Beyond rheology modification: hydrophilically modified silicone elastomers provide new benefits

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Cosmetic Science

Background:

• Silicone elastomers offer rheology modification but lack hydrophilic functionality.
• Functional substituents, like polyethylene glycol (PEG), enhance silicone elastomer properties beyond thickening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate PEG-modified dimethicone crosspolymer (PEG-DCP) as an emulsifier for water-in-silicone (w/s) emulsions.
• To explore the benefits of PEG-DCP in cosmetic formulations like antiperspirant gels and multiple emulsions.
• To investigate the impact of PEG substitution, PEG chain length, and crosslink density on PEG-DCP performance.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of various PEG-DCP samples with controlled PEG substitution levels, PEG chain lengths, and crosslink densities.
• Evaluation of PEG-DCP performance in cyclopentasiloxane dispersions.
• Testing emulsification capabilities in simple w/s emulsions and antiperspirant formulations.

Main Results:

• PEG-DCP demonstrated effectiveness as an emulsifier for w/s emulsions using cyclopentasiloxane as the continuous phase.
• PEG-DCP facilitated the creation of antiperspirant gels and multiple emulsions (w/s/w).
• Increased compatibility with polar organic oils and reduced syneresis in anhydrous antiperspirants were observed with PEG-DCP.
• Variations in PEG substitution level and PEG chain length significantly impacted PEG-DCP viscosity and emulsification performance.
• Alterations in crosslink density also affected the emulsification properties of PEG-DCP.

Conclusions:

• PEG-modified dimethicone crosspolymer (PEG-DCP) is a versatile emulsifier for water-in-silicone systems.
• Hydrophilic modification of silicone elastomers enhances their utility in cosmetic applications.
• Formulation parameters like PEG substitution, chain length, and crosslink density are critical for optimizing PEG-DCP performance.