Polyethylene

High and low-density polyethylenes are polymers usually used for packaging purposes, but its powder with a particle size range of 50-600 microns can serve as a mild mechanical exfoliating agent. Narrow particle size distribution and smooth edges enable mild exfoliation without scratching.

With polyethylene a beautiful visual effect can be achieved through the use of colored beads. It is an easy-to-formulate ingredient with consistent viscosity and no sinking or floating of particles. It is a chemically stable and inert ingredient so no skin irritation problems in contrast to chemicals such as AHA’s. Polyethylene is insoluble in water and in nearly all cosmetic emollients and solvents; resistant to high and low pH values and salts.

Consisting of synthetic granulates Polyethylene is used as an abrasive ingredients for cosmetic cleansing preparations such as exfoliating/scrub creams, lotions, shower gels, etc. A special technique of grinding, giving not round-shaped particles, but irregular shapes with angles and ridges, provides good exfoliating properties.

On the other side, the polyethylene material is soft enough to prevent scratches or lesions on the skin. The combination of the unique particle shape and the softness of the material gives good but mild exfoliating properties. It can be used in cosmetic formulations in all countries worldwide without any restrictions.

Furthermore, polyethylene is also approved as a material for food devices and for human surgery. Also, the textile industry uses polyethylene for clothing accessories, for non-iron finishing, and other applications. All this shows that polyethylene is not only well tolerated by the skin but also by the internal organs of the human body.