Which class of ingredients is the second-largest to be used in the manufacture of cosmetics and personal care products? Polymers. Since they can be used for conditioning, film-formation, waterproofing, thickening, delivery, glossing and fixatives, it is not uncommon to find several polymers in a formulation intended for multifunctionality. Furthermore, the use of existing polymers in combination with other ingredients can yield a myriad of opportunities for the creation of cosmetically elegant products as-yet unknown.
Polymers: The Pathway to Versatile Technology brings together more than 30 papers published within the past four years on topics such as recent advances in biopolymers and biomedical materials, polymers as a delivery for sunscreens, and formulating with polymers. This dynamic compilation has been assembled to provide the personal care market with up-to-date, critical information on the importance, function and application of polymers in cosmetic products. Topics include:
Natural Polymers
- Recent advances in biopolymers and biomedical materials
- A surfactant/bipolymer stabilizer for emulsions
- Castor polyesters for personal care
Polymers in Hair Care and Skin Care
- Advances in polymers for hair styling, coloring and conditioning
- Peptides, amino acids and proteins in skin care
- Enhancing the feel of vegetable oils with silicone
- Formulating with surfactant silicones
Polymers in Sun Care
- Film-forming polymers as a delivery strategy for sunscreen efficacy
- Silicones bring multifunctional performance to sun care
Polymers in Nail Care
- Thermoplastic silicone elastomers improve nail polish performance
- Silicone compounds—new formulation possibilities
- Equilibration reaction of silicone fluids
Polymer Terminology
- Citrate polyesters