Titanium Dioxide in Oil-Free Water Base: Settling and Dispersion
Question
I am looking for [url=https://www.myskinrecipes.com/shop/search?search_query=titanium+dioxide&orderby=position&orderway=desc:15k2yw6h]Titanium Dioxide[/url:15k2yw6h] that has the property of being water-soluble and does not settle, but still retains the property of adhering to the skin for whiteness. Or do I need to use other substances? The base is water-based with no oil. Please advise.
Answer
Based on your requirement for a Titanium Dioxide that can be dispersed in an oil-free water base without settling, while still providing coverage and whiteness, here are suitable options and formulation considerations:
Titanium Dioxide is not truly water-soluble; it's a pigment that needs to be finely dispersed and kept suspended in the liquid phase. To achieve a stable, non-settling dispersion in an oil-free water base, you should consider using either a pre-dispersed liquid form or a specially treated powder designed for water dispersion.
Here are two products that fit your needs:
- WaterMix™ White (Titanium Dioxide 60%, Water-Dispersible Liquid): This is a pre-dispersed liquid form of Titanium Dioxide specifically designed for use in water-based formulas like tone-up creams, mascaras, eyeliners, and lip tints. Being a liquid dispersion, it is generally easier to incorporate directly into your water phase and provides good stability against settling compared to raw powder.
- Titanium Dioxide 250nm WaterDisperse™: This is a powdered form of Titanium Dioxide that has been coated (with Aluminum Hydroxide) to improve its dispersion in water and enhance its adherence to the skin. It is suitable for use in make-up formulas where coverage and whiteness are desired. While a powder, its surface treatment makes it more compatible with water bases than untreated grades.
Regarding whether other substances are needed in your oil-free water base:
Yes, to ensure the Titanium Dioxide remains stably dispersed over time and does not settle, especially when using a powdered form like Titanium Dioxide 250nm WaterDisperse™, it is highly recommended to use:
- Dispersing Agents: These ingredients help to wet the surface of the Titanium Dioxide particles and keep them separated, preventing them from clumping together and settling.
- Rheology Modifiers (Thickeners): Increasing the viscosity of your water base using suitable thickeners will help suspend the dispersed Titanium Dioxide particles, significantly reducing or preventing sedimentation over time.
Even when using a pre-dispersed liquid like WaterMix™ White, incorporating appropriate thickeners into your overall formulation will contribute to the final product's stability and texture.
In summary, choose a water-dispersible form of Titanium Dioxide like WaterMix™ White or Titanium Dioxide 250nm WaterDisperse™, and incorporate dispersing agents and thickeners into your oil-free water base formulation to achieve a stable product with good coverage and no settling.
