Munich-based chemicals group Wacker will debut its new silicone elastomer gels Belsil EG 1 and Belsil REG 102 at in-cosmetics 2015. Both products impart a special texture to skin-care products and decorative cosmetics, leaving skin feeling extraordinarily soft and silky smooth. They also make the end products spread readily over the skin. Belsil REG 102 additionally provides long-lasting effects by enhancing water and transfer resistance. In-cosmetics will be held in Barcelona, Spain, from April 14 to 16.New active ingredient Belsil REG 102 is a clear, yellowish silicone resin elastomer gel. Used as an integral component or as an additive, it boosts the transfer- and water-resistance of cosmetic products and leaves the skin feeling pleasantly soft and silky smooth.
Both Belsil EG 1 and Belsil REG 102 offer enhanced skin-feel properties, compared with established silicone elastomer gels. The two new products also exhibit pronounced shear-thinning attributes: they remain solid when at rest but undergo a reversible conversion to a liquid state in response to shear stress. Products formulated with them are therefore easy to apply and spread readily over the skin.
Both gels contain cyclopentasiloxane, a volatile silicone fluid widely used in the cosmetics sector; as a liquid component. When applied, the cyclopentasiloxane evaporates. Only the elastomer remains on the skin. As a result, the formulator can freely modify the desired consistency and sensory effects of the elastomer after its application. Belsil EG 1 is derived from a classic addition-curing silicone elastomer, whereas Belsil REG 102 is based on a specialty silicone which is crosslinked to a three dimensional network via silicone resin segments.
As a result, the silicone resin elastomer combines the skin sensation produced by flexible silicone loops with the good film-forming properties of silicone resins. This combination of properties makes Belsil REG 102 a multi-functional active ingredient for skin-care applications and decorative cosmetic products. The gel forms a water-repellent film that adheres well to the skin without becoming sticky.
Thanks to its favorable film-forming and adhesion properties, Belsil REG 102 makes cosmetic formulations more water- and transfer-resistant, thus providing long wear benefits. The product helps to make lipsticks kiss-proof, prevents makeup from rubbing off on clothing, and reduces the wash-off of sunscreens. It also adds to moisturizers and night creams a very pleasant and silky soft skin feeling. These skin-feel properties are especially favorable and long-lasting.
The silicone elastomer serving as the solid gel component in Belsil EG 1 lacks the structural attribute of the silicone resin. Accordingly, Belsil EG 1 is intended for cosmetic products that are not required to meet high demands on water and transfer resistance. Belsil EG 1 is preferred for enhancing rheological and skin-sensory properties, especially of skin-care creams, as well as mascaras, skin cleansers and deodorants.
