Oct 01, 2019 Read time: approx. MinutesMinute
Expanding the BELSIL® eco product range
Biomethanol made from renewable raw materials improves the eco-balance of cosmetics
At the beginning of April, WACKER showcased several new products for the cosmetics industry, including three new silicone fluids, a silicone resin and a gum blend, at in-cosmetics global in Paris, the leading tradeshow for the international cosmetics industry. The products are part of the biomethanol- based product line BELSIL® eco. In addition, two new silicone resins in the standard BELSIL® range were presented. One enables the manufacturing of foundations and day creams for matte, natural-looking skin. The other imparts an especially deep shine to nail polishes.
BELSIL® eco was originally unveiled at in-cosmetics 2018. So far, the product line has comprised six linear dimethicones with viscosities ranging between 5 and 60,000 centistokes (mm2/s). WACKER uses biomethanol from renewable raw materials to manufacture these products. BELSIL® eco silicones therefore have a much more favorable carbon footprint than conventional products. WACKER is currently the only company to offer such products for cosmetic applications.
Now, the chemical company has expanded its BELSIL® eco line with three further low-viscosity silicone fluids: BELSIL® eco DM 0 65, BELSIL® eco DM 50 and BELSIL® eco DM 1000. BELSIL® eco DM 50 and BELSIL® eco DM 1000 are linear dimethicones. BELSIL® eco DM 0 65 is a so-called disiloxane. They are all are colorless, non-polar liquids characterized by very low surface tension and good spreading properties.
The addition of these three grades means the cosmetics industry now has biobased silicone fluids with viscosities of 0.65, 50 and 1,000 centistokes at its disposal. The products can be used as liquid carriers in many cosmetic preparations. BELSIL® eco DM 0 65 vaporizes rapidly and completely. Thanks to its low heat of vaporization, it evaporates without perceptibly cooling the skin.
At this year’s in-cosmetics, WACKER is showcasing new silicone fluids in the BELSIL® eco product line, which are produced using biomethanol from renewable resources.
Matte or glossy – with silicone resins anything is possible
Matte surfaces are produced wherever one of the ingredients in the preparation creates a light-scattering surface, i.e. reflects light in different directions. Conversely, a homogeneous, smooth surface with a high refractive index produces specular reflections, and therefore appears shiny.
Many women currently prefer matte surfaces with a natural look, while others want to set a different accent with shiny finishes. With its two new silicone resins BELSIL® B 110 and BELSIL® R 220, WACKER is tapping into current trends for controlling the reflective properties of skin or hair.
Biobased gum blend for stressed hair
The new gum blend BELSIL® eco GB 1020 and the silicone resin BELSIL® eco TMS 803 are based on biomethanol. BELSIL® eco GB 1020 acts as a conditioning agent in fluids to combat split ends, in hair masks and conditioners, and as a softening agent in skin-care creams and lotions. The silicone resin BELSIL® eco TMS 803 forms a gas-permeable, water-resistant film which ensures long-lasting effects. Thanks to its good solubility in cosmetic oils and alcohols, this free-flowing white powder is easy to process.
Fine-tuning the shine with silicone resins
In day creams and foundations, the spherical particles of the new BELSIL® B 110 silicone resin fill out wrinkles or skin imperfections, creating an even skin appearance. At the same time, they scatter light falling on the skin, giving its surface a matte finish and smoothing over wrinkles.
Another new product is BELSIL® R 220. This film-forming silicone resin was designed for use in nail varnishes. has a high refractive index resulting in a high-gloss, water-resistant surface.