Microspheres, typically defined as spherical microparticles between 1 micron and 1000 microns (1 mm) in diameter, have been widely used in personal care and the cosmetics industry over the past decade.
Historically microspheres have been used as fillers and texture enhancers in formulations of lipsticks, pressed and loose powders, and hand lotions. More recently microspheres have been recognised for their enhanced sensory and optical properties in a broad range of formulations. In skin care lotions and creams, microspheres can help deliver a soft and smooth feel, excellent lubricity and soft focus effects that reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In pressed powder formulations microspheres can offer sebum absorption and reduction of powder agglomeration. Smaller particle sizes offer soft focus effects, while the products with the larger particle size offer exceptional softness and lubricity. In addition to their cosmetic and sensory functionalities, microspheres look attractive and offer a strong visual appeal as multicoloured beads in clear gels or dark-coloured beads in light coloured gels or creams. Microspheres allow personal care and cosmetic companies to meet consumer demand for more sophisticated and affordable products.
Unique properties of microspheres
The sphere is nature’s most efficient shape with the lowest surface area compared to volume. It is this shape that gives microspheres their unique properties. Depending on the raw materials, each type of microsphere offers unique advantages suitable for particular applications. Some advantages are relevant to all types of microspheres due to their small, spherical structure.
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