IMWITOR® 600 – Naturally soft emulsifier, for a perpetual caress

A praline can undoubtedly be called the queen of chocolate specialties. And rightly so, because it usually consists of special flavour compositions and requires an elaborate and technically demanding production method. There is a critical moment in production – namely when the praline is covered with melt-in-the-mouth chocolate. IMWITOR® 600 was created over 20 years ago precisely for this moment and has since become an integral part of the wonderful world of chocolate. Something that is suitable for pralines can also be transferred perfectly to cosmetics. Curious?

Our IMWITOR® 600 is used in the production of pralines, among other things to reduce the viscosity of the chocolate so that it flows more smoothly. It does this through a wide range of molecules that interact individually with all components in chocolate (e.g., proteins, sugar, fats and salts). But how can IMWITOR® 600 be used in cosmetics? Grab a piece of chocolate and let’s dive in!

Care products are often emulsions such as creams, lotions or ointments. There are two basic types of emulsion: oil in water (O/W) and water in oil (W/O). The two main components of an emulsion cannot be mixed, which is why emulsifiers are necessary. O/W systems can be produced relatively easily, for example with our emulsifiers IMWITOR® 372 P (Robust, Reliable, Renewable) or IMWITOR® 375, for a light as a feather skin feel. However, if water is introduced into the lipid phase (W/O emulsion), the formulation should be precisely balanced and certain steps in the production process followed. With a low HLB value (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic-Balance) of 4, IMWITOR® 600 reliably emulsifies water in oil and is therefore perfectly suitable for producing W/O emulsions.

Typically, W/O emulsions are more caring, as the properties of the outer, oil-containing phase are in the foreground. This makes them particularly interesting for dry skin that needs extra care. The water contained in the emulsion makes it easier to absorb, compared to using pure body or face oils. W/O concepts can often be found in the area of wound and healing creams, but also in night creams, hand and foot creams or even in make-up formulations. With our W/O emulsifier you can, of course, also formulate rich, but especially incredibly soft, smooth and non-oily/waxy products; properties that are often associated with an O/W emulsion.

OUT-OF-ORDINARY W/O SKIN FEEL!

Another large area should not be ignored: sun protection products! A W/O emulsion is often the technology of choice here as many of the UV filters are oil-soluble. The challenge is to achieve a high sun protection factor and at the same time minimize the oily, sticky feeling on the skin. With IMWITOR® 600, not only sun care W/O emulsions become smooth creams and lotions that leave the skin feeling velvety and super soft.

METHOD

• Three different formulas (20% oil, 20% oil & SPF 50 (mineral), 40% oil) tested by 9 volunteers
• Test area: Forearm
• Product was applied in a defined area with 20 circles (rub-out phase / during application)
• Evaluation was done during and after application (1 Minute after rub-out phase)
• Scale 1 (low) – 7 (high)

RESULTS

• Good absorption
• Light after-feel
• Soft sensory is not dependent on the oil content of the formula -> super smooth & velvety sensory in all formulas
• Non-oily, non-waxy, non-sticky after feel

Further benefits at a glance – IMWITOR® 600:

For an easy entry into the world of W/O emulsions, we recommend the following basic formulation:

Oil phase: 3% IMWITOR® 600, 1% SOFTISAN® 100 or 1% wax, 20% – 40% oil, 0.2% tocopherol. Water phase: active ingredients, 3% glycerine, 1.2% ZnSO4, fill up to 100% with demineralized water

VOILÁ! – a stable and soft W/O emulsion that you can now adapt to your concept as you wish with different emollients, consistency generators and actives.

A little tip on the side: IMWITOR® 600 and SOFTISAN® GC8 are a great combination in W/O emulsions and water-free formulations. IMWITOR® 600 provides a stable base and SOFTISAN® GC8 provides a natural alternative preservation. Both ingredients have pigment wetting properties, which means that the pigments are distributed more homogeneously, especially in colour care concepts such as lipsticks, and are therefore more intense in colour and more beautiful to apply.

The possibilities are diverse, for an impressive showdown of our IMWITOR® 600 we recommend the following three formulations:

Extra soft and silky skin care

PS: IMWITOR® 600 can do even more – as this exciting formulation demonstrates (Light2Rich Transformer Lotion)