NOF Corp. has introduced a biomimetic material that protects hair and skin from damage. Lipidure is an aqueous solution polymer produced from 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC). MPC has a similar structure to the polar group of phospholipids in the cell membrane. Various materials can be obtained by using MPC.
The material is offered in two varieties. Lipidure-HM (INCI: Polyphosphorylcholine Glycol Acrylate) is a homopolymer made from MPC monomer in a 40% aqueous solution, while Lipidure-PMB (pH 10) (INCI: Polyquaternium-10) is a copolymer made from MPC and butyl methacrylate of a hydrophobic monomer in a 5% aqueous solution.
According to the company, the ingredient can be formulated into skin care solutions to suppress the formation of rough skin. In addition, it can be formulated into hair care products to protect the cuticle from damage. The company finds that the polymer protects the hair by giving it smoothness without lift.
The company reports that most hydrating and moisturizing agents are easily washed off but when the material was compared with hyaluronic acid, it was found to exhibit higher water-holding capacity even after rinsing. The material also exhibits water-proofing properties.
