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- 03/03/2017

Polyurethane film formers for innovative cosmetic products

HPC Today

Covestro will be showcasing innovative beauty solutions based on polyurethane raw materials of the Baycusan® brand at in-cosmetics Global in London from April 4 to 6, 2017 (stand M20). Both innovative and versatile, these film formers have proven effective in numerous cosmetics applications, for instance in formulations for skin, hair and sun care products, and for decorative cosmetics.

“This year, our exhibition focuses on the skin care of mature skin and an extra-waterproof sun care,” says Dr. Jane Sum, who recently took over management of the Cosmetics segment at Covestro. “This skin type puts special demands on daily skin care. This also includes a durable and compatible sun protection.” Gentle daily care In the area of mature skin care, Covestro has gathered new findings and developed new formulations proven to have a skin-firming effect. The effect is a result of Baycusan® C 1004, which acts like an invisible barrier against environmental influences. At the Personal Care and Homecare Ingredients (PCHi) trade fair in Guangzhou, China, Covestro cosmetic expert Xiaohui Xiong recently won an innovation award for this achievement. Minor wrinkles are typical of mature skin but can be unflattering, particularly when there is strong contrast between lighter and darker areas. Covestro is developing formulations with a smoothing effect that hides wrinkles thanks to Baycusan® C 1005, a polyurea powder.

Covestro has developed extra waterproof formulations for the beach using the film former Baycusan® C 1004. They retain at least 50 percent of their sun protection factor for more than one hour with repeated exposure to water.

Skin-compatible sun protection  Covestro has developed high-quality formulations based on its raw material Baycusan® C 1000 to protect sensitive skin. Larger amounts of UV absorbers responsible for sun protection can cause skin and eye irritation. The company has shown recently that the film former reduces the migration of UV absorbers to the skin surface, thus avoiding eye irritation.

The cosmetic products may even contain lower amounts of UV absorbers, but still offer efficient protection against moderate solar radiation by means of SPF boosting. Thanks to the excellent stabilization of Baycusan® C 1000 it is sufficient to use lower amounts of emulsifiers. This reduces the risk of skin allergies.

Fun in the water with long-term sun protection There are just a few months to go before the swimming season begins again, and effective sun protection is a must. But children and surfers in particular are not happy when their sunscreen washes off after the very first swim and needs to be reapplied.

Now there is a solution to this problem: Covestro has developed extra waterproof formulations for the beach using the film former Baycusan® C 1004. They retain at least 50 percent of their sun protection factor for more than one hour with repeated exposure to water.

The sun protection products are easy to apply and absorb quickly. They are also resistant to sweat. Because the skin is not sticky, sand does not adhere to it and children don’t complain about that unpleasant, itchy feeling.

Enjoy your semi-permanent hair coloring longer Covestro is presenting a new Baycusan® C 1008 application at in-cosmetics Global, which supports semi-permanent hair coloring. The film former enables a unique and intensive color coverage. The color lasts for at least two shampoos without losing its vibrancy.

Covestro will also be showcasing environmentally compatible solutions for low-odor, waterborne nail polishes at the in-cosmetics Global trade fair.

The multi-talented raw material Baycusan® C 1008 lends hair care products a triple advantage by protecting, repairing and styling hair. It forms a micro-thin film around each individual strand that protects hair against humidity. It is therefore very effective in controlling and preventing frizz. At the same time, the polymer protects hair against heat, such as when using a hot straightening iron.

The sister product Baycusan® C 1010 is characterized by a strong hold. Covestro could also show that it protects the hair fiber against particulates. Thus both products offer triple protection – against heat, humidity and environmental influences.

New generation of nail polishes Consumers are increasingly asking for environmentally compatible solutions for nail polishes. Covestro is thus also introducing film formers for low-odor, waterborne nail polishes at the trade fair in London.