Nylon-6 is a chemically inert (pH 7) very pure powder produced by sophisticated proprietary Direct Polymerization Technology. The manufacturing process yields a cosmetic-grade ingredient with a uniform particle structure and a very tight 7 μm particle size distribution. Its chemical purity, pH, and inert character result in a material ideally suited for various personal care applications.
Nylon-6 forms a uniform, thin, non-occlusive layer of spherical particles when applied to the skin, leaving an elegant and silky feel. Its nearly spherical shape, optimum size and narrow particle shape, optimum size, and narrow particle size distribution will not interrupt the routine but vital physiological exchange of gases and liquids between the skin and the external environment.
Nylon-6 can easily be incorporated into all loose, pressed, compact powder products. It’s also ideal for virtually all pigmented cosmetics and emulsions, gels, or serums. Its structure, porosity, and lipophilic nature make it an excellent choice for sebum control positioning.
Nylon-6 powder can absorb a certain percentage of water into its structure, depending on the moisture content of its environment. Because of the unique shape, particles do not agglomerate, even when the amount of water absorbed is at its maximum.Because of its surface area and somewhat wrinkled character, Nylon-6 exhibits adsorptive/desorptive properties. This characteristic enables Nylon-6 to retain active ingredients or emollients within the formulation and to release them over time as the formulation is put down on the skin (i.e., as a fixative for fragrance oils). This is important when, for instance, long-term perfume retention in a cosmetic product is an essential part of its marketing positioning, e.g., in perfumed body emulsions and sachets.
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