Polymers in Cosmetic Applications

Dahlia Ningrum Chem 590 Spring 2012

Cosmetic Industry

Polymer use in cosmetics

Thickening

agent Film formers Resinous powders Humectants

Lipstick

Lipstick
Polypropylene

glycol

Used as a solvent for dyes, give higher water resistance, have good solubility with eosine dye.

Antiperspirant
Aluminum

Used

chlor hydroxide

Coated with PEG

to reduce moisture Used to reduce dusting

Polyacrylic

Acid (25%)

Creates water resistant film that comes off with soap.

Nail Hardener
PVP,

PVP/VA copolymer with aldehyde compounds

Skin Emollient
Poly-propylene glycol 2000/4000 Retards water evaporation in water/oil emulsions, thereby keeping skin hydrated. Dimethyl

polysiloxane

Inert, protects skin by providing a barrier around the skin. Hygroscopic, create film without greasy feeling.

PEG

Dye/Hair coloring
Polysulfites

Artificial Nails
Used

to cover broken nails Cyano-acrylate gel, initiator (N,Ndimethylparatoluidine) is later added.

Finger Nail Elongator

Made

of PMMA

Creates

hard film Polymerized at room tempurature Accelerated by higher temperature Catalyst needed Plasticizer (dibutyl phtalate) needed to lower the Tg

 PVA

high shine eyeliner In mascara high gloss

Shampoo
Polystyrene:
Good

Opacifying agent PVA: Smooth, viscosity depend on DP.

dispersant

Breast Implants

http://www.ongo.com/73/2011/01/26/296676/48237d9b15df20a0d9edea1b2b44f57be0.jpg

Breast Implants: Ingredients

Si

Si
Si

Si O O Si

O Si O

Si

Si O Si

Si n

Pt

How they are made

Pt KOH
H

Si

Si Si O O O Si O Si m n

Si

O Si O Si O O Si Si O n Si

Si

Si O Si O Crosslinked Network

Hydrosilation Step Growth Polymerization

Hair Gel / Spray

Carbopol Polyvinylpyrrolidone

Polyvinylpyrrolidone
Hygroscopic

Forms

films Enhances viscosity Adhesive

Used

in hair spray, gels, lotions, shampoo

Mechanism

Spray

Migrate

Hold

Critical Parameters
Polymer/solvent

compatibility Polymer tackiness Polymer adhesion Glass transition temperature

Carbopol
High

molecular weight, crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymers

Carbopol
Smooth,

transparent, highly viscous

Carbopol

Conditioning Mechanism
Polymer

binds to keratin and resists rinse/mechanical removal Ionic polymers bind to hair

Soap

Soap
Polyphosphate

Reduces

(dulgon)

Binds iron and copper in soap production.

rancidity and spot formation

How breasts implants are made

Si

O Si O Si

O Si HO Si O Si O n

OH