Cosmetic, toiletry and household formulations

In the main, CTOSS-Knked products such as the Carbomer range of precipitation polymers, referred to in Section 3.3.1.3 and inverse emulsion/LDP polymers referred to in Section 3.3.2.1 are well suited to the rheological requirements of cosmetic and toiletry formulations. 

Inverse emulsion/LDP product types usually provide formulations which are opaque, as the oil phase present as the continuous phase in the product as supplied, becomes emulsified as a disperse phase in the formulation. Additional formulating options are available from grades which have hydrocarbon phases chosen to match the requirements of niche end uses. Medicinal grade white oils , hydrophobic esters and even silicone oils have been considered as the hydrocarbon phase for these polymers. 

Associative thickeners are also useful thickeners for cosmetic and toiletry products. These products types are most compatible with anionic and non-ionic co-ingredients, give clear formulations and work most effectively in neutral or mildly alkaline environments (to ensure the polymer is fully in solution). Associative thickeners also work well in surfactant systems since the hydrophobic groups in the polymer is able to interact with the micelle structure already present in such systems. Some grades are not effective at giving high viscosity under low shear conditions but the use of thickener combinations can address such limitations. 

The complexity of balancing all the ingredients and end-use properties of cosmetic and toiletry formulations is well known and a number of reference texts [44-46] are available to assist formulators working in this area. 

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