The aesthetic appeal of a pearlized product is undeniable. Pearlescence imparts an elegance and richness to a product that can elevate its appearance from an ordinary to a premium look. Depending on the type of product, this look can be achieved by different methods and materials. Different materials are used, for example, inorganic substances in powder from (metal oxides or pigments) or organic substances such as pearlescent waxes (long chain alcohols, glycol stearates, etc). All these products present some application difficulties. If inorganic substances are used, it is necessary to include a thickener or rheology modifier, in order to keep the suspension stable. The incorporation of waxes, which are hardly soluble and dispersible, implies heating up to 10 C above wax melting point and cooling down the mixture under controlled conditions. In both cases, the cost of the final product is higher. To overcome these problems, pearlizing concentrated mixtures have been developed; crystals are already formed and they can be easily incorporated at the end of the formulation process achieving the desired appearance. Pearlizing agent with a rich, white shimmering effect. Ideal in shower and foam baths, shampoos, hand soaps, conditioners, baby products and many more. Commonly used pearlizing agents include ethylene glycol distearate (EGDS) and ethylene glycol monostearate (EGMS). The concentrates are typically mixtures of Ethylene Glycol Mono or Distearate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate.
Iramix
Chemical name: (Ethylene Glycol Distearate (EGDS), Ethylene Glycol Monostearate (EGMS), and Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES))
Iramix is a concentrated blend of ingredients (Ethylene Glycol Distearate (EGDS), Ethylene Glycol Monostearate (EGMS), Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES)), developed to give a pearlescent finish to formulated products, such as shampoos, foam baths and shower gels. Using this concentrate will help to eliminate expensive heating and time-consuming controlled cooling steps normally associated with processing solid pearlizing ingredients, as well as ensuring consistent performance. Under controlled manufacturing conditions constant viscosities and crystalline characteristics can be obtained. The development of these blends has been driven by efforts to improve the economics of adding solid pearlizing agents directly into a hot mix formulation.
Features and advantages:
- Emulsifier and stabilizer
- Dispersant
- Moisturizer
- Compatible with anionic, non-ionic, and amphoteric surfactants
- Biodegradable
Applications:
Personal care products:
Pearlizing agents are ingredients that make a shampoo solution appear less transparent and richer and pearlier. They could be classified along with colorants and thickeners, as cosmetics for the formula. These are ingredients that give the shampoo a more desirable appearance. Without cosmetics, most shampoos would be unattractive to the consumer. With just the basic ingredients, most shampoo formulas would be watery, grayish and maybe a little cloudy. Pearlizers give the solution a more luxurious, rich appearance. Modifying the appearance of a solution is one of the skill sets of the cosmetic chemist, the formulator who designs the product. Thickeners, opacifiers, colorants, and fragrances are crucial tools in the creation of an appealing shampoo product.
Home care products:
The Pearlizing Agent is a product that is used in various commercial applications. Some household cleaning products, such as dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, and surface cleaners, also use pearlizing agents. These agents can enhance the product’s appearance, making it look more effective and high-quality.
Conclusion:
Pearlizers play a crucial role in enhancing the visual appeal of products across various industries. These ingredients have crystalline compounds (pearlescent pigments or special chemical molecules) which reflect light waves to deliver the luster effect. Pearlizers employed in personal care products like shampoos and shower gels can also act as thickeners and emulsifiers. By creating a luxurious, shimmering effect, they transform ordinary items into premium offerings, driving consumer interest and sales. As the demand for visually appealing products continues to grow, the use of pearlizers is likely to expand, further highlighting their importance in product development and marketing.
Sources:
https://cosmeticsciencetechnology.com/
https://industrygrowthinsights.com/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
