Shin-Etsu touts advancements in silicone-based cosmetic products

PARAMUS, N.J.—Shin-Etsu Silicones of America (SESA) highlighted advancements in its line of high-optics/soft-focus formulation raw materials at the recent New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists Suppliers' Day event at Javits Convention Center in New York.

The Paramus-based subsidiary of Japan's Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd. said its silicones for personal care products—SESA's KSG-19 and KSG-45—are elastomer gel and skin-conditioning agents. The silicones are naturally derived raw materials that can be used in such cosmetic products as moisturizing creams, sunscreens and high-performance, long-lasting makeup and lip wear, according to a company news release.

Shin-Etsu gave detailed presentations at the suppliers' day event, highlighting the most recent advancements for both materials.

SESA's KSG-19 is a silicone elastomer gel in dimethicone fluid with an enhanced smooth and silky feel. Due to its unique 3-dimensional crosslinked structure, it's able to diffuse more light and give a soft-focus effect, the firm said, which helps conceal skin imperfections and provides a natural look.

Unlike the standard KSG-16 gel, it delivers less oiliness—providing ease-of-application and a more silky/smooth feel. Shin-Etsu said KSG-19 broadens formulation capabilities with a wide variety of sensory feels for skincare and makeup products.

SESA said its advanced KSG-45 is a silicone elastomer gel that is swollen with a plant-based oil that delivers a dryer skin feel with enhanced mattifying and thickening effect. Because it is swollen in a plant-based oil, it is uniquely desirable for when you have systems that are highly organic.

Shin-Etsu representatives also gave formulation examples of KSG-19 and KSG-45 during the event.

It said its Hydrate & Blur Foundation allows the formation of a stable W/O emulsion with a noticeable cooling effect. The KSG-19 elastomer gel provides a velvety texture to the formula while helping to blur skin imperfections.

And Shin-Etsu's Smooth & Blur Face Primer hides skin imperfections by providing blurring effects with a soft powdery end-feel. They showcased two versions, one with KSG-19 and the other with KSG-45.

"Both materials have high optical blurring with nice sensorial texture and soft-focus effects," Janine Cherette, SESA's cosmetics application laboratory team leader, said in a statement. "Used in a myriad of cosmetics formulations, they defuse light to minimize minor imperfections on the face—like fine lines. This also enables you to do it without powdery residues to provide a natural look."

SESA develops its cosmetic formulations at the firm's 14,000-sq.-ft. Cosmetics Application Laboratory in Paramus, N.J. The firm said the site's location being 20 miles from Manhattan and Newark International Airport allows it to be closer to many of its strategic customers based in New York and New Jersey.

"The range of soft-focus, skin-friendly mixture possibilities are vast for formulators to choose from to achieve their desired high optics formulations," said Eric Bishop, SESA's North American marketing manager. "These advanced materials are a unique addition to our expansive portfolio of cosmetics silicones with natural ingredients for skin care."