Thickener COVASILIC 15 10 g

Thickener and gelling agent for oils Covasilic 15

Covasilic 15 is a special grade of silica treated with dimethylsilylate. This white spheroidal powder (Fig.1) was especially developed to formulate clear gels with a wide range of oils and polyols. The resulting cosmetic products will be clearer and softer than with other treated silica.

Characteristics of the component and features of use

INCI: Silica Dimethyl Silylate

Appearance: White powder

Dosage (percentage of input into cosmetics): 0.1 - 30%. We indicate recommended dosages of input, however, you must choose the optimal dosage for your formulation yourself, depending on the full composition of the cosmetic product, as well as the presence of other active ingredients in the recipes:

• thickening of cosmetic formulations - on average 0.1-2%, but may be more
• products for hair ends – up to 2%
• oil mixtures - up to 8% or more
• decorative and mineral cosmetics – up to 30%.

Solubility: in oil, silicones and polar solvents.

Usage: To avoid dusting and achieve a homogeneous gel, immediately disperse Covasilic 15 in the oil and stir slowly until a clear, smooth gel is obtained. If necessary, add oil to reduce viscosity.

Special instructions: Covasilic 15 is made from silicon dimethyl silylate. The specific area is about 130 m2/g ± 20 and contains 62% particles smaller than 100 nm. Therefore, the ingredient silicon dimethyl silylate contained in Covasilic 15 must be labeled as “Silicon dimethyl silylate [nano]” in accordance with the EU Cosmetics Regulation.

Storage: It is recommended to store in a dark, dry, cool place, protect from direct sunlight and overheating.

Applications of Covasilic 15 in cosmetic recipes

There are 3 main applications:

• Suspension properties
• Thickening properties
• Water in powder emulsion.
   

Suspension properties

When using Covasilic 15, it is possible to suspend glitters, pearls, texturing powders or pigments in most of the oils keeping fluid and clear
the final product. The necessary percentage of Covasilic 15 is the maximum of Covasilic 15 the oil can contain remaining fluid. The structure of this liquid gel is a regular network of silica in the oil. Bonds between silica are due to hydrogen links and compatibility to oils is due to the treatment. Polar solvents such as dipropylene glycol, triethyl citrate or propylene carbonate will help to build the structure.
 

Thickening properties

Covasilic 15 can be used to formulate clear fluid or thick oil and polyol based gels. Some oils require the addition of a polar solvent to form a clearer or a more stable gel. The rheology depends on the nature of the oils (Fig.2) and on the polar solvent .

Water-in-powder form

Covasilic 15 can be used to create a very original texture : water in powder emulsion (Fig.3). When applied on the skin, you can feel a very fresh
sensation. It is possible to suspend up to 50% of water in powders combining Covasilic 15 with thickeners such as Covacryl RH following a particular manufacturing procedure.

Application area

• as a thickener for lip gloss, lipsticks, eye shadow, blush
• in hair care products (stimulating hair growth, gluing split ends)
• gelation of oil mixtures
• powder cosmetics.

Recipe for shimmering body oil

To make a body shimmer oil, you will need a small set of components. So, the base of this recipe is the emollient octyldodecanol, which you can buy in the store under the name Eutanol G, or you can use other emollients and/or oils as you wish. Covasilic 15 was added to the emollient in an amount of 5% and fragrance in an amount of 1%. This shimmer was given color and shine using 3 different colors of mikka: two types of golden mikka combined with silver. The total amount of added mik was 1.5%. The preparation process is very simple: add Kovasilik 15 to the emollient and create a homogeneous gel by gently mixing. Then add the fragrance and miki and stir again.