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Feel Enhancer
Silicones for Feel in Hair and Skin Formulations
Posted: February 7, 2012
NuSil Technology LLC has introduced two silicones for personal care. PCM-7908 (INCI: Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethicone) and PCM-7914 (INCI: Cyclopentasiloxane Dimethicone Crosspolymer) both enhance the feel of cosmetic formulations.
Composed of cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone with roughly 15% solids, PCM-7908 is a low-viscosity fluid (30,000 cP) suited for hair and skin care products. PCM-7908 improves hair manageability by reducing frizz and tangling, while adding silkiness and shine. The low viscosity fluid can be used as a film-former or a non-occlusive barrier in personal care formulations. The fluid can be added to skin care formulations where a substantive ingredient is needed.
PCM-7914 is a cyclopentasiloxane dimethicone crosspolymer with a lower solids content (about 12–13%) and a higher viscosity than PCM-7908. This silicone elastomer blend, due to its ability to easily suspend an active ingredient in its system, can impart a silky feeling in creams and lotions and may be considered for use in scar management therapy. Its high viscosity (600,000 cP) allows it to deliver other components; therefore, it can be used to deliver vitamins, naturals and cosmeceutical ingredients.
Both silicones require little mixing to ensure homogeneity.