Riding on the wave of growth and changes within Basildon this year, in-cosmetics did not disappoint, with more interest than expected seen in the company’s new speciality product lines.
Particular attention was drawn by the elastomers and gum blends incorporating their D5 replacements which were launched at the end of last year and can be seen in further detail on the company’s website and formulation guide.
Although this is the last year that Basildon will have a stand of its own at in-cosmetics, in the future visitors will still be able to find them on the stand of their parent company, the KCC Corporation. Here formulators can find the full range of silicone polymers and technical expertise needed to create the very best personal care formulations from the combined knowledge of Basildon Chemicals and KCC.
Replacing cyclopentasiloxane (D5)
The discussion on this key cosmetic solvent is likely to continue for a significant amount of time yet, however initial rulings from the Report of The Board of Review for Decamethylcyclopentasiloxne (Siloxane D5) in Ottowa, Ontario on 20 October last year have remarked: “based on the information before it, the projected future uses of Siloxane D5 will not pose a danger to the environment.”
Encouraging news as this may be for the future of this essential cosmetic raw material, there is still some demand from formulators to discover a high performance alternative to this ingredient. Basildon Chemicals’ answer to these demands can be seen in such elegant products as BC 2647, a blended combination of silicone gum in our D5 replacement.
Finding a replacement for D5 is not easy. Many equivalent organic compounds are flammable, with most classed as VOCs. Many natural compounds lack the soft silky feel of D5 or lack the exact evaporation profile necessary for use. In addition to these factors, prices are often as much as five times higher than that of D5. The Basildon D5 alternative is a low molecular weight dimethicone that is not classed as a VOC, has the silky feel of D5, and with cost being low relative to the other alternatives on the market. BC 2647 launched last year and is now available through our European distribution channels.
Basildon alkylated silicone waxes
Through the replacement of a small number of methyl groups along the dimethicone backbone with alkyl groups, Basildon Chemicals have a selection of liquids and waxes on offer with pendant organic groups as long as C18. Variations in the hydrocarbon chain length alter the characteristics of such silicones, offering different softening temperatures and rheological characteristics, in addition to offering greatly increased organic compatibility with other cosmetic ingredients. Alkyl silicones like cetyl dimethicone (BC 2398) and stearyl dimethicone (BC 99/030) are also renowned for their excellent skin substantivity in addition to the expected qualities of emollience and softness. These qualities are ideal when incorporated into long lasting oil-in-water sun care formulations, and can be utilised at addition rates of 2%-2.5%.
To aid the formulator further, Basildon Chemicals has incorporated the soft wax stearyl dimethicone into a non-ionic emulsion BC 99/099 using trideceth-10, so this wax can now be included into formulations through cold processes.
Damaged Hair – make it look glorious with BC 2262
Basildon Chemicals has a long history of excellence in the manufacture of silicone emulsions, and this product is a prime example of this pedigree coming to the fore. BC 2262 is a clear micro co-emulsion of shine boosting phenyltrimethicone and the cationic polymer, silicone quaternium-17. The combination of these two silicones offers excellent deposition of the phenyltrimethicone to the hair, enhancing gloss and adding softness to the abraded hair cuticle, whilst the silicone quaternium offers excellent conditioning of damaged dry and coloured hair. These effects can be seen at addition levels of between 1.5% – 4% to clear shampoo and intense conditioner formulations.
Sensory enhancement through dimethicone elastomers
Made by dispersing oil-swellable, sponge-like, crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane spheres in various silicone carriers, Basildon and KCC silicone elastomer blends are strong matifying agents specially designed for facial colour cosmetic formulas where absorption of sebum is ideal to generate a non-oily appearance. In combination with the unique powdery feel generated by all silicone elastomers, this light and silky smooth effect is ideal for the increasingly popular non-greasy foundation formulations on the market.
Basildon and KCC elastomers are available as cosmetic powders, emulsions and blends utilising both D5 and D5-replacement silicone materials.
For full details on all their speciality silicones, contact their personal care teams in the UK and Korea for product and formulation advice.
