Microstructure Design of Ctac:FA and Btac:FA Lamellar Gels for Optimized Rheological Performance Utilizing Automated Formulation Platform

The cosmetic industry is very fast growing and mass customization has become an increasingly discussed topic within the cosmetic industry. As demand grows for more customized products and as consumers become increasingly aware of the ingredients that go into their various day-to-day products, the need for more flexible processing and manufacturing methods has increased significantly. This brings us to the utilization of automation across the cosmetic industry.

The main objective of this paper is to optimize hair conditioner performance through variation of composition utilizing automated cosmetic formulation platform and advanced characterization techniques. In this study, eight samples with varying quantities of Cetrimonium Chloride (CTAC) or Behentrimonium Chloride (BTAC) with Fatty Alcohol were made with the Chemspeed Flex Formaxâ„¢ and through mechanical rheometry, rheological properties were studied. Controlled breakdown of the formulations (dilution) and its effect on wet combing were also carried out.

Yield Stress was found to have significant effect on dilution viscosity breakdown which also has a subsequent effect on wet combing test. This implies that overall performance of the hair conditioner can be engineered through optimization of the microstructure. Effect of substituting CTAC/BTAC with natural cationic surfactants will be further explored. We acknowledge Chemspeed, Dia-Stron and Evonik for making this possible.