Coast Southwest, Inc.

What Coast Southwest, Inc. does

Coast Southwest, Inc. is a privately held, third-generation family-owned specialty chemical distributor and ingredient manufacturer founded in 1985 as Coast Chemical, Inc. in Placentia, California, and now headquartered in Irving, Texas. The company distributes and manufactures specialty ingredients for personal care, cosmetics, industrial lubricant, and metalworking formulators across North America, organized into seven product segments: Lubricant Additives, Preservatives, Silicones, Oleochemicals, Surfactants, Anti-Aging, and Functional Specialties, spanning 479+ SKUs. It combines distribution of third-party branded ingredients (including 3V Sigma USA polymers and UV filters, Sharon Personal Care preservatives, Holiferm sophorolipid biosurfactants, and Jojoba Desert jojoba products) with a portfolio of its own proprietary branded lines such as Endinol, Endisil, Endicare, Endimate, Endiphos, Enditeric, and Endifoam.

The company's core technology platform blends chemical distribution logistics, an in-house applications laboratory at the Arlington, Texas distribution center, and captive manufacturing. In October 2023, Coast Southwest acquired the Paso Robles, California surfactant manufacturing facility from The Lubrizol Corporation, vertically integrating production for its Endinol, Endifoam, Endinate, and Endamide surfactant lines, and it also manufactures silicone emulsions at its Texas operations. The proprietary Endinol MILD BSB-1 and BSB-2 sulfate-free performance concentrate systems, launched in 2025, combine Holiferm glycolipid biosurfactants with traditional surfactants, demonstrating co-development capability with biosurfactant innovators.

Coast Southwest operates a sales-led B2B go-to-market with direct field sales, regional product managers, and channel/distribution partnerships with manufacturer representatives. Revenue is generated through quote-based pricing with volume discounts and multi-year contracts, with pricing on a customer-by-customer basis. The company has been named an ICIS Top 100 Chemical Distributor for 19 consecutive years and received the 2022 NACD Responsible Distribution Excellence Award, with employees in seven US states and a manufacturing and distribution footprint spanning California, Texas, and Indiana. It serves end customers that include personal care product manufacturers, cosmetics brands, industrial lubricant formulators, and metalworking fluid producers, with no public revenue disclosure.

Name

Coast Southwest, Inc.

Legal name

Coast Southwest, Inc.

Website

https://coastsouthwest.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Coast Southwest is a third-generation, family-owned specialty chemical distributor and ingredient manufacturer serving personal care, cosmetics, industrial lubricant, and metalworking formulators across North America with 479+ SKUs across surfactants, silicones, oleochemicals, preservatives, anti-aging actives, and functional specialties, supported by captive manufacturing and an applications laboratory.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Chemical Distribution

NAICS

Surface Active Agent Manufacturing (325613), Soap and Cleaning Compound Manufacturing (32561)

SIC

Wholesale-Chemicals & Allied Products (5160)

akta.pro primary industry

Commodity Surfactants & Detergent Base Chemicals (IMAEAAAI)

Keywords

• Specialty chemical distribution
• Personal care ingredients
• Surfactant manufacturing
• Industrial lubricant additives
• Oleochemicals supply

Headquarters

HQ city

Placentia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Chemical Distribution: Distribution of specialty chemicals, surfactants, silicones, oleochemicals, preservatives, and personal care ingredients to manufacturers. Revenue generated through product margins on sales to downstream customers in personal care, industrial, and lubricant markets.
2. Surfactant Manufacturing: Manufacturing and sale of proprietary surfactant products including Endinol, Endifoam, Endinate, and Endidic product lines. Revenue from both toll manufacturing and branded product sales.
3. Ingredient Technology and Formulation Support: Technical support and formulation expertise provided alongside ingredient distribution, adding value through product development collaboration with customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Coast Southwest is a specialty chemical distributor and ingredient technology company that supplies surfactants, silicones, oleochemicals, preservatives, anti-aging actives, and lubricant additives to personal care, cosmetics, and industrial manufacturers across North America. The company also operates in-house surfactant manufacturing at its Paso Robles, CA facility (acquired from Lubrizol in October 2023) and silicone emulsion manufacturing in Texas, while distributing branded product lines from 3V Sigma USA, Holiferm, Sharon Personal Care, Jojoba Desert, and other global ingredient suppliers.

