Substituting Wax in Cream/Lotion Formulation
Question
Can Ap-Wax 80 be substituted with Siliwax Melt (Stearyl Dimethicone) at 4.0% in this cream/lotion formula? If so, what percentage should be used, are other formula adjustments needed, and is heat required for mixing?
Answer
Based on your question about substituting Ap-Wax 80 with Siliwax Melt (Stearyl Dimethicone) in your formula:
Unfortunately, I was unable to find specific product information for "Siliwax Melt (Stearyl Dimethicone)" and "Ap-Wax 80" in the database to provide a precise comparison of their properties and recommended usage levels.
However, based on general knowledge of cosmetic ingredients:
- Stearyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone wax. It is often used to provide a smooth, silky feel, improve slip, and contribute to the structure and stability of emulsions.
- Ap-Wax 80 is likely a synthetic wax or a blend of waxes used for thickening, texturizing, and stabilizing emulsions.
Substituting one wax for another, even at the same percentage, can significantly impact the final texture, viscosity, and stability of the product because different waxes have different melting points, hardness, and compatibility with other ingredients.
General Guidance for Substitution:
- Starting Percentage: You can start by trying to use Siliwax Melt at the same percentage as Ap-Wax 80 (4.0%).
- Heat Requirement: Both waxes typically require heating to melt and incorporate into the oil phase (Phase C). You would need to heat Phase C to a temperature above the melting point of both Stearic Acid and the Siliwax Melt to ensure they are fully melted and can be properly emulsified. Phase A should also be heated to a similar temperature.
- Formula Adjustments: It is highly probable that you will need to make adjustments to the formula. After creating a small test batch, observe the texture, viscosity, stability (check for separation over time and under temperature variations), and skin feel. You might need to adjust the percentage of Siliwax Melt or potentially modify other ingredients in Phase C or even the Aristroflex AVC in Phase B to achieve the desired result. The emulsification process itself (how you combine Phase A and C, and the mixing speed/time) might also need optimization.
Since specific data for these exact products is not available, substitution will require careful testing and potential adjustments to achieve a stable and desirable final product.