Mar 6 2008
Polymers with film-forming and conditioning properties are found in almost all cosmetic products. They are what gives hairsprays their hold, and creams and body lotions a pleasant skin feel.
They also ensure that lipstick, mascara and eyeliner don’t rub off. Bayer MaterialScience has now developed Baycusan®, a line of polyurethanes specifically designed for the cosmetics industry that offer a number of advantages over conventional polymers. They contain no solvents, making them environmentally friendly. They can be used to formulate skin and hair care products that emit little or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Baycusan® thus gives cosmetics producers great latitude in the formulation of their products. Film properties can be adjusted: from flexible to hard; from waterproof to water vapor permeable. Baycusan® also contains no preservatives.
Bayer MaterialScience is presenting the new waterborne PU dispersions and PU powders to the market at the In-Cosmetic trade fair taking place in Amsterdam from April 15 - 17. "As a pioneer of polyurethane chemistry, Bayer MaterialScience has a wealth of experience and know-how. We are now dedicating both of these to collaboration with the cosmetics industry,"
says Dr. Steffen Hofacker, Head of Innovation and Business Creation Cosmetics. He adds: "We know that the manufacturers of hair and skin care products have stringent requirements for the purity and quality of raw materials - Baycusan® fulfills these requirements." The new cosmetics multitalent from Bayer MaterialScience is debuting under the motto "A new star is born." Dr. Sophie Viala, Innovation Manager of Bayer MaterialScience, is giving a presentation on the various applications of the new polyurethane polymers during the fair’s "Innovations Seminars" on April 17 at 10:30 a.m.
As a film former in hair styling products, Baycusan® PU dispersions offer significantly greater hold at high humidity than the polymers used previously. Another plus: The hair is very easy to comb. The new dispersions can also be used to advantage in peel-off masks that can be peeled off the skin as a single piece. Used in decorative cosmetics, the new polyurethanes improve the water resistance of mascara, lipsticks and eyeliner. As high-grade fillers in face and body care products, Baycusan® PU powders impart creams and lotions with a silky skin feel both during and after application.