Arch hones in on viscosity with rheology modifier launch

17-Aug-2006 - Last updated on 13-Mar-2017 at 13:42 GMT

With consumers becoming increasingly concerned about the overall
feel, spread and pour for cosmetics and toiletry formulations, New
Jersey-based Arch Personal Care Products has developed a new
rheology modifier that is said to add texture and thickness to a
variety of formulations, especially skin care.

ViscUp EZ has been added to the company's recently launched rheology modifier platform as an anionic polymer that can be dispersed in an emollient and used to thicken aqueous solutions and to stablilize emulsions.

Described by Arch as a highly efficient, cost-effective viscocity builder with outstanding pH tolerance, it is derived from Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer & Hydrogenated Polydecene & Sorbitan Laurate & Trideceth-6 and has been developed especially for personal care applications.

The company says it should prove particularly popular for skin care formulators and manufacturers, where it will be useful to create products that have a smooth, silkier feel without associated tackiness that viscocity builders can produce.

After extensive testing, the company says that the ingredient has proved to be compatible with a broad range of other cosmetic ingredients including anionic and nonionic additives, enabling the cosmetic formulator to easily develop a wide range of products.

This means that any desired formulation density can be achieved. Whether it be sprayable lotions or a variety of creams and hair care formulations, the ingredient's compatibility means it can be used to quickly stabilize formulas and achieve desired kexture.

According to the company key product attributes include stablity between pH 2-11; no neutralization, homogenization, pre-dispersion or preliminary swelling required; acrylamide-free; excellent emulsifier; cold processing and post-emulsification addition; improved aesthetics; and a light texture.

The company says that the ingredient's wide pH compatibility has been proven by a pH dose response study that also indicates that particularly outstanding performance is achieved with formulations that have a pH range of 3-5.

The ingredient is said to be compatible with other primary cosmetic ingredients including glycerin, glycols, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and silicones, while it is also UV and temperature stable.

The company also carried out tests on the aesthetic impact the ingredient has on formulations, compared to two competitive acrylic-polymer based formulations.

The study showed that 83 per cent of the panelists preferred the ViscUp EZ formulation for overall feel compared to the other two formulations. Panelists cited product softness, a preferable matte appearance and a better application for the Arch formulations compared to the two competitor formulations.