Measuring the Stiffness of Hair

New Hair Stiffness Rig

Analytical technology can help the hair industry substantiate ambitious marketing claims about shampoos and conditioners that claim to leave hair soft and manageable, make hair look more youthful or increase volume. When a hair product is marketed, certain claims are written on the packaging or in adverts with statements regarding its performance and efficacy. These claims must be substantiated with laboratory testing to prevent misleading consumers and going against legislation – manufacturers cannot assert that products have properties they do not have. The test used is determined by the claim being made. E.g. a claim for ‘improved softness’ might be substantiated with a bending test using a newly available Hair Stiffness Rig.

Testing Clean Label Personal Care & Cosmetic Products

It started with food. Now the “clean label” movement is influencing the development of personal care and cosmetic formulations. There is a lot of confusion of what exactly constitutes a “clean label” product. However, it is generally accepted that “clean label” means using as few ingredients as possible and using only ingredients that consumers recognise.

What’s behind the trend? Consumers are demanding products that they perceive are better for their bodies, families, and the environment. Market research shows consumers now rank natural ingredients and environmental impact ahead of brand

Texture Analysis in Patents: Personal Care Applications

Stable Micro Systems Texture Analysers are used frequently in patent applications to substantiate claims and provide measured evidence associated with the developed product.  Here are a few recent examples within the field of Personal Care Products…

A patent has recently been released by Procter and Gamble, entitled ‘Skin Care Composition’.

It covers a personal care composition incorporating a dimethicone fluid for the cosmetic treatment of skin that provides an improved moisturisation signal to a user and exhibits good feel properties.

The researchers used their TA.XT2i Texture Analyser to perform a tack test on a film formed from the composition.

Read more >

Texture Analysis of a Spa Day

A trip to a spa is a feast for the senses designed to be as indulgent and relaxing as possible. Scented candles, smooth creams and scrubs rid the guest of layers of tired skin and rejuvenate their spirits. 

It is not a surprise, then, that the texture of the products involved is of high importance to manufacturers looking to supply high end spas, and Stable Micro Systems have a testing solution for almost every circumstance.

Performance and textural properties of personal care products

PERSONAL CARE PRODUCT PACKAGING

Not only are the texture and physical appearance of personal care products crucial for achieving aesthetic appeal and optimal functionality, but other factors concerning their look and feel can dictate their popularity.

The packaging of a product can have a profound influence over purchasing decisions. Catchy names and bright colours are part of the attraction but packaging that performs the essential preservation function and is easy to use is also a key persuasion.

Regardless of product density, several texture analysis examinations can aid manufacturers in producing the best packaging to suit the personal care product in question. With tubs, tubes, sachets and various other vessels being available, it is essential that the correct packaging format is chosen in order for consumers to make complete and convenient use of their personal care products.

Performance and textural properties of personal care products

PEELABLE PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS

Measuring Peeling Characteristics

There are many personal care products which rely upon a good peeling function as their primary physical characteristic. 

Medical bandages, sanitary towels, and nappies are just a few examples of products that at some point will require to be peeled from skin or another surface and therefore this adhesive strength will need to be measured in order to be monitored and/or controlled. Waxing strips are used as a method of hair removal at home and are typically treated with wax to remove hair. 

The benefit of waxing strips are that they do not require a heat source in order to grip the hair. Whether applying cloth strips to heated wax on unwanted hair in a salon or whether using formulated strips for home-use the success of this treatment is based on the adhesive interaction that occurs with the hair in order to remove it when the strips are peeled off.

Performance and textural properties of personal care products

GELS

Hydrogels are becoming a major influence in personal care products today.

There is a need for hydrophilic, skin adhesive, biocompatible hydrogels that can be used in a variety of applications such as shampoo, hair setting gels, face masks, skin fresheners and scented gels (air fresheners). Currently there are numerous hydrogels on the market, ranging from viscous solutions to elastic solids. The reason for this recent interest is that hydrogels can act as moisturising agents and they can deliver numerous therapeutic ingredients in a controlled manner.

How to measure performance and textural properties of personal care products

CREAMS, EMOLLIENTS & SHAMPOOS

Rheological properties of semisolids are highly important physical parameters in both technical (manufacturing, filling, storage) and aesthetic terms.

The evaluation of semisolid emulsion structure and consistency is therefore essential in order to determine, adjust, and possibly predict the corresponding product performance. The emulsifier concentration in the formulation of the cream and the manufacturing temperature are just two variables that can effect the flow and viscoelastic properties as well as the resistance to deformation.

How to measure performance and textural properties of personal care products

WAX/PETROLATUM

Waxes are an important component of many personal care products such as skin care, baby products, suntan and sunscreen and lubricating agents. 

The measurement of hardness (or firmness) of these waxes has long been an important assessment to ascertain their contribution to final product texture. The hardness of waxes (which is affected by their melting point) may have a significant effect upon other physical properties and a measurement of hardness is used to determine whether a wax is suitable for use in products to provide rigidity, good moulding properties, or is capable of producing soft emollient films with good lustre.

How to measure performance and textural properties of personal care products

SOAP & DEODORANT
 
Soap must have the required degree of plasticity within an operating temperature of 30-40°C.

It is particularly important to achieve the correct plasticity at the final pressing stage, since the compressed bar must be subject to a minimum of internal pressure to avoid serious cracking when the bar is used. To achieve the required degree of plasticity, certain factors must be controlled. For the dried soap base, these are: water content after drying; glycerol and electrolyte content; and the nature and quantity of any additives used in the liquid soap pre-drying. 

How to measure performance and textural properties of personal care products

INTRODUCTION

Before paint was ever splashed onto canvas or cave walls, it was daubed on faces and bodies, not only for symbolic purposes but for decoration too.

Today, a plethora of beauty products are seen lined up in the display windows and shelves of shops and stores everywhere.

The cosmetics and personal care market is extremely crowded, making it an extremely competitive arena. In this industry, the combination of good marketing and product quality must be compelling to gain shelf space, consumer attention and repeat purchase.

Cosmetic and Skincare Product Texture Measurement and Analysis

The global beauty industry was valued at $465bn in 2014, up 23bn which came in equal proportions from premium and mass brands. 

Skincare and haircare dominated the global market and is where future potential lies, especially in facial moisturisers, anti-agers and face masks.

Before paint was ever splashed onto canvas or cave walls, it was daubed on faces and bodies, not only for symbolic purposes but for decoration too. Today, a plethora of beauty products are seen lined up in the display windows and shelves of shops and stores everywhere.