The cosmetics industry is staggeringly prolific, with the global market value reaching over $93 billion in 2022. According to research analysts, the market – which includes skincare, make-up, haircare, perfumes, toiletries and deodorants – is growing by 15% annually. Social media is driving hyper-engagement not even considered just a decade ago. A product can be catapulted to the top or immediately ruined by a single well-placed influencer post that generates millions of impressions. Therefore, cosmetics companies must robustly back up any claims of quality, consistency and effectiveness. Without developing reliably stable emulsions, the ingredients in lotions, creams and serums may separate in their container before the product ever reaches the consumer. Homogenizers are instrumental in ensuring that these stable emulsions are consistent and repeatable.
Emulsions are Complex Systems
When manufacturing cosmetics and personal care products, complex emulsions are used to prepare: :
sustained release fragrances
prolonged skin moisturization
protection of sensitive biologicals
formulations for skin lipids, vitamins, free radical scavengers and more
Safeguarding the long-term stability of cosmetic emulsions is required, but can be tedious and expensive.
The Role of Lab Homogenizers in Cosmetic Research
When bringing any new product from concept to market, whether shampoo or lipstick, the cost of ingredients is a vital consideration, giving laboratory homogenizers a critical role in the development of new cosmetic blends. Homogenizers can produce stable cosmetic emulsions in small sample sizes that can later translate to the larger quantities needed during scale-up to production levels. Creating a high quality cosmetics product that gets noticed in an oversaturated and competitive market is challenging. Much of the required quality is determined by the equipment used to mix the various ingredients. High-end homogenizers force liquid through a narrow tube at high pressure to reduce particle size – improving cosmetic product quality in several ways.
Homogenizers dilute high active surfactants: ‘Surface active ingredients’, or surfactants, are typically used in detergents, shampoos and cleaning products. They are comprised of both hydrophilic (readily absorbed or dissolve in water) and lipophilic (readily blends with lipids) parts. High active surfactants are more concentrated than traditional surfactants, and must be diluted in order to reduce processing time and guarantee a more complete blending effect.
Homogenizers produce stable emulsion: Emulsion is the suspension of one liquid in a second liquid with which the first will not mix, such as when oil is placed in water. Crucial to stable emulsion is the emulsifier, a compound that stabilizes the two liquids into one continuous phase. Emulsifiers contain a hydrophilic and lipophilic portions, and work by wrapping their lipophilic part around oil droplets to ensure they do not come together in production, shipment or use.
Homogenizers reduce particle size: Achieving sufficent skin absorption is one of themost significant challenges when manufacturing lotions, creams and serums. Research has proven that when the particle size of active ingredients is reduced, skin access is improved, active ingredients work more efficiently and costs are minimized.
Homogenizers For Use in Producing High-Quality Cosmetics
As with any manufacturing process, working with the highest quality equipment generates better results overall. When you are searching for the best homogenizers for your business, cosmetics or otherwise, you can turn to the experts at Zwirner Equipment Company. Zwirner Equipment Company sells a wide variety of both new and used machinery and parts to those industries requiring sanitary grade stainless steel equipment – including homogenizers. Our team of skilled fabricators guarantees that all equipment that we offer is fully functional and operational. In addition to reconditioning and custom fabricating the stainless steel equipment in our inventory, we provide valuable associated services incuding equipment maintenance, transportation, and support services designed to meet the unique requirements of your business.
