Polyglyceryl-2 Tetraisostearate involves 1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, isooctadecanoates (1:4) (2 mol glycerol average molar ratio). This compound is widely used in the cosmetic industry for its emulsifying, conditioning, and moisturizing properties, enhancing various skincare and haircare products.
Chemical Composition and Structure
Polyglyceryl-2 Tetraisostearate combines the beneficial properties of Polyglycerin-2, known for its excellent emulsifying and hydrating capabilities, with isostearic acid, which provides rich emollient and nourishing properties. The resulting esters improve the stability of emulsions and offer superior conditioning and moisturizing benefits for the skin and hair.
Physical Properties
Polyglyceryl-2 Tetraisostearate typically appears as a viscous or semi-solid substance, with a color ranging from clear to pale yellow. It is soluble in oils and has limited water solubility, making it ideal for use in various cosmetic formulations. It contributes to a rich, non-greasy texture, enhancing the sensory experience of cosmetic products.
Production Process
Esterification: The production involves the esterification of Polyglycerin-2 with isostearic acid. This process requires precise control of reaction conditions to ensure the formation of stable and effective esters.
Purification: Following esterification, the product undergoes extensive purification to remove any unreacted materials and by-products, ensuring its purity and suitability for cosmetic use.
Quality Control: Rigorous testing is conducted on the final product to assess its purity, stability, and performance in various cosmetic formulations. These tests often include evaluations of emulsion stability, viscosity, and compatibility with other cosmetic ingredients.
Applications
Cosmetic Products: Widely used in creams, lotions, and serums for its emulsifying and moisturizing properties, improving the texture and feel of the product on the skin.
Skin Care: Ideal for moisturizing and nourishing products, providing a smooth and enriching feel to the skin due to its emollient properties.
Hair Care: Incorporated into conditioners and hair masks, contributing to the nourishment, softening, and conditioning of the hair.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Polyglyceryl-2 Tetraisostearate is considered safe for use in cosmetic products and is generally well-tolerated by the skin. It is non-irritating and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Proper use within recommended concentrations is essential to ensure safety and maximize effectiveness. Additionally, the sustainability of isostearic acid sources is an important consideration to ensure environmental responsibility.
INCI
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.
Emulsion stabiliser. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable. Emulsion stabilisers improve the formation and stability of single and double emulsions. as well as their shelf-life. It should be noted that in the structure-function relationship, the molar mass of the ingredient used plays an important role.
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.
Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities.
Synonyms:
CAS: 121440-30-0