Lubrizol to unveil bioavailable curcumin gummies with Curcushine at Vitafoods Europe 2026

Lubrizol Nutraceuticals has developed a new gummy concept containing 100 mg of Curcushine, the company’s proprietary microencapsulated curcumin extract. The company will showcase this application at the upcoming Vitafoods Europe 2026 (May 5–7) trade show. 

At the event in Barcelona, Spain, Lubrizol will demonstrate how microencapsulated curcumin can perform in industrially relevant gummy formulations with the ready-to-scale concept. 

The sugar-free pectin gummies are flavored with orange and ginger to complement the subtle turmeric flavor in the products. The gummies are sweetened with maltitol and stevia, reflecting a shift toward plant-based and reduced-sugar choices.

“Beauty and well-being are integrating more and more,” says Isabel Gómez, global marketing manager for Lubrizol Nutraceuticals. “And while consumers are taking a proactive approach to maintaining their outer glow and inner comfort, they also want products that are natural and serve as an enjoyable part of their daily routines.”

“The current rise in the ‘prejuvenation’ trend clearly illustrates this growing demand. With Curcushine gummies, we’ve created a nutra-ready concept that is indulgent and connects directly with what consumers are seeking: simple, flavor-forward experiences that can help support radiant and lush-looking skin.”

Microencapsulation benefits

Turmeric’s key bioactive polyphenol compound is venerated for its anti-aging, wellness, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, curcumin has notoriously low bioavailability.

“Curcumin is widely recognized for its potential well-being and skin-support benefits,” details Gómez. “But its poor water solubility and naturally bold flavor have traditionally limited its use in consumer-friendly formats, especially gummies. We overcame those challenges by protecting our curcumin formulation inside powerful microcapsules.”

Curcushine is based on a patented microencapsulation process to transform curcumin into a water-dispersible and bioavailable ingredient to enable its use in gummies, sugar-free snacks, beverages, and other on-the-go formats.

Skin analysis revealed that a daily intake of the Curcushine for six weeks reduced wrinkles, skin redness, and brown spots compared to a placebo.The nutraceutical ingredient has also been evaluated in gelatin-based gummy formulations, and Lubrizol says it is versatile across gelling systems and applications beyond gummies.

The company explains that microencapsulation enhances the stability and integrity of curcumin while mitigating turmeric’s characteristic flavor profile. This enables brands to offer sensorially appealing products without compromising function.

Moreover, the new concept has been designed with a focus on scalability; it can be transferred directly to industrial production, says Lubrizol.

Lubrizol’s booth at Vitafoods Europe 2026 will also include a Science Zone to demonstrate how microencapsulation technology ensures better bioavailability and stability. Moreover, in its Sensory Zone, visitors can sample formats that “connect science to pleasure,” including “glow lattes,” gummies, and dispersible powders.

Nutricosmetic applications

A clinical study published last year demonstrated the efficacy of Curcushine on skin appearance. The trial with 63 healthy women volunteers showed that a daily intake of 2 g of the microencapsulated curcumin for 42 days significantly decreased wrinkle area, reduced skin redness and brown spots, and improved skin luminosity, homogeneity, and skin oxidative stress.

“The microencapsulated curcumin under study can be considered an effective nutricosmetic ingredient, as it reduces skin oxidation, improves skin appearance, and helps mitigate signs of aging,” revealed the research.

Alan Connolly, R&D Manager at Lubrizol, adds: “One of the most exciting outcomes of our formulation trials was how mellow and appealing the flavor became once Curcushine was incorporated through microencapsulation.”

“Curcumin naturally brings a sensory imprint, but encapsulation softens that significantly. It allows us to offer a harmonious flavor experience and supports a wider range of fresh flavor concepts — in gummies and beyond — while also enhancing bioavailability.”

Other products from Lubrizol on display at Vitafoods Europe 2026 include Lipofer microencapsulated iron, Lipophytol microencapsulated plant sterols for cholesterol reduction, and Magshape. This bioavailable and highly concentrated magnesium solution enables higher elemental magnesium delivery while maintaining good tolerability for consumers. 

The company will also demonstrate how its solutions address women’s health needs across life stages, including energy, skin glow, and menopause support.