Difference between Oil Cream Maker and Pro Polymer

You've noticed that both Oil Cream Maker and Pro Polymer share the same INCI Name, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER. This is a great observation and highlights an important point in cosmetic formulation.

While the INCI name describes the chemical composition of the polymer backbone, different manufacturers can produce polymers with the same INCI name but varying molecular weights, cross-linking densities, particle sizes, or other structural nuances. These differences result in distinct functional properties and performance characteristics in a formulation.

Here's a breakdown of the key differences between Oil Cream Maker and Pro Polymer:

• Primary Function:

  • Oil Cream Maker: Acts primarily as a cream binder (emulsifier) and thickener, specifically designed to stabilize and thicken formulations with high oil content (up to 70%).
  • Pro Polymer: Functions mainly as a gel maker to create texture in water-based formulas. It can also contribute to a creamy texture in water+oil formulas, but its strength is in gel formation.

• Mixing Method:

  • Oil Cream Maker: Must be mixed into the oil phase of your formulation. It requires blending at a specific speed (1000-3000 rpm) and the use of Triethanolamine (at twice the concentration of Oil Cream Maker) to create the cream structure.
  • Pro Polymer: Is mixed into the water phase. It's added by sprinkling the powder onto the liquid and stirring slowly. Over-blending should be avoided as it can damage the polymer structure.

• Oil Tolerance:

  • Oil Cream Maker: Excellent for high-oil formulations, capable of binding up to 70% oil.
  • Pro Polymer: Can be used in water+oil formulas but is not specifically designed for very high oil loads like Oil Cream Maker.

• Electrolyte Tolerance:

  • Oil Cream Maker: Does not tolerate high levels of electrolytes well. The presence of electrolytes may require increasing the usage rate.
  • Pro Polymer: Has good electrolyte resistance, although high electrolyte concentrations may still necessitate a higher usage rate (e.g., 2-3%).

In essence, despite the identical INCI name, Oil Cream Maker is optimized for creating stable creams with high oil content, while Pro Polymer is better suited for forming gels and thickening water-based systems, offering better tolerance to electrolytes.