Momentive launches skin whitening silicone

The product was launched globally at last week's Personal Care Ingredient Asia (PCIA) expo, and is a milky white product made of Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone and Cetearyl Methicone. The company, which was formed following the sale of GE's Advanced Materials business to Apollo Management at the end of last year, says that the emulsion is easy to use and can be post-added directly to any skin care finished product to deliver sensory benefits. "This product's multi-functionality is the result of the unique combination of its ingredients," said Beatriz Blanco, global personal care marketing manager. "Momentive Performance Materials Silsoft E-Pearl emulsion enables the formulator to give outstanding sensory to skin care products with high water content, even when the product contains more than 90 per cent water," she added. The emulsion can be used in a range of skin care application, including toners and cleansers, to sunscreens, body washers, foundations, and sun care products. However, the company claims that the emulsion has proved particularly beneficial in facial mask applications, stating that a base of 3 per cent Silsoft E-Pearl showed enhanced softness, absorbency, line blurring, whiteness and slipperiness as well as reduced tackiness. Last month Momentive launched an anionic film-forming emulsion based on silicone for the hair care segment, Silsoft Style, aimed at providing enhanced manageability and curl retention for styling products. Silicones are mainly used to add texture to liquid cosmetic formulations, providing anything from silkier lotions to smoother-spreading sunscreens and drier anti-perspirants. As well as sensory qualities, silicones are used for emolliency, to reduce friction and tension, as well as providing oxidative stability in finished products ranging from hair care to every type of lotion and cream. Recent market reports from the Freedonia Group indicate that there is significant potential for further growth in the market for silicones during the course of the next three years, which could see it top a value $3.8bn. The study also suggests that the material's positive market image and strong performance advantage will be the key factors that will continue to drive the category, with silicone gels and foams expected to be key growth areas.