Hydrolyzed sunflower wax

Wax, consistency enhancer

A multifunctional, hard wax with improved emulsifying and water-binding properties. Suitable for both emulsions and anhydrous products.

INCI
Hydrolyzed Sunflower Seed Wax

Natural cosmetic compliant
ECOCERT compliant

Item number
W004

Characteristics

Much more than just a simple wax!

Sunflower wax is found as a protective coating on the delicate hulls of sunflower seeds. This is how the plant protects itself against external influences such as moisture and pests. This natural wax is obtained by extraction from the hulls and is therefore a by-product of sunflower oil production – making it an upcycled product.

Sunflower wax is enjoying growing popularity in cosmetics, as well as in food and technical applications. In cosmetic products, it is primarily used as a consistency enhancer in sticks and balms, as its high melting point gives it significant consistency and offers high heat stability.

Through hydrolysis, the sunflower wax is modified, making it significantly more hydrophilic and polar, which means it is no longer just oil-soluble but also water-dispersible. Consequently, hydrolyzed sunflower wax acts as an emulsifier and can be used as a co-emulsifier and consistency enhancer in emulsions. It is therefore also an interesting alternative to beeswax, which also has co-emulsifying properties. However, sunflower wax is significantly harder and does not feel as dull on the skin.

In O/W emulsions, it forms a stabilizing network that supports body, texture, and substantivity. It creates very high viscosities, even at low concentrations, and gives products a butter-like, rich texture with more body and an elegant application feel. This results in a wonderfully velvety-smooth skin feel that makes any cream or lotion richer and more nourishing without feeling greasy or waxy. At the same time, the wax supports the skin barrier and binds moisture on the skin for longer.

In W/O emulsions, it creates a particularly high consistency and, due to its high melting point and long-chain character, is the ideal stabilizer for this type of emulsion. Just 0.5 - 1% can make a decisive difference here.

Hydrolyzed sunflower wax can also be used as a consistency enhancer in anhydrous products, similar to other waxes. It gives products a firm texture and good hardness, but does not feel as dull as other waxes, instead feeling creamier and smoother on the skin. Furthermore, its water-binding properties make it more nourishing and moisturizing. As a light emulsifier, it can even be used to integrate small amounts of water-soluble substances and active ingredients (e.g., honey) into stick products. In addition, it is a good dispersing agent for pigments and is therefore often used in decorative cosmetics, such as lipsticks.

Hydrolyzed sunflower wax is a versatile consistency enhancer that can significantly change the structure and skin feel of emulsions, thus enabling innovative textures. For example, it can be used in hand creams to increase the skin's protective effect. As a co-emulsifier, it enables the production of butter-like, high-viscosity creams that still contain a high water content and thus have a moisturizing and surprisingly fresh effect.

Usage concentration and processing

• use as part of the oil phase
  
• Melting range: 65 - 71 degrees
• 0.3 - 3% in emulsions
• 3 - 20% in anhydrous products

Special features at a glance

• hard, multifunctional wax
  
• co-emulsifying and stabilizing in emulsions
  
• interesting alternative to beeswax
• creates buttery, nourishing textures
  
• elegant, creamy skin feel
• in sticks, balms, and decorative cosmetics
• perfect for W/O emulsions
  
• enables innovative textures
  

Matching raw materials for hydrolyzed sunflower wax

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