Grainy Texture and Pilling in BB Cream with Polyethylene Wax

# Addressing Grainy Texture and Pilling in BB Cream Formulation

It sounds like you're experiencing issues with grainy texture and pilling in your BB cream formulation, which is based on the recipe from the Silicone Blender page and includes Polyethylene Wax.

The most likely cause for the grainy texture (like undissolved wax) and the subsequent pilling is related to the Polyethylene Wax not being fully melted or properly incorporated into the formula.

Polyethylene Wax needs to be heated above its melting point to fully dissolve into the oil or silicone phase of your formulation. There are different types of Polyethylene Wax available, often with different melting points (e.g., around 88°C or 113°C). If the mixture is not heated sufficiently above the melting point of the specific Polyethylene Wax you are using, it will not fully dissolve, leading to solid particles in the final product.

To resolve this issue, ensure you heat the phase containing the Polyethylene Wax to a temperature comfortably above its melting point and maintain stirring until the wax is completely clear and dissolved. After the wax is dissolved, it is also important to continue stirring the mixture as it cools down. This helps to keep the wax dispersed evenly and prevents it from recrystallizing into larger particles that cause the grainy texture and pilling effect when applied to the skin.

While other formulation factors can sometimes contribute to pilling, ensuring the Polyethylene Wax is fully melted and properly cooled while stirring is a critical step to achieve a smooth texture and prevent this problem.