Product overview

Coast Southwest is a chemical distribution company offering a diversified portfolio of specialty ingredients organized into seven product segments: Lubricant Additives (phosphate esters, amides, imidazolines for industrial lubrication), Preservatives (Sharon Personal Care lines including Sharomix, SharoSENSE, and Sharon Classic), Silicones (Element14 PDMS, Endisil fluids and emulsions), Oleochemicals (fatty acid esters, glycerin), Surfactants (Endinol, Endifoam, and Holiferm biosurfactants), Anti-Aging (Bellativa peptides, GlyAcid glycolic acid, vitamin C derivatives, sodium hyaluronate, exosomes), and Functional Specialties (Olivatis emulsifiers, Natural Colors, jojoba-based products). The company also distributes 3V Sigma USA product lines including UV absorbers, polymers, emulsifiers, and specialty chemicals. Key proprietary brands include Endiphos, Endimate, Endisil, Endicare, Endinol, and the Endinol MILD BSB sulfate-free performance concentrates. Coast Southwest operates surfactant manufacturing facilities in Paso Robles, CA and Arlington, TX, complementing its distribution operations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Coast Southwest Surfactants: In-house surfactant manufacturing operations including Endifoam, Endinol, and Endamide product lines.

Products and services

• Endinol MILD BSB Performance Concentrates Sulfate-free performance concentrate systems combining Holiferm glycolipid biosurfactants with traditional surfactants for gentle, ready-to-use cleansing formulations in personal care products.
• Endinol Anionic Surfactants Anionic surfactant product line including Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, and Potassium Cocoate variants for personal care and industrial applications.
• Endisil Silicone Products Silicone fluids, emulsions, gum blends, and specialty silicone products from longstanding supplier relationship, including dimethicone fluids, cyclomethicone blends, and functional silicone fluids for personal care applications.
• Endicare C Series Vitamin C Derivatives High-purity, stable vitamin C derivatives including Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ascorbyl Palmitate, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate for skincare applications.
• Endimate Fatty Acid Esters Fatty acid ester products used in personal care cosmetics, food, pharmaceutical, industrial, and metalworking fluid applications, imparting emolliency, lubrication, and formula stability. Available in regular and RSPO grades.
• Endiphos Phosphate Ester Additives Multifunctional phosphate ester additives imparting corrosion inhibition, increased lubricity, extreme pressure protection, and emulsification to lubricant and metalworking fluid products.
• Endifoam FB Series Foaming Agents Foaming agents and foam boosters based on a patented mixture of vegetable carbohydrates for personal care and cleansing formulations.
• Bellativa Anti-Aging Peptides Anti-aging ingredient line with proprietary technology for skin and hair formulations, including peptide complexes (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Copper Tripeptide-1) and gold-complexed actives.
• GlyAcid Glycolic Acid High-purity, formaldehyde-free glycolic acid used as a global benchmark in skin exfoliation and anti-aging formulations.
• GlySmart Slow-Release Glycolic Acid Slow-release glycolic acid chemistry providing gentle exfoliation with the efficacy of the glycolic acid molecule (INCI: Glycolic Acid and Arginine) for skincare applications.
• HoliSurf Sophorolipid Biosurfactants Sophorolipid biosurfactants from Holiferm: HoliSurf HF (high-foam, hydrolyzed) for rich creamy foam, cleansing, and dispersing; HoliSurf LF (low-foam, lactonic) for emulsification and mild solubilization. 100% biobased, readily biodegradable glycolipids.
• Element14 PDMS Silicone Fluids Polydimethylsiloxane fluids that maintain stable viscosity and fluid properties across wide temperature and pressure conditions. Available in viscosities from 100 to 100,000 cs.
• EndiMoist Sodium Hyaluronate Sodium hyaluronate products with different molecular weights including HA, HMW, LMW, and hydrolyzed variants for skin hydration and diverse performance applications.
• Glycerin 99.7% USP High-purity grade glycerin derived from plant sources, versatile ingredient for personal care, cosmetics, and food applications. Available in regular and RSPO grades.
• Enditeric Cocamidopropyl Betaine Cocamidopropyl Betaine products for gentle cleansing and foaming, including Enditeric COAB, COAB-K, and COAB-R variants.
• Endamide Cocamide MEA and Cocamide MIPA Cocamide MEA and Cocamide MIPA products for viscosity building and foam enhancement, including Endamide CMA, CMA-95, DIPA, and MIPA variants.
• 3V Sigma UV Absorbers and Functional Ingredients 3V Sigma USA distributed product portfolio including UV absorbers, acrylic and cationic copolymers, cationic polymers, emollients, emollient esters, emulsifiers, hair fixative polymers, polyacrylates, specialty polymers, and active cosmetic ingredients.
• Enditrex Hair Conditioning Agents Hair conditioning agents including Soyamidopropalkonium Chloride (Enditrex S) for hair care applications.
• Olive Actives Olive-Derived Biomolecules Biomolecules sourced from olive fruit, leaves, and oil, rich in protective and reparative polyphenols and triterpenes for skin and hair health.
• Sharomix Amplify Preservative Blend Preservative blend with amplified efficacy offering broad spectrum protection at significantly lower use levels from the Sharon Personal Care line.
• Endiguard Preservation and Protection Ingredients

