We will all agree – the consumer of today is spoilt for choice. Be it food, clothing, or cosmetics – there is an active shift from basic to premium. Informed with the power of internet, empowered with disposal income, and exposed to multiple options…one now seems to settle only for the best.
This paradigm shift has immensely influenced the cosmetic market too. Choices are made not just on the basis of form, but also on the ‘feeling’ that comes with it. As more and more products make inroads in personal care and grooming, it has become more than just how it ‘looks’ on skin.
Features like 24-hours wearability, UV protection, and skin tone improvement have all become imperative. All these “functional features” influence the choice of customers while making any purchase.
So how are the “functional features” incorporated in basic cosmetics?
The answer is surface treatment.
A process that alters the physical properties and compatibilities of pigments to allow product development formulators to create improved products.
The benefits are evident in both the manufacturing process and finished product, both of which are passed to the consumer.
A few surface treatments include:
1. OTS Treatment
Chemical Name–N-Octadecyl-Triethoxysilane
OTS treated pigments have enhanced adhesive properties, thus being more moist and creamier. They exhibit excellent dispersibility in oil and strong hydrophobicity which make it the ideal choice for waterproof cosmetics with longer shelf lives. Its application ranges across powder/liquid/cream foundations, mascara, lipsticks, eye shadows and blushers.
2. FHS Treatment
Chemical Name –(Perfluroalkyl)Ethyl-Triethoxysilane
FHS treated pigments are strongly hydrophobic and lipophobic, making them excellent choices for waterproof and sebum-proof make-ups. The outcome is smooth spreadability and long wearability; in multiple products like foundations, eye shadows and powders.
3. SSI Treatment
Chemical Name–Poly(Diethylsiloxane)
Treating pigments with SSI imparts excellent functional qualities like blending, dispersion, and extra light/dry skin feel which is preferred for lip care products besides sunscreens and foundations.
4. PGS Treatment
2-[Methoxy(Polyethyleneoxy)6-9 Proply]Trimethoxysilane
PGS treated pigments exhibit excellent hydrophilicity, which makes them a popular choice for liquid eyeliners, water-based concealers, and cosmetic emulsions.
What’s more?
Well, we’ve barely scratched the surface, but the market is already soaring high. With a forecasted growth of 7.94% between 2019 and 20241, surface treated cosmetics remain the preferred choice of manufacturers to provide high-quality colour cosmetics for consumers.
At Neelikon, we are cognizant of this growth and provide all the above surface treatments customized as per the production needs. To generate a query and get customized blends for product needs. Now that’s what we call, a truly special treatment!
