Dow Corning FZ-3196 is an alkyl methyl silicone fluid, which for formulators is said to increase compatibility and handling ease, while offering consumers a formulation consistency that is less dry on the skin.
The fluid is clear, colorless and spreads easily, while providing a light silky smooth feel, the company says.
It also carries the International Nomenclature of Cosmetics (INCI), which has given it the designation caprylyl methicone.
It works by lowering the surface tension of organic oils, and can also function as a co-stablizer between silicone oils and organic oils.
Meets aesthetic challenges
“The popularity of ‘natural’ products remains strong with consumers, but formulating with vegetable oils can present aesthetic challenges, such as skin residue or a tacky greasy feel,” said Isabelle Van Reeth, who heads up the company’s skin care division.
Van Reeth went on to stress that the ingredient has been designed to meet the specific needs of the growing number of formulators who have to work with ingredients of natural origin, while meeting consumer needs for sensory properties and performance.
The ingredient is recommended in a wide variety of personal care applications, including skin care, sun protection, color cosmetics and hair care.
Focus on skin care and hair care
For skin care products it is recommended in moisturizers, gels, make-up removers and facial cleansers, whereas in the next biggest category, hair care, it is recommended for leave-on conditioners, hairsprays and cuticle coats.
Van Reeth also underlined the added flexibility the ingredient provides for formulators by pointing out the fact that it can carry other ingredients, as well as being used as a dispersing medium for hydrophobic powders and pigments.
Dow Corning claims that on top of the formulation flexibility and aesthetic qualities, FZ-3196 is also an economical alternative, increasing the range of products that it can be formulated with.