Laureth-4 is a non-ionic solubilizer, mild surfactant, and dispersant. It is a liquid emulsifier with an HLB value of 9.7. It is typically used at 1-5%. It is used in lotions, antiperspirants, foam baths, and shower gels.
Polymers
Polymers are long-chain molecules, an essential part of many formulas, playing different roles such as pH adjustment, viscosity control, sensory profile, etc. Some natural polymers can form a protective network covering the skin, guarding against UV exposure, pollution, and transdermal water loss. Others have mechanical lifting properties, allowing instantly lift and firm the skin's surface and exposing exceptional results.
Depending on requirements, polymers can also thicken, stabilize, emulsify, and texturize formulations, so those functional ingredients found their unique niche in the cosmetic industry.
Methacrylic Acid/Sodium Acrylamidomethyl Propane Sulfonate Copolymer is a unique, proprietary, anionic copolymer for applications in hair and skin products. It is a clear to slightly opaque, colorless, odorless viscous liquid.
Octyldodecyl/PPG-3 Myristyl Ether Dimer Dilinoleate is a polymeric liquid emollient containing essential fatty acids. It provides the conditioning effects of omega-6-linoleic acid in a high molecular weight, moderate viscosity polymeric ester.
PCA Dimethicone is an isomer of the natural moisturizing factor "PCA" covalently bonded to a silicone backbone. It is designed for easy addition to leave-on and rinse-off conditioning and cleansing products.
PEG-10 Dimethicone is an excellent silicone-based surfactant for all classes of personal care formulas, particularly well suited in skin care. Specially designed for Silicone-in-Water emulsions, it is more hydrophobic and film-forming than PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone.
PEG-100 Stearate is a product of poly-ethoxylation of stearic acid (18-carbon backbone fatty acid) that contains 100 moles of ethylene oxide (polymer part). The raw materials have mixed origins petrochemical and botanical.
PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone is an excellent silicone-based surfactant for all classes of personal care formulas, particularly well suited in skin care. Specially designed for mixed oil-in-water emulsions, it is more hydrophilic and less film-forming than PEG-10 Dimethicone.
PEG-150 Distearate is a non-ionic thickener that works very well in body wash and shampoo. It is added to the oil phase or surfactant phase and heated to 80-85°C(176-185°F).
PEG-150 Distearate is solid in the form of white flakes and is typically used at 0.2-2.0%.
PEG-20 Glyceryl Stearate is an emulsifier, thickener, and dispersant. It is a white semi-solid with a low melt point and an HLB of 13-15.
PEG-30 glyceryl cocoate is a low-irritation, water-soluble surfactant, and is a mixture of mono- and diglycerides derived from coconut oil.
PEG-40 Castor Oil is a pale yellow-colored liquid, a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of 13. It is an ideal low-foaming emulsifier for oil in water (o/w) emulsions.
PEG-5 Oleylamine Methosulfate is a light yellow-cream liquid with a characteristic odor, an easy-to-use organic quaternary ammonium compound, compatible for use in anionic systems and, therefore, “2 in 1” formulations.
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a nonionic solubilizer and emulsifying agent obtained by reacting hydrogenated castor oil with ethylene oxide. It is a white to yellowish soft or flowing paste.
PEG-8 is a polyethylene glycol with polymerization level 8 which means that it contains 8 -CH2CH2O-
PEG-8 Beeswax is a golden particle, produced (ethoxylated) from beeswax, that perfectly emulsifies anti-aging formulas while contributing naturally to limiting imperceptible losses in water from the skin.
Phenyl Trimethicone is a clear viscous liquid polymer, with a good refractive index of 1.498 and chemical stability against oxidation. It is chemically inert and has excellent compatibility with other ingredients in the formulation.
Polyamide-2 is a unique polymer developed to provide broad-spectrum UV protection in leave-on and rinse-off hair care applications. It represents a quantum leap in effective UV protection for hair.
Polyaminopropyl Biguanide has been a widely utilized antimicrobial agent for many years, providing reliable preservation of a diverse range of cosmetic and personal care applications.
Polyester-8 (trade name Polycrylene®) is a cosmetic-grade polymer that improves sunscreen performance by enhancing photostability and substantivity. It works synergistically with Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate to photostabilize Avobenzone via a triplet quenching mechanism.
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.
Polyglycerin-3 is a water-soluble polymer with 3 glycerol units. It has a high refractive index making this ingredient extremely useful in the aqueous phase of transparent emulsion applications.
Polyglyceryl-3 Caprylate is a clear, odorless, viscous liquid, a co-emulsifier with proven anti-microbial properties. It has been shown to reduce the concentration of the odor-causing bacteria Corynebacterium xerosis at use concentrations as low as 0.05%.
Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate is an emulsifier also known under the trade name ISOLAN® GPS for formulating low-viscosity water-in-oil lotions with an exceeding light skin feel.