Munich-based chemicals group WACKER has revealed that it will be debuting new silicone elastomer gels at in-cosmetics 2015.

According to the manufacturer, the products, BELSIL® EG 1 and BELSIL® REG 102, “impart a special texture to skin-care products and decorative cosmetics, leaving skin feeling extraordinarily soft and silky smooth.”

The gels are also said to make the end products spread readily over the skin. BELSIL® REG 102 has been formulated to provide long-lasting effects by enhancing water and transfer resistance.

The manufacturers state that, “Both BELSIL® EG 1 and BELSIL® REG 102 offer enhanced skin-feel properties, compared with established silicone elastomer gels. The two new products also exhibit pronounced shear-thinning attributes: they remain solid when at rest but undergo a reversible conversion to a liquid state in response to shear stress. Products formulated with them are therefore easy to apply and spread readily over the skin.”

Both gels contain cyclopentasiloxane, a volatile silicone fluid widely used in the cosmetics sector; as a liquid component. When applied, the cyclopentasiloxane evaporates. Only the elastomer remains on the skin. As a result, the formulator can freely modify the desired consistency and sensory effects of the elastomer after its application.

BELSIL® EG 1 is derived from a classic addition-curing silicone elastomer, whereas BELSIL® REG 102 is based on a specialty silicone which is crosslinked to a three dimensional network via silicone resin segments. As a result, the silicone resin elastomer combines the skin sensation produced by flexible silicone loops with the film-forming properties of silicone resins. This combination of properties makes BELSIL® REG 102 a multi-functional active ingredient for skin-care applications and decorative cosmetic products. The gel forms a water-repellent film that adheres well to the skin without becoming sticky.

Due to its film-forming and adhesion properties, BELSIL® REG 102 is intended to make cosmetic formulations more water- and transfer-resistant, thus providing long wear benefits. The product is intended to make lipsticks kiss-proof and aims to prevent makeup from rubbing off on clothing, and reduce the wash-off of sunscreens. It can also be added to provide texture to moisturisers and night creams.

The silicone elastomer serving as the solid gel component in BELSIL® EG 1 lacks the structural attribute of the silicone resin. Accordingly, BELSIL® EG 1 is intended for cosmetic products that are not required to meet high demands on water and transfer resistance. BELSIL® EG 1 is preferred for enhancing rheological and skin-sensory properties, especially of skin-care creams, as well as mascaras, skin cleansers and deodorants.