BEAUTY WITH BENEFITS: REPLACING TALC WITH CORNSTARCH IN COSMETICS
Introduction
Talc is a common cosmetic ingredient that adds smoothness, absorbs moisture, improves the texture of products, and it has been in use for decades. However, concerns surrounding the potential presence of asbestos in talc with its carcinogenic properties have prompted cosmetic companies to seek alternative ingredients that are both safe and effective.
Due to concerns about the presence of asbestos in talc, companies are looking for alternative ingredients. One such alternative is cornstarch, a natural substance that offers comparable properties to talc without the associated health risks. However, testing methods for asbestos contamination vary from country to country. For instance, the United States has a highly accurate test that detects asbestos with a 99.99% accuracy rate, while Japan continues to use the old testing methods and standards.
Cornstarch in cosmetics offers a safe and natural alternative, it has moisture-absorbing properties, and it can add a smooth, silky feel to cosmetics, making them more pleasant to apply and wear. Cornstarch can act as a carrier for fragrances, it’s a relatively inexpensive ingredient, biodegradable, and sustainable.
Problem
A cosmetics company, seeking to address the growing concerns regarding talc contamination, embarked on a mission to replace talc with cornstarch in their products. Their primary objectives were to eliminate the potential for asbestos exposure and enhance the flowability of cornstarch within their formulations.
Process
The company partnered with Advanced Powder Solutions (APS) to achieve its goals. APS, a sister company of GEMCO, utilizes GEMCO’s industrial machinery for testing and processing purposes. Its expertise in powder processing techniques proved invaluable in developing a robust process for incorporating cornstarch into the company’s cosmetic products.
APS effectively disrupted the structure of cornstarch, transforming it into a free-flowing powder that seamlessly integrated into the formulations by using an agitator to break up lumps in cornstarch. to develop a process for using cornstarch instead of talc.
Results
The collaboration between the cosmetics company and APS yielded a resounding success. The cornstarch-based formulations exhibited superior flowability and consistency, matching the performance of their talc-based counterparts. Moreover, the company successfully eliminated the potential risk of asbestos exposure, ensuring its products’ safety and consumers’ well-being.
Conclusion
The successful transition from talc to cornstarch underscores the importance of innovation and collaboration in the cosmetics industry. By embracing a natural alternative, the company addressed the health concerns surrounding talc and demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and responsible ingredient sourcing. APS’s expertise played a pivotal role in facilitating this transformation, showcasing the company’s ability to empower clients with better and healthier solutions.
