Viscosity stability of O/W emulsion containing α-gel through an ionic-complex system

Area of Science:

• Cosmetic Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions are common in cosmetics but difficult to stabilize with electrolytes.
• Existing α-gel formulations offer salt tolerance but lack viscosity stability without electrolytes.
• High electrolyte concentrations are needed for stability, posing challenges for cosmetic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate alternative methods for stabilizing O/W emulsion viscosity.
• To evaluate the efficacy of distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DSAC) as a replacement for electrolytes.
• To understand the stabilization mechanism of DSAC in O/W emulsions.

Main Methods:

• Development of O/W emulsion formulae.
• Inclusion of α-crystalline phase (α-gel) with anionic surfactants like sodium N-stearoyl-N-methyl-taurate (SMT).
• Comparative analysis of viscosity stability using electrolytes versus distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DSAC).

Main Results:

• DSAC, a cationic surfactant, improved viscosity stability in O/W emulsions.
• Effective stabilization was achieved at lower concentrations compared to traditional electrolytes.
• The stabilization mechanism of DSAC differs from that of electrolytes.

Conclusions:

• DSAC offers a promising solution for enhancing viscosity stability in cosmetic O/W emulsions.
• Lower concentrations of DSAC provide stability, overcoming limitations of electrolyte-based formulations.
• Further research into DSAC's unique stabilization mechanism is warranted.