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• HolifermcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 October 2025North American partnership with Holiferm for biosurfactants enabled Coast Southwest to develop proprietary Endinol MILD BSB performance concentrate product line. The collaboration allows moving beyond traditional distribution to deliver innovative, value-added solutions combining Holiferm's glycolipids with Coast Southwest's formulation expertise.
• HolifermcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 7 August 2024Distribution agreement announced August 2024 for Holiferm's line of biosurfactants including HoliSurf HF (high-foam sophorolipids) and HoliSurf LF (low-foam sophorolipids). These glycolipid biosurfactants are 100% biobased, readily biodegradable, and manufactured using renewable non-GMO feedstocks via fermentation.
• The Lubrizol CorporationcoreOthers · 3 October 2023Acquisition of substantially all assets of Lubrizol's Paso Robles, CA surfactant manufacturing facility. The plant manufactures surfactants used in personal care and industrial products. Acquisition terms confidential. Site has 30+ year affiliation under Lubrizol and prior owner Chemron Corporation ownership.
• 3V Sigma USAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 12 July 202328-year distribution partnership expanded in July 2023 to include Midwest US and Canada territories. Coast Southwest distributes 3V Sigma USA's rheology modifiers, functional polymers, UV filters, emulsifiers, emollients, and actives in the expanded territories. The partnership affirms decades-long cooperation between the two companies.
• Endisil Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationLongstanding supplier relationship for Endisil silicone product line. Coast Southwest distributes Endisil silicone-based ingredients including fluids, emulsions, and specialty silicones for personal care applications.
• Sharon Personal CareminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSupplier of preservative solutions including Sharonmix and SharonSENSE product lines. Offers innovative and patented preservative solutions from natural preservation to free-from preservative options.
• Jojoba Desert (A.C.S.) Ltd.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSupplier of JD Active, JD Functional, and JD Pure jojoba oil product lines. Products include bases combining jojoba oil with carefully chosen ingredients for unique sensory experiences.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Univar Solutions: One of the largest North American chemical distributors, distributing specialty ingredients to personal care, industrial, and consumer products manufacturers. Directly comparable in target customer base, business model (specialty chemical distribution with value-added services), and core product categories including surfactants and personal care ingredients.
• IMCD N.V. Global specialty chemicals and ingredients distributor with a strong focus on personal care, beauty, and home care. Closely comparable in business model (value-added distribution of specialty ingredients with formulation support) and target customers, and is publicly identified as a relevant peer for mid-sized specialty chemical distributors.
• Azelis: Specialty chemicals and food ingredients distributor with a significant personal care and home care segment. Comparable in supplier-partner model (long-term distribution agreements with manufacturers like Holiferm-like innovators), formulation labs, and emphasis on high-service specialty ingredients.
• Barentz: Specialty ingredients distributor for the personal care, food, pharmaceutical, and industrial markets with strong North American presence. Closely comparable business model, target customer base (personal care and industrial formulators), and emphasis on high-service specialty distribution with technical sales support.
• Lincoln Fine Ingredients: US-based specialty chemicals distributor focused on personal care, cosmetics, and HI&I markets. Comparable as a similarly-sized regional specialty distributor serving the same formulators with similar ingredient categories (surfactants, conditioning agents, actives), making it a direct mid-market peer.

Broad incumbents

• Brenntag: Global market leader in chemical and ingredients distribution with a substantial life sciences/personal care division. Overlaps directly with Coast Southwest in surfactants, silicones, and personal care ingredient distribution, but operates at far greater scale across multiple continents and end markets.
• Stepan Company: Major manufacturer of surfactants, polymers, and specialty chemicals serving personal care, cleaning, and industrial markets. Comparable on the manufacturing side of Coast Southwest's vertical integration strategy, particularly given Coast Southwest's recent Lubrizol Paso Robles plant acquisition that puts it into direct surfactant production.
• Croda International: Global specialty chemicals company with a large personal care ingredients portfolio including surfactants, active ingredients, and bio-based alternatives. Comparable in customer overlap (personal care formulators), product categories (sustainable surfactants, anti-aging actives), and innovation focus (biosurfactants, peptides).
• Innospec: Specialty chemicals manufacturer with personal care, performance chemicals, and fuel specialties divisions. Comparable in offering specialty ingredients to personal care formulators and supplying industrial lubricant additives — both of which are Coast Southwest product segments.
• Ashland: Global specialty additives and specialty ingredients supplier with a strong personal care and pharmaceuticals franchise. Comparable in supplying rheology modifiers, specialty polymers, conditioning agents, and bioactive ingredients to personal care formulators — categories that overlap with Coast Southwest's Functional Specialties and 3V Sigma distributed lines.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/coastsouthwest
• Facebookfacebook.com/coastsouthwest
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/247240
• Instagraminstagram.com/coast_southwest

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Coast Southwest, Inc.