Why do waxes feel greasy

Oils, fats and waxes can be used in cosmetic formulations as solubilisers, superfatting agents, consistence factors, consistency factors, emollients and dispersing agents. Natural oils and fats are especially important as they are also used for the production of all classes of surfactants.

The solubiliser polysorbate 20 can be derived from coconut oil and enables fragrance or essential oils to be incorporated into a solution; superfatting agents cetyl and stearyl alcohols are used in hair conditioners; and the consistency factors ozokerite and microcrystalline wax are a frequently used in combination in lipsticks, providing good oil binding and strength.

Emollients lubricate, protect, moisturise and provide a pleasant skin feel. Petrolatum is commonly used as an emollient in a wide variety of products. Cocoa butter and shea butter are examples of commonly used natural emollients, while silicone derivatives dimethicone and cyclomethicone can be used as emollients in products for which a non-greasy feel is desired. The main problem for natural oils and fats is that their triglyceride components have a propensity to oxidise and hydrolyse.

This causes consistency and stability changes, affecting textural qualities and limiting shelf life. Furthermore, oxidation can result in rancidity, causing discolouration and malodours. Sunflower oil has a particular tendency to go rancid due to its high levels of oleic and linoleic acid, which are unsaturated and so prone to oxidation.

Bloom formation is a common problem, caused by the crystallisation of fat at the surface of a cosmetic product. Blooming occurs when the solid fat material dissolves in the liquid phase and migrates to the surface of the product, where it then crystallises, creating an undesirable appearance figure 6.

Emulsion stability is also an issue. Even though some fats, oils and waxes have emulsifying properties, eg stearic acid, the majority of emulsions created will at some point split, and so creaming, flocculation, coalescence and phase separation are always a concern. A limitation specific to natural oils, fats and waxes, arises from their dependence on a source material, which is subject to variability.

For example, oil produced from different harvests will have composition variances, and yearly differences in crop yield may cause fluctuations in price and sometimes temporary unavailability of a product. Subscriber Help. BASF and Caregen ink synthetic cosmetic peptides supply agreement. Spec-Chem Industry Inc. New peptide solution for an injection-free way to fuller and firmer skin. Sederma debuts Crystalide peptide for luminous skin.

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Cosmetic ingredients with a venomous bite. Silky smooth. Nuritas unveils peptide plans. Finding an alternative with natural ingredients. Melanin Activating Peptides prove popular in self tanning. Your face and scalp contain the highest concentration of glands. Your face, in particular, may have as many as sebaceous glands per square centimeter of skin.

Your shins and other smooth surfaces typically have fewer glands. The palms of your hands and the soles of your feet are the only areas of skin without any glands at all. Each gland secretes sebum.

That said, researchers do know that its primary function is to protect your skin and hair from moisture loss. Some scientists speculate that sebum may also have an antimicrobial or antioxidant role.

It may even help release pheromones. Research into these potential functions is ongoing. Very active androgens, like testosterone, are produced by your adrenal glands and your ovaries or testes.

Progesterone weakens the effect of the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase. Researchers have found that when progesterone levels spike, sebum production actually goes up. More research is needed to understand why. While in the womb, your sebaceous glands produce vernix caseosa. This white, paste-like coating protects and moisturizes your skin until birth. From there, sebum production slows until you hit puberty. When you hit puberty, sebum production may increase up to percent. Male adolescents tend to produce more sebum than their female counterparts.

This often results in oily, acne-prone skin. This often results in dry, cracked skin. There are several medications, underlying conditions, and other outside factors that can make your sebaceous glands more or less active.

Hormonal medications often increase sebum production. This includes testosterone, some progesterones, and phenothiazine. In many cases, pituitary, adrenal, ovarian, and testicular conditions can cause either an increase or decrease in production. So much advice out there it can be confusing. For the latest tips, offers and exclusive access to our online community, why not join now for free?

Candle Supplies Wick Accessories. Gift Cards Gift Card. What is Sweating? What can cause Sweating? How can I avoid Sweating? You can buy oils that are made for soy wax, so watch out for this when you are next looking to make a purchase. Your wax supplier should be able to tell you how much fragrance oil to use. Choose an oil that has a lighter viscosity. Generally lighter viscosity oils will bind better with the wax molecule. Heavier oils such as those with a high vanilla content may need to be used in lower percentages to ensure they bind correctly.