PEG-free solubilisation via naturally-derived esters

Complementary, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate (and) Polyglyceryl-3 Cocoate (and) Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate (and) Polyglyceryl-6 Ricinoleate (trade name: TEGO® Solve 61) is more effective for the solubilisation of very hydrophobic ingredients like natural oils (e.g. sunflower oil). Finally, light emollient esters like isopropyl myristate are effectively solubilised with Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate (trade name: TEGOSOFT® PC 41). In addition to their excellent solubilising properties, the three products are cold processable as well as electrolyte-resistant. They exhibit ultra-mild cleansing properties and deliver moisturisation benefits. Formulations for various applications such as hair & body cleansers, AP/Deo roll-ons, wet wipe liquids, perfumes and micellar water/makeup remover can be prepared with these environmentally benign materials.

Various hydrophobic oils are broadly used in a variety of cosmetic products. In particular perfume oils / fragrances are added to almost all formulations in order to achieve a specific olfactory character. Usually perfume oils consist of a mixture of essential oils (e.g. lemon oil, rosemary oil), which chemically are mainly based on terpene-derived molecules like e.g. limonene, camphor or citral. On the other hand, plant-based natural oils like argan or sunflower oil are very popular in cosmetics to achieve moisturising or other caring benefits e.g. on hair. These natural oils are mainly based on very hydrophobic triglycerides and/or esters of fatty acids with fatty alcohols. Furthermore, emollient oils like isopropyl myristate or hydrocarbons are also widely used providing moisturisation and acting as carrier oils or liquefying agents for other cosmetic ingredients. 

In order to incorporate these different types of oils into water-based cosmetic formulas, the use of solubilisers is essential to achieve stable and/or clear formulations. However, the chemical properties and the hydrophobicity of these oils differ significantly as mentioned above. Therefore, the effective solubilisation of all these different oils with just one solubiliser is extremely challenging.