Skygel™ - HVC

Rheological Additive for Cosmetics

General Description

Skygel™ Thickeners are colloidal, inorganic mineral thickeners which are essentially inert and non swelling in aqueous applications. When dispersed in water, they display unique Thixotropic properties that are useful in a variety of aqueous applications. Modest cost, high performance and virtually universal compatibility mean that they can often replace, or partially substitute for expensive imported thickeners while offering equivalent performance. Skygel™ thickeners are Hydrated Magnesium Aluminum Silicate base Cosmetic grade rheological additive refined from natural mineral clay. It has been developed as a high purity, fast hydrating stabilizer for aqueous systems.

Skygel™ in Cosmetic and Personal Care products

Skygel™ is a unique rheological additive which can improve the performance and appearance of many personal care and cosmetic products.

Skygel™’s Multifunctional Benefits

Skygel™ products provide a unique combination of cosmetic and rheological benefits:

• Thixotropic thickening
• Anti-settling effect, suspension of beads, pigments and glitters
• Prevention of phase separation and Syneresis
• Stabilization of oil/water emulsions
• Suitability for aerosols and pump sprays: Thixotropic gels with Skygel™ atomise well.
• Reduction of running and dripping
• Uniform film formation: Pigments and sunscreen actives remain dispersed in the product and are evenly applied to the skin. This can help maintaining a high SPF.
• Skin feel: Due to the uniform shape of the lathe like structure and their ability to glide easily over one another, Skygel™ adds smoothness and improves “lubricity” without being sticky. Cosmetic products with Skygel™ are soothing to the skin.
• Sebum absorption: Skygel™ products have high oil absorption. Skygel™ is used in clay masks for absorption of sebum and body secretions.
• Disperses in water readily to form colloidal sols and gels
• Forms reversible gels ( The flake can undergo hydration and drying any number of times )

Properties in Formulation

Various properties make Skygel™ the preferred rheological additive for water phases in cosmetic and personal care products

• Electrolyte stability: sodium salts are tolerated. Higher concentrations of other soluble salts may affect the efficiency of Skygel™
• Surfactant compatibility: Skygel™ can be used with anionic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants.
• Solvent tolerance: Skygel™ can be used in the presence of up to 30% alcohol or other water miscible solvents.
• Temperature stability: Products formulated with Skygel™ remain stable in the heat and cold.
• Opacity: Skygel™ forms milky, turbid gels. Hence, gives very high level of opacity.

Applications

Due to these benefits, Skygel™ rheological additives are used in the following cosmetic and personal care products:

• Creams
• Medicated skin lotions or lotions
• Facial masks/Beauty masks
• Sunscreens
• Shampoos ( especially for suspension of zinc pyrithione antidandruff agents)
• Facial Scrubs
• Deodorant Powders
• Bath powders
• Baby powders
• Face powders
• Rouge powders
• Dry shampoos
• Liquid rouge