In the lifetime of an American woman, she should expect to spend $15,000 on makeup alone. (1) Of the products that comprise the cosmetic industry, this value doesn’t even take into account the creams, lotions, perfumes, hair color, deodorants, baby products, and many more. The women (and men) who contribute represent a huge customer base, so it is important that a manufacturer offers a high quality product that can entice the shopper over its competitor. Entwined closely with a product’s success over others is its quality of synthesis. Here we focus on the uses for homogenizers, as they can aid most manufacturers in their agenda to significantly enhance product quality.
Produce Stable Emulsions
Found in numerous cosmetic products (e.g. creams and lotions), an emulsion is a dispersion comprised of two immiscible liquids. Key to a stable emulsion are the type of emulsifier used and a powerful mixing process. Emulsifiers are comprised of both a hydrophilic and lipophilic part; their function is to stabilize two liquids into one continuous phase. The Hydrophobic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) system allows a user to calculate the optimal emulsifier for a product. (2) Once paired with an appropriate emulsifier, the dispersion can be homogenized. This process uses high shear, mechanical forces, and high pressure to create the finely dispersed droplets required of a stable emulsion.
Reduce Particle Size
As indicated above, small particle size contributes to formation of stable emulsions; yet this is one of many benefits of reduced particle size. Effective skin absorption is a huge challenge within the lotion and beauty cream market. Individuals with dry skin, in particular, require a highly absorptive product and are willing to pay for quality. Studies have shown that by reducing the particle size of active ingredients, more surface area is available for skin access. As an added bonus, this process uses active ingredients more efficiently, which reduces product costs. (3)
Scale Products from Lab to Manufacturing
The cosmetic industry would not exist if not for the research and development that goes into creating innovative products; cosmetic researchers therefore value the R&D side of the industry as critical to any successful and lasting company. When a quality product is developed in the lab, researchers need a way to scale it so that it can be sold in mass to consumers. Homogenizers are hugely helpful in their ability to easily scale up without necessitating a change in process. For example, lab homogenizers can handle small sample volumes while industrial homogenizers can process bulk volume. (4)
Pion: Homogenizers For High Quality Cosmetic Products
On the quest for a cosmetic homogenizer, it is important to select a high-quality product. Start your search with Pion, globally renowned for their laboratory homogenizers.
We deliver an array of key benefits, such as production of nano/micro emulsions and dispersions and lipids and suspensions; these can be used for applications such as pharmaceutical drugs and drug development, beverages, chemical compounds, and importantly, cosmetics.
Learn more about how Pion can help improve your cosmetic product by sending us a message or requesting a demo.
