“Tear-free formula" belongs to the core label of infant care products and sensitive skin care products.The core appeal of this formula is to ensure that the product will not cause discomfort such as tingling, tears, redness and swelling when it comes into contact with the human body's most fragile eye mucosa.As the core ingredient responsible for cleaning and emulsifying in care products, surfactants, their mildness directly determines whether a product can truly meet the tear-free standard.Among the many surfactant categories, PEOFA™ MYPGSQ0802 (polyglyceryl-2 sesquicaprylate) and
Coco glucoside have become the preferred raw materials for tear-free formulas due to their outstanding hypoallergenic properties.
I.What is a tear-free formula?
The eye mucosa is one of the most fragile parts of human skin tissue. It has no protection from the stratum corneum and has extremely low tolerance to external stimuli.This requires that the surfactants used in the tear-free formula must meet the two core requirements of mucosal friendliness and skin barrier protection at the same time.
From the point of view of the mechanism of action, such surfactants cannot achieve cleansing or emulsifying functions by destroying cell structures. Instead, they need to rely on gentle intermolecular forces to complete the cleaning task without damaging the sebum membrane on the surface of the skin.The sebum membrane is the natural protective layer of the skin. It can lock in skin moisture and resist the invasion of external irritants. Its integrity is directly related to the healthy state of the skin, which is particularly important for infants and young children and people with sensitive muscles.
In addition, surfactants adapted to tear-free formulas also need to have good compound compatibility, and can work synergistically with
Emollients, preservatives and other ingredients in the formula to form a stable product system that will not be irritating due to the interaction between the ingredients. This is also a key factor to be considered in the formulation development process.
II.Preferred ingredient 1: coco glucoside
Coco glucoside is a nonionic surfactant derived from nature. Its production raw materials are mainly renewable coconut oil and glucose. This natural source of raw materials has laid a solid foundation for its gentleness.
From the molecular structure analysis, the molecular chain of coco glucoside has both hydrophilic and oleophilic groups. This structure gives it excellent surface activity ability, which can effectively reduce the surface tension of water and achieve gentle wrapping and removal of dirt on the surface of the skin.Unlike irritating surfactants, it does not destroy the skin's sebum membrane during cleansing, nor does it penetrate the skin barrier into the dermis to cause inflammation.Even if it accidentally comes into contact with the eye mucosa, it will not cause irritation to the mucosal cells, and will not cause uncomfortable symptoms such as tears and tingling. It fits the core needs of the tear-free formula.
At the practical application level, coco glucoside has strong compatibility and can be perfectly compounded with various raw materials.Whether it is infant shampoo, shower gel, cleanser or makeup remover for sensitive skin, you can see it.It can not only play a gentle and cleansing role, but also play an auxiliary role in the formula to emulsify and improve the smoothness of the product texture.
III.Preferred ingredient two: 0802 (polyglyceryl-2 sesquicaprylate)
Polyglyceryl-2 sesquicaprylate is an oleophilic nonionic surfactant of plant origin, which has multiple effects such as emulsifying, solubilizing, moisturizing, and moisturizing. It plays an indispensable role in tear-free formula products.
Polyglyceryl-2 sesquicaprylate is a light yellow transparent liquid at 25℃, has no irritation to the skin and hair and no risk of acne, and is suitable for infant care products.Its gentleness stems from its unique mechanism of action. As a makeup remover
Emulsifier, it can rely on intermolecular forces to stabilize the oil-water system of the product, improve the uniformity of texture, and make the product smoother and more comfortable when used.In cleansing products, it can efficiently dissolve makeup and oil and dirt on the surface of the skin. After cleaning, it will not leave residues on the surface of the skin, nor will it cause tightness and dryness of the skin. Instead, it can leave a thin moisturizing film to help maintain the skin's hydrated state.
In terms of the safety of eye contact, Polyglyceryl-2 sesquicaprylate performs equally well.Because its molecular structure is stable and it is not strongly ionic, it will not cause inflammation when it comes into contact with the eye mucosa.Adding such ingredients to infant shower gels, shampoos and other products, even if the product accidentally enters the eyes, it will not cause tingling or tears, and the safety of the use process can be greatly guaranteed.In addition, it has a wide range of applications. In addition to infant products, it can also be used in various skin care products such as creams, lotions, and makeup remover oils for sensitive skin, providing consumers with different skin types with a gentle care experience.
IV.Avoided ingredients: sodium lauryl sulfate
Sodium lauryl sulfate is an anionic surfactant with a long history of application. It is known for its strong cleaning power and rich foaming properties. It has been widely used in various cleaning products.But it is precisely because of its outstanding cleansing ability, accompanied by strong irritation, that it cannot be adapted to the tear-free formula.
From the molecular structure point of view, the molecule of Sodium lauryl sulfate contains sulfate groups. This group is highly ionic. When it comes into contact with the skin, it will destroy the structure of the sebum membrane on the surface of the skin, resulting in rapid loss of skin moisture, which in turn causes dryness, tightness, itching and other uncomfortable symptoms.For the eye mucosa that is not protected by the stratum corneum, this irritation will be infinitely magnified.When sodium lauryl sulfate comes into contact with the eye mucosa, it directly stimulates mucosal cells, causing inflammation, causing tingling, redness, and tears in the eyes. This is completely contrary to the research and development concept of tear-free formula.
From the point of view of the scope of application, Sodium lauryl sulfate is more suitable for use in industrial cleaners, strong decontamination laundry detergents and other products.In the field of cosmetics, it can be used in small quantities in powerful cleaning products for adults, and it is necessary to avoid contact with the eyes when using it.
V.Market trends
1.With the awakening of consumer health awareness and the continuous improvement of attention to cosmetic safety, the market demand for tear-free formula products has shown a continuous growth trend.polyglyceryl-2 sesquicaprylate and coco glucoside, such hypoallergenic surfactants, are suitable for this formula.
2.The wide application of these two ingredients not only brings consumers a safer and more comfortable experience, but also promotes the development of the entire care industry in a gentle, green and sustainable direction.More and more brands are turning to natural and gentle raw materials to meet the needs of different consumer groups.Especially in the infant care market, tear-free formula has become the core competitiveness of products.
3.In the formula design process, R&D personnel can also add ingredients such as
Moisturizing Agent to further enhance the gentleness and skin care efficacy of the product, and create a better care experience for consumers.
Hubei Mingya New Material Technology Co., Ltd.
