Flexibond, palm oil-free

Natural oil thickener
A natural, palm oil-free consistency agent based on rapeseed, castor, corn, and wheat. Primarily for light, supple, non-waxy, yet highly stable balms, oil gels, and water-in-oil emulsions.

INCI
Sorbitol/Sebacic Acid Copolymer Behenate

Natural cosmetic compliant
COSMOS and ECOCERT certified

Item number
CA006

vegan & palm oil-free
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Characteristics

Flexibond is a true gelling agent for oils and oil-based products. Finally, it is possible to create appealing, water-free products that are easy to apply yet do not become liquid easily - not even in summer heat!

Thickening oils is not that easy. Typically, waxes and waxy fats are used for this purpose, such as our Olifeel Pearls. Depending on the concentration used, these lead to firm balms or sticks because they consist of rigid molecules.

Flexibond, however, has a flexible structure - it is a natural polymer made from sorbitol (wheat or corn starch), sebacic acid (castor oil), and behenic acid (rapeseed oil). This leads to fundamentally different properties than those offered by waxes or solid fats. Oil gels with Flexibond offer the following advantages:

• lighter skin feel
• higher skin protection properties
• more flexible, supple, and gel-like textures
• less dull, more shine (lips!)
• higher thermal stability
• higher stability in W/O emulsions
• no crystallization

Depending on the oils used, Flexibond gives your product more viscosity. For example, it thickens triglycerides (vegetable oils and MCT oil) more strongly than esters (e.g., Hydromollient, Liposens, etc.) or saturated hydrocarbons (Lipoblend Ultralite, Squalane, etc.). Even with 3 - 6% Flexibond, appealing oil gels can be produced. 7 - 10% usually leads to firm balms that can still be spread easily.

Depending on whether the product is stirred while cooling or not, more flexible or more rigid consistencies are created. For oil gels or oil serums, it is recommended to stir occasionally as the product gains consistency. For balms, the product should be poured hot and then cooled quickly.

Due to the long-chain molecules of polymers, they exhibit good protective and caring properties. You can take advantage of this as a film former in sun protection products (water resistance), in weather creams, as well as in hair care products. Flexibond has a smoothing effect, without feeling waxy or rich.

Flexibond can also be used in combination with solid fats, such as Olifeel Pearls, and with butters. The combination with waxes must be tested in each individual case, as the thickening properties may not be as effective here.

Recommended concentration and processing

• 0.4 - 2% in emulsions (as a film former and consistency agent in emulsions)
• 2 - 6% for oil gels and pastes
  
• 6 - 10% in balms
• Melt in the fat phase at approx. 80 degrees

Features at a glance

• flexible oil thickener with excellent performance
  
• perfect consistency agent for lip gloss, balms, and W/O emulsions
• palm oil-free and (from corn, wheat, castor, and rapeseed)
• light, smooth, non-waxy skin feel
• stability and consistency for oil-based products
• no crystallization

Included in the following recipe suggestions