Acrylic copolymer thickener and Nonionic
Thickening suspension: They do not appear in the ingredient list as frequently as popular cosmetic raw materials, but in every bottle of lotion and shampoo, they quietly determine the skin feeling and stability of the product.
Acrylic copolymer thickener
In the bathroom in the early morning, when you squeeze out the gel-like cleansing product and feel its silky texture when you push it away in the palm of your hand, this just right viscous feeling is likely to come from acrylic polymer thickener.This kind of raw material with acrylic acid copolymer as the core is like a fine elastic mesh pocket, which can firmly lock water molecules in the mesh structure, so that the original flowing aqueous solution has a stable consistency.
On the formula countertop of the beauty laboratory, THICION® MY905 is one of the most frequently picked up samples.As a typical acrylic copolymer thickener, it uses cosmetic-grade mineral oil as the solvent, with an effective content of up to 60%. The formulated paste shows a delicate milky white color, and it will not clump and mud when applied.Formulators prefer it not only because it allows the shower gel to maintain a dense foam in the water flow, but also because it has excellent resistance to biological hydrolysis, even in a humid bathroom environment, it can maintain the stability of the product.
In the formulation system, it is often used in conjunction with the
Moisturizing Agent.For example, in a body lotion that focuses on moisturizing, acrylic copolymer thickener allows moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid to be evenly dispersed in the system to avoid layered precipitation.When you apply, this elastic mesh pocket will gradually release moisture as the skin expands, bringing a refreshing and non-sticky feeling of use.It is also worth mentioning that this kind of raw material has strong compatibility with the formula, such as with salt ingredients, and can maintain a stable thickening effect.
In the pursuit of streamlined formula, it has become the secret weapon of many cutting-edge brands to create a “burden-free” skin feeling.For example, in a repair cream for sensitive skin, the formulator replaced the traditional carbom with acrylic copolymer thickener, which not only reduces irritation, but also allows the cream to form a breathable moisturizing film at the moment of contact with the skin, relieving dryness and redness.
In addition to skin care products, acrylic copolymer thickener also has outstanding performance in the field of makeup.In the formula of air cushion BB cream, it allows the toner to be evenly mixed with moisturizing ingredients to avoid powder clumping. In the lip glaze, it can maintain the durability of the mirror luster while making the texture lighter.
The environmental protection properties of such raw materials have also attracted much attention.Compared with traditional thickeners, acrylic copolymer thickener produces less wastewater in the production process, and some products are biodegradable.In the context of the global beauty industry moving towards “carbon neutrality”, this green characteristic makes it the key research and development direction of raw material companies.
Nonionic thickening suspension
If acrylic copolymer thickener is the core of the water-based formula, then nonionic thickening suspension is the balanced component of the suspension system.In pearlescent shampoos, those flickering mica tablets can be evenly suspended without precipitation. In cleansing creams containing scrub particles, fine scrub particles can gently rub against the skin without agglomeration. Behind this is the credit of nonionic thickening suspension.
OILREE® MY3874 is a representative of this kind of raw material. Its inci name is
Glycol distearate and it is a white flaky crystal.When it is dissolved in shampoo, it will form fine crystal structures. These structures are like countless miniature brackets, which can not only support the pearlescent particles, but also make the product show smooth fluidity when dumped.The upgraded MY3875 adopts a granular form, with better suspension performance and pearlescent effect.
In formula design, it often works in synergy with
Skin Conditioning Agents.For example, in a conditioner, nonionic thickening suspension allows cationic conditioners to attach evenly to the surface of the hair, reducing static electricity generation.At the same time, it can also stabilize the suspension of silicone oil and other components to avoid the problem of layering of silicone oil.This ability to balance makes it indispensable in hair care products.
Interestingly, the application scenarios of such raw materials far exceed the field of beauty.In clothing softeners, it can be combined with softeners to evenly disperse the soft ingredients in an aqueous solution and reduce clothing folds. In industrial coatings, it can prevent pigment precipitation and improve the flatness of the coating.
With the popularization of the concept of “no silicone oil”, nonionic thickening suspension has ushered in new growth opportunities.Many brands have begun to compound with glycol distearate to create a lighter shampoo system.
Acrylic copolymer thickener and Nonionic thickening suspension
As consumers' requirements for cosmetic products shift from effective to practical, the composition of thickeners and suspensions is undergoing subtle changes.With its advantages in water-based formulas, Acrylic copolymer thickener is becoming the first choice for effective skin care products.For example, in a serum containing vitamin C, it can prevent the active ingredient from being oxidized, and in a sunscreen, it can disperse zinc oxide evenly and enhance the sunscreen effect.
On the other hand, nonionic thickening suspension continues to work hard in the field of care.With the popularization of the concept of “no silicone oil”, brands need a milder suspension system to replace the thickening effect of silicone oil, and raw materials such as glycol distearate have ushered in explosive growth.
The competition between the two types of raw materials has also spawned a trend of cross-border integration.Some companies have begun to develop composite raw materials with both thickening and suspension functions.
In the wave of innovation in the beauty industry, these seemingly ordinary raw materials are playing an increasingly important role.From the microstructure in the laboratory to the experience in the hands of consumers, the story of acrylic copolymer thickener and nonionic thickening suspension is the epitome of the technological iteration of the beauty industry.
In the future, with the deepening of the concept of green environmental protection, we may see the birth of more bio-based thickening raw materials, but no matter how the technology evolves, the texture foundation laid by these two types of raw materials will continue to affect the development direction of beauty products.As a senior formulator said: “A good thickener does not make you feel its existence, but makes you forget its existence, leaving only a comfortable experience.”
Hubei Mingya New Material Technology Co., Ltd.
