KAFFAGE® : The Next-Generation SPF Booster Powered by Upcycled Melanoidins

April 22 , 2026

Elevate Your Sun Care Performance with 100% Natural, Water-Soluble Photoprotection

In the evolving landscape of sun care, formulators are often forced to choose between high performance and sensory appeal. Traditional SPF boosters frequently rely on oil-phase esters that lead to greasy textures, or mineral filters that leave an undesirable white cast.

KAFFAGE® changes the game. As the world’s first industrialized Melanoidin technology, this multifunctional biopolymer—upcycled from 100% natural coffee by-products—acts as a potent biological SPF booster that simplifies your formulation while enhancing protection.

Patent-Protected · Upcycled · Clinically Proven


KAFFAGE® is the world's first industrialised melanoidin technology. A multifunctional, water-soluble, 100% natural biopolymer that replaces multiple actives in suncare and skincare — 

at just 1% inclusion.


🌿 100% Natural Origin

+58%

SPF BOOST 
(IN VIVO)

-12%

Wrinkle Depth

+51%

Hydration (15 min)

+29%

Hydration (10 hrs)

Why KAFFAGE® is the Ultimate Solution for SPF Formulation

1. 
Clinical SPF & UVA-PF Enhancement

KAFFAGE® doesn't just claim to protect; it delivers. In-vivo studies (ISO 24444:2019) demonstrate that even at a low inclusion rate of 1%, KAFFAGE-B® can boost SPF by up to 58%. Furthermore, it enhances UVA protection (UVA-PF) by up to 38%, providing true broad-spectrum support against photoaging.



2. 
 The "No-Grease" SPF Secret ​

Most effective SPF boosters are oil-soluble, adding weight and oiliness to the final product. KAFFAGE® is water-soluble, allowing formulators to achieve high SPF targets in lightweight, fresh, and non-greasy water-based systems. It allows for high-performance sunscreens that consumers actually enjoy wearing every day.

3.
 Natural Tint & Zero White Cast ​

One of the biggest hurdles with mineral sunscreens (ZnO/TiO2) is the chalky white residue. KAFFAGE® features inherent natural hues that act as a "biological tint." It seamlessly bridges the gap between protection and aesthetics by neutralizing the white cast, making mineral filters inclusive for all skin tones.

4. 
 Beyond Filtration: Biological Photoprotection

KAFFAGE® works through an antioxidant-mediated mechanism. By scavenging free radicals and inhibiting UV-induced glycation, it raises the skin's Minimal Erythemal Dose (MED). It protects the skin’s structural integrity from the inside out, preventing collagen degradation and long-term UV damage. ​

Our Product

Four formats, one technology platform 
Powder for flexibility, liquid dispersion for ease of use. Choose the grade that fits your application.

INCI Name :  Glycerin , Coffea Arabica Seed Extract   

KAFFAGE®

POWDER

Dark brown. 100% active. Highest antioxidant & anti-glycation power. Best for anti-ageing & radiance.


KAFFAGE-D®

LIQUID

30% active in glycerin. Same performance, easier cold-process incorporation.


KAFFAGE-B®

POWDER

Bronze-yellow powder. 100% active. Strongest SPF & UVA-PF boost. Best for suncare & tinted products.


KAFFAGE-BD®

LIQUID

33% active KAFFAGE-B in glycerin. Pre-dispersed for effortless suncare formulation.


Our patented process (WO2021130349A1) isolates defined molecular weight fractions via alkaline aqueous extraction + MW fractionation — making melanoidins a programmable molecule with tuneable performance.

Simple to formulate, hard to replace

Water-soluble, cold-processable, compatible with standard cosmetic systems. Add to water phase — done.

Recommended DosagePowder  
1%

KAFFAGE® or KAFFAGE-B® 
(100% active) Add to water phase; 
may pre-disperse in glycerin.

Recommended Dosage 
— Liquid Dispersion
3%
KAFFAGE-D® (30% active) 
or ​KAFFAGE-BD® (33% active) 
Add directly to water phase. 
Cold-process compatible.

Processing & pH

pH 4.5–7.5 · ≤100°C 
Anionic biopolymer. Stable under cosmetic processing conditions (short heat exposure).  

Recommended Applications

ApplicationRecommended GradeKey Benefit
Suncare (SPF boosting)KAFFAGE-B® / KAFFAGE-BD®+58% SPF, UVA-PF boost, white cast removal
Anti-ageing creams & serumsKAFFAGE® / KAFFAGE-D®Anti-glycation, wrinkle reduction, firmness
BB & tinted moisturizersKAFFAGE-B® / KAFFAGE-BD®Tone unification, SPF boost, hydration
Hydrating day creamsKAFFAGE® / KAFFAGE-D®+51% immediate hydration, 10+ hr retention
Eye careKAFFAGE® / KAFFAGE-D®Anti-fatigue, tone correction, firmness

100% upcycled origin

KAFFAGE® is extracted from defatted spent coffee grounds — a waste stream from KAFFOIL® production. No additional crops. No deforestation. No virgin raw materials.

Every kilogram produced diverts coffee by-products from landfill. Manufactured in Copenhagen, Denmark.

In vivo & in vitro data — generated on KAFFAGE®

All ​data below is from studies conducted on our ingredient — not generic literature extrapolation.

In vivo SPF boost — up to +58%
ISO 24444:2019 · n=5/formulation · Phototypes I–III · Helioscience Laboratory · p<0.05

In vitro UVA-PF — up to +38% 
PFUVA · Helioscience HelioTest™ 2 · ISO 24443:2021 inspired · n=16/sample

Anti-ageing & hydration — GCP-certified clinical trial 
Ref. INF.1424.92.10 · GCP (ICH E6) · ISO 9001:2015 · n=60 · Ages 35–55 · 28 days · Bionos Biotech · p<0.05


-12%

Wrinkle Depth
p<0.015

+15.1%

Skin Firmness
p<0.001

+19%

Skin Elasticity
p<0.015

+50.9%

Hydration (15 min)
+29.1% at 10 hrs

KAFFAGE® naturally tints formulations — Natural Hue: A Functional Advantage 
Typical use levels (1–3%), the colour : 
Eliminates white cast in mineral sunscreens
→ Provides a healthy, skin-matching glow
Does not stain skin at recommended levels
→ Rinses off easily with water
The colour is photostable — tested at an equivalent of 6 months indoor light exposure with no degradation observed.

KAFFAGE® is an active ingredient with inherent colour — not a pigment.

Cream base (left) vs. 0.5% KAFFAGE-B® (centre) vs. 1% KAFFAGE-B® (right)

KAFFAGE® is more than just an ingredient; it is a multifunctional powerhouse that replaces single-function actives with one sustainable, high-performance solution.

Maha is the official supplier of Active Ingredients in Asia

If you're interested , contact us now for technical support and FREE Samples!

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