Description

PPG12/SMDI copolymer is a synthetic polymer used extensively in the cosmetic and personal care industry for its film-forming, emulsifying, and viscosity-controlling properties. This copolymer is valued for its ability to enhance the texture, stability, and performance of various skincare, hair care, and makeup products.

Chemical Composition and Structure
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer is formed by the copolymerization of polypropylene glycol (PPG-12) and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (SMDI). The specific composition includes:

Polypropylene Glycol (PPG-12): Provides flexibility and smooth application.
Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (SMDI): Acts as a cross-linking agent, contributing to the film-forming and stabilizing properties of the copolymer.
Physical Properties
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer typically appears as a clear to slightly hazy liquid or gel. It is soluble in various solvents, making it versatile for incorporation into different formulations.

Cosmetic and Personal Care Applications
Film-Forming Agent: Creates a flexible, breathable film on the skin or hair, enhancing the durability and performance of cosmetic products.

Emulsifying Agent: Stabilizes emulsions, ensuring that oil and water phases remain mixed, providing a smooth and uniform texture in products such as creams and lotions.

Viscosity Controlling: Adjusts the viscosity of formulations, helping to achieve the desired consistency and spreadability in products like gels, serums, and lotions.

Conditioning Agent: Provides a soft, smooth feel on the skin and hair, improving overall texture and appearance.

Stabilizing Agent: Enhances the stability and shelf life of formulations by preventing the separation of ingredients and maintaining product integrity over time.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products. It is non-irritating and suitable for all skin types. As a synthetic polymer, its environmental impact is a consideration, and ongoing efforts aim to improve the sustainability and biodegradability of such ingredients.

Cosmetics - INCI Functions


Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Film-forming agent. It produces, upon application, a very thin continuous film with an optimal balance of cohesion, adhesion and stickiness on skin, hair or nails to counteract or limit damage from external phenomena such as chemicals, UV rays and pollution.

Hair fixative. This ingredient has the ability to create, with its protective film, stiffness and hold in the hair, and also has the ability to form, with its hydrophilic and elastic properties, bonds between the hair fibres, to keep the hair in a particular shape for a certain time. In short, it allows physical control of the hairstyle.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.
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