Ingredient
CHOLESTEROL/HDI/PULLULAN COPOLYMER
Substance information
This ingredient contains cholesterol (cholesterol, 3-beta-cholest-5-en-3-ol) or dihydrocholesterol. Polymer or copolymer based on hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI, HDI) and possibly other monomers. "Copolymer" refers to a polymer composed of several different (mostly two) basic units (monomers).
Function(s) of this ingredient in cosmetic products
EMULSION STABILISING
Supports emulsion formation and improves product stability
HUMECTANT
Holds and retains moisture in cosmetic products
LIGHT STABILIZER
Protecting the cosmetic product from deterioration effects of light
SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
Allows the formation of finely dispersed mixtures of oil and water (emulsions)
VISCOSITY CONTROLLING
Increases or decreases the viscosity of cosmetic products
Background information on use in cosmetics
Emulsifiers are often used in cosmetics as excipients. They allow actually unmixable components like oil and water to be brought in a permanently stable emulsion. In this way both aqueous and oily care and active ingredients can be used in one and the same product in cosmetics. Emulsifiers are able to do that since their molecules consist of a lipophilic and a hydrophilic part. In this way they can reduce the interfacial tension which actually exists between two incompatible substances like fat and water. Emulsifiers are, more particularly, used for creams, lotions and cleansing agents. At present emulsifiers are, however, more than only excipients which keep an emulsion stable. Fatty acid esters on the basis of sugar, lecithin or glycerin monodistearate contribute, for instance, to improving the moisture balance of the skin and are, therefore, also considered as cosmetic active ingredients.
Belongs to the following substance groups
Regulating cosmetics
Cosmetics Ingredients are subject to regulation. Please note, different regulations may apply to cosmetic ingredients outside the EU.