Solubilizing Ceramide NP in Micellar Systems and Preventing Precipitation
Question
When creating a solubilization system for Ceramide NP using Butylene Glycol, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, and Propanediol:
- What is the ideal ratio to ensure complete micelle formation and prevent
Ceramide NPprecipitation after 1 hour? - Is it necessary to add a co-surfactant to prevent precipitation?
I am currently experiencing a precipitation issue, which I believe is from the ceramide. The solution is initially clear with no sediment, but after sitting for 1 hour, precipitation occurs.
Answer
The precipitation of Ceramide NP in your micellar system (containing MakeUp-Wash™ (PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides), Butylene Glycol, and Propanediol) is caused by the high melting point (approx. 70-80°C) and extreme lipophilicity of Ceramide NP. When the solution cools or stands, the Ceramide molecules tend to recrystallize and sediment if the micellar structure is not robust enough to keep them solubilized.
Recommendations for a Stable Micellar System:
Recommended Ratio (Solubilizer : Ceramide):
To maintain a stable, clear solution, the ratio of surfactant/solubilizer to Ceramide NP should be at least 20:1 to 50:1.- Example: If using 0.1% Ceramide NP, you should use at least 2-5% MakeUp-Wash™.
- If the Ceramide concentration is too high, a standard micellar system will eventually fail, leading to precipitation.
Mixing Process (Critical):
- Pre-disperse Ceramide 3 (Ceramide NP) in the glycols (Butylene Glycol/Propanediol) and MakeUp-Wash™.
- Heat the mixture to 75-80°C until completely clear.
- Slowly add the water phase (pre-heated to a similar temperature) into the surfactant/glycol phase. Do not reverse this process (adding oil to water) as it may lead to unstable micelle formation.
Better Alternative for Water-Based Systems:
For maximum stability in water-based formulas like micellar water, it is highly recommended to use Ceracare™ NP50 (Water/Oil Dispersible Ceramide NP). This is a 50% Ceramide NP dispersion designed specifically to be water-dispersible using SLN technology, which prevents the recrystallization issues common with pure powder.
Summary of Solutions:
- Increase MakeUp-Wash™ to a 20-50x ratio relative to the Ceramide NP.
- Ensure heating to 80°C during the solubilization step.
- If stability issues persist, consider lowering the Ceramide NP concentration (to 0.01-0.05% for clear systems) or switching to Ceracare™ NP50.
