wellbeing are integrating more and more,” said Isabel Gómez, Global Marketing Manager for Lubrizol Nutraceuticals. “With Curcushine gummies, we’ve created a nutra-ready concept that is indulgent and connects directly with what consumers are seeking: simple, flavour-forward experiences that can help support radiant and lush-looking skin.”
At Vitafoods Europe, Lubrizol will also exhibit Lipofer™ (microencapsulated iron), Lipophytol™ (microencapsulated plant sterols), and Magshape™ (a high-concentration bioavailable magnesium solution) on stand #5B12. Prototype samples and technical assistance will be available on request.
- For more information, visit: lubrizol.com/Health/Nutraceuticals
