PCM-7919 is a PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone and the company says it is compatible with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients.
In addition, according to NuSil, the new ingredient has an approximate 1,500 cP viscosity, and can be used at low levels.
Hair care and sun care opportunities
In hair care formulations the ingredient can be used to create stable emulsions, help enhance shine and help retain color, NuSil specialist in personal care, Jeff Caruso, explained.
“In a sun care formulation, some of the literature has suggested they can help increase the SPF a touch, and lead to a better resistance to UV and chemical stresses,” he told CosmeticsDesign.com USA.
Therefore, it could be used to formulate a longer lasting sunscreen, or a sports range, he explained.
NuSil is active in a range of industries including electronics and aerospace as well as personal care and medical devices. It is the company's experience in the medical devices sector that Caruso says is one of the major benefits it can offer its personal care clients.
“We have a lot of experience in biological testing so if a customer needs some more information about the product we may already have it on hand, and if not we can go through the channels we already have to find it,” he said.
Personal care market a continued focus
The significant amount of silicones, and silicone-based products, that are used by the sector makes the personal care market an important focus for the company.
Although the market is ever more influenced by the natural and organic movement, which is not always in favour of the use of silicones, Caruso did not see demand for such ingredients dropping.
“Looking at the feel and benefit you get from a silicone, I don’t know what could replace it. I don’t foresee it going away,” he said.