The challenges of dispersing standard silicone elastomers in water are well known. Standard silicone elastomers can be very difficult to disperse uniformly in external water phase emulsions or aqueous gels due to their inability to fit into o/w micelles and general hydrophobic incompatibility with water. Often when processing, excessive levels of surfactants and high shear energy is required to disperse and maintain particles to a stable state. High concentrations of surfactants (which coat particles to maintain a dispersion) unfortunately reduce the elastomer sensory properties by creating tackiness. Surfactants are also more likely to cause some level of barrier disruption. According to Grant, the unique design of versatile Gransil SiW Elastomer Gels resolves these challenges.

The simple way to load silicone elastomers into water-based formulations, Gransil SiW Elastomer Gels are the new vehicle of choice for creating personal care products. Technically, Gransil SiW Elastomer Gels offer formulators the ideal opportunity for loading high levels of Polysilicone-11 elastomer into water-based gel structures with minimal use of emulsifiers (at levels below 0.5%), and by cold processing methods. These stable formulations achieved with such low levels of emulsifiers also serve as excellent delivery-bases for active ingredients.

Gransil SiW Elastomer Gels can be formulated to offer unique sensory benefits with a water-to-powder break on application. The outer water phase cools, sooths and hydrates skin on contact while seconds later, silicone elastomer particles release from a gel matrix to fill lines and even complexion with a soft powder-like texture. Gransil SiW Elastomer Gels can also be used to improve sensory aesthetics of existing emulsions with easy post addition.

Applications include skin care, daily wear, color cosmetics, sun care, body care and hair care.

More info: www.grantinc.com