Press release
Product story
May 27, 2019

Matte finish with silky skin feel

It seems that the era of “make up for other’s pleasure” has passed, and “make up for one’s own pleasure” is now standing in the trend among women from the 21st century instead. A delicate and elegant makeup not only gives you fine-looking facial features instantly, but also makes you feel energetic and full of self-confidence. For such an important “beautifying project”, no one would like to encounter caking, uneven colouring, or even a glossy finish. Therefore, in the numerous cosmetics notes posted on social networks, key words such as matt finish, easy spreading, uniform colour rendering and wrinkle filling often catch the readers' eyes in a moment, and purchasing desires emerge immediately. However, do you know that a new specialty silica presented by Evonik can help you with all those key words?

Patented process for spherical particles

With the hazardous influences of microplastics on environment, especially on marine ecosystem, are gradually well-known by public, more and more cosmetics manufacturers have announced to stop using microplastics during the production process of cosmetics. As a result, hydrated silicas start to play an active role in cosmetics formulation as an ecological as well as economic nature substitution of microplastics.

Evonik’s SPHERILEX® 10 PC is an environmentally friendly alternative to microplastics, and these white and odorless silica powders are particularly suitable for use in decorative cosmetics such as personal care products that remain on the skin.

Using a patented manufacturing process owned by Evonik, the derived mineral ingredient possesses a narrow particle distribution, a unique spherical particle shape and a controlled pore size. Since these parameters are now controlled during the precipitation process, the resulting particles are much more consistent than traditional precipitated products. This combination of properties exhibits numerous benefits in cosmetics applications.

An amazing “layer”

As a component of face creams, SPHERILEX® 10 PC makes it more easier to spread on the skin due to its spherical particle shape. Furthermore, as particles remain on the skin with low absorption, the skin will be covered with a silky and velvety layer, which imparts a uniform, matte complexion, and delivers an especially pleasant, natural skin feel.

In colour cosmetics, its light-refracting properties brought by the narrow particle distribution make fine lines and wrinkles less visible, therefore an instant wrinkle-filling result can be achieved. The special characteristics of the round silica particles also help minimize the slightly sticky feel typical of many sunscreen products.

The exceptional profile of SPHERILEX® 10 PC is rounded out by its consistently high quality and by how well it can be processed in combination with many other cosmetic ingredients, thanks to its chemically inertia and controlled neutral pH.

Julia Stürmer from silica marketing at Personal Care said: “SPHERILEX® 10 PC allows us to serve the continuing high demand for functional additives that improve the look and feel of cosmetic products.”

Nature identical

SPHERILEX® 10 PC, the spherical specialty silica is listed with INCI as hydrated silica, and as “nature identical” by the International Natural and Organic Cosmetics Association (NATRUE), a global association dedicated to promoting natural skin care. The product also bears the COSMOS label, making it suitable for use in natural cosmetic products. Plus, it also meets the standards for “derived mineral ingredients” as defined in ISO 16128-1.

Evonik is a leading global manufacturer of silica. In addition to the fumed silica AEROSIL® and the precipitated silica ULTRASIL®, SIPERNAT®, ZEODENT® and SPHERILEX®, Evonik also produces silica based matting agents under the brand name ACEMATT® and other fumed metal oxides under the brand AEROXIDE®.

SPHERILEX particles

SPHERILEX particles

About Evonik

Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The focus on more specialty businesses, customer-oriented innovative prowess and a trustful and performance-oriented corporate culture form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. They are the lever for profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company. Evonik benefits specifically from its customer proximity and leading market positions. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2018, the enterprise with more than 32,000 employees generated sales of €13.3 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €2.15 billion from continuing operations.

Evonik’s international activities are organized into six regions. The Asia Pacific North region is headquartered in Shanghai. Sales from continuing operations in Asia Pacific North reached €1.97 billion in 2018. Evonik regards China as one of the driving forces of the global economy and we consequently endeavor to grow our business here. The company now employs over 2,500 employees and has in total of 10 production sites in China.

Disclaimer

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.