Clariant sets new benchmarks in aesthetic performance for mild and natural cosmetics

Muttenz, April 13, 2010 - Captivating optics, sensual touch effects and a fresher, cleaner skin and hair feel are among the advanced sensory and performance benefits now available to the cosmetics industry with the launch of three new innovative formulation ingredients by Clariant.

Clariant’s latest developments will give formulators and brand owners the edge in enhancing the aesthetic experience and effectiveness of their cosmetics and personal care products, including natural and function- boosting ingredients for personal care formulations.

Unveiled at in-cosmetics 2010, the new products are:

• SilCare® Silicone WSI: a water-in-oil / water-in-silicone emulsifier for body lotions and creams, sunscreen formulations and decorative cosmetics.

The emulsifier adds an appealing smooth and silky feel with reduced tackiness to cosmetics formulations. It enhances spreading and absorption, making cosmetics easier to apply and leaving a good, fresh skin feel that appeals to consumers. By enhancing the shine of pigments in decorative cosmetics, SilCare Silicone WSI creates a glossy finish that can make eyes and lips look fresher and brighter. The added shine also boosts the appeal of the packaged product.

SilCare Silicone WSI is an easy to handle, medium viscous liquid.

• Hostapon® SG: a novel amino acid surfactant for sulfate-free rinse-off products, such as shampoos, body soaps, facial cleansers and shaving preparations.

This natural product creates rich and creamy foams that rinse easily off skin and hair to leave a cleaner and fresher feeling after use. By improving product rinseability, Hostapon SG can help to save water during showering, which benefits the consumer and the environment. The excellent foam is a highly-effective cleanser that allows consumers to use less of their product.

Hostapon SG is significantly milder than other anionic surfactants. Based on glycine, the amino acid of human collagen, Hostapon SG belongs to Clariant’s EcoTain range of natural and sustainable materials.

• Aristoflex® TAC: a suspending agent for pearls, bubbles and particles within liquid soaps, shampoos and anti-dandruff shampoos, facial cleansers and shower gels. Aristoflex TAC sets new standards for formulators looking to add a visual interest factor to transparent or slightly opaque formulations.

Its very high yield force even at low concentrations ensures particles are held in place even when the liquid is cold or shaken, without affecting the clarity of the product. Aristoflex TAC’s compatibility with biopolymers allows it to smooth and improve the unattractive, rough appearance normally seen in biopolymer-based formulations.

Aristoflex TAC is compatible with anionic and amphoteric surfactants and viscosifies at a low pH. This stability at low pH can save money for formulators by allowing integration with organic acids to preserve formulations.

Formulators can benefit further from its ease of use and reliable performance. Aristoflex TAC is pre-neutralized, which eliminates the need for a back-aciding step and shortens the production cycle. It can be added into the formulation at any time during processing.

Anne Timm, Head of Sales & Application, Personal Care EMEA at Clariant comments: “Today’s consumers are looking for cosmetics that are kind to their hair and skin, and that have a more natural feel to them, but without compromising on either their functionality or their aesthetic appeal. Our latest innovations help formulators and brand owners to address these desires, while also creating processing benefits that meet their challenges too.”