At in-cosmetics Asia 2014, Wacker is presenting several novelties for the cosmetic industry. Among them is nature-identical hydroxytyrosol, marketed under the brand name HTEssence, and BELSIL EG 2, a new silicone elastomer gel for skin care and decorative cosmetics. Hydroxytyrosol, a highly effective antioxidant, acts as a free-radical scavenger and can reduce skin aging and dark pigmentation. Thanks to WACKER’s new patented process, the ingredient is now available as a nature-identical substance of much greater purity, free of unwanted byproducts, and with a defined amount of active ingredient. The new silicone elastomer gel BELSIL EG 2 was developed for skin care and make up formulations. The gel improves spreadability and skin feel, making the skin smooth and supple. In-cosmetics Asia takes place in Bangkok (Thailand) from November 4 to 6.
Hydroxytyrosol, a secondary plant metabolite, is considered a highly effective antioxidant and free radical scavenger with an ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of 4,500,000 µmolTE1 per 100g – ten times higher than green tea and over twice as high as coenzyme Q10. In human cells, hydroxytyrosol influences the melanin pigments, so that the skin becomes lighter and dark patches disappear. It can also prevent wrinkle formation and skin aging.
Due to these modes of action, hydroxytyrosol is a popular ingredient in cosmetics. One drawback, until recently, was the way it was produced. In nature, hydroxytyrosol is found in olives and olive leaves and its extraction is complex and cost-intensive. But now, Wacker has developed a novel process to fully synthesize this compound. Its new product, HTEssence, features markedly higher purity with a defined amount of active ingredient.
The controlled production process not only offers supply security, but also ensures that HTEssence® does not contain any unwanted byproducts or contaminants. As a result, HTEssence is free of allergens and pesticides. Available as an odorless, water-soluble powder and liquid, the product is suitable for use not only in skin lightening cosmetics and anti-aging products, but also on functional dietary supplements.
Improved Skin Feel: Silicone Elastomer Gel BELSIL EG 2
BELSIL EG 2, another Wacker highlight during the show, is a newly developed silicone elastomer gel. It improves the sensoric properties of skin care and make up formulations significantly, imparting a smoother and more supple feeling to the skin. BELSIL EG 2 also has a thixotropic effect. When applied to the skin, its viscosity drops which makes the distribution of skin care products and decorative cosmetics much easier. The gel also improves the water resistance of cosmetic products. It is compatible with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients and therefore offers maximum formulation flexibility.
Two other products will play center stage at in cosmetics: the aminofunctional silicone emulsion BELSIL ADM 9000 E and the caprylyl dimethicone ethoxy glucoside BELSIL WO 5000. BELSIL ADM 9000 E, a macroemulsion for hair care products targeting medium to strongly damaged hair, shows an effective reduction of dry and wet combing forces thus avoiding mechanical damage. The silicone emulsion provides a soft and silky hair feel. The product especially caters to hair care products such as shampoos, rinse-off conditioners, hair masks, and serums as well as mousse formulations.
BELSIL WO 5000 was especially developed for water-in-oil and water-in-silicone formulations. The product uses a natural sugar-based component, which produces a mild water-in-oil emulsifier. BELSIL WO 5000 is deal for formulating skincare and suncare products as well as decorative cosmetics.