Every day, cosmetics users apply balms, both neutral or colored. The environments in which those products are used are as various as the world is wide. So, how can a formulator rest assured that their systems are holding up with stability and performance? The right plasticizer can make all the difference. Koster Keunen is proud to launch our newest plasticizer, Kester Wax K-70P, a natural polymer derived from Rice Wax.
Kester Wax K-70P Hits the Formulation Sweet Spot
Plasticizers reduce crystallization, and manage consistency in formulations, resulting in improved texture and stability. Polyester plasticizers are favored for their ability to interact with waxes to increase homogeneity and stop separation. In testing, Kester Wax K-70P performed consistently, significantly altering crystallization behaviors across different waxes, reducing crystal formation, and increasing the elastic nature of the products under examination. Additionally, testing showed that replacing a portion of the oil within a formula with Kester Wax K-70P both reduced crystallization and enhanced the resultant formulation’s thermal stability and cohesive integrity.
Sample Formulations Featuring Kester Wax K-70P
Getting consistency just right is crucial when formulating, especially with natural squeezable products which are notoriously difficult to create. We created a natural squeezable balm without the use of beeswax or butters. Our Please Squeeze Me! Balm is an example formula that offers a window into the benefits of choosing just the right plasticizer. Kester Wax K-70P imparts improved feel and spreadability, in a natural, vegan formulation.
Please Squeeze Me! Balm
Formula #: 5/23-858/154-4
| Ingredient Trade Name | INCI Name | % |
| Phase A | ||
| Sunflower Wax | Helianthus Annuus ( Sunflower) Seed Wax | 5.0 |
| Kester Wax K-70P | C18-38 Alkyl Hydroxystearoyl Stearate | 5.0 |
| Coconut Oil | Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil | 30.0 |
| Jojoba Oil | Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil | 30.0 |
| Jeechem CTG | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | 30.0 |
In our All Over Balm, a versatile moisturizer example formula, the field is open for choosing the chassis that best suits your product range. A team of plasticizers offers you a choice to transform this all-in-one balm into twist-up sticks, push-up sticks, pots, or molds. This natural/clean formulation features nourishing Cocoa Butter, the structuring properties of Sunflower Wax, and the lovely, cool slip of Kester Wax K-24. In this sample formula, Kester Wax K-70P contributes to a creamy texture and thermal stability.
All Over Balm
Formula #: 11/16-286/258/484-5
| Ingredient Trade Name | INCI Name | % |
| Phase A | ||
| AR Cocoa Butter | Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Butter | 12.0 |
| Sunflower Wax | Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax | 7.5 |
| Plasticizer* | 15.0 | |
| Kester Wax K-24 | Lauryl Laurate | 8.0 |
| Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil2 | Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil | 34.0 |
| Jojoba Oil | Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil | 13.5 |
| Rice Bran Oil | Oryza Sativa (Rice Bran) Oil | 9.0 |
| Vitamin E Acetate | Tocopheryl Acetate | 1.0 |
Join Us in Los Angeles!
We are delighted to be launching Kester Wax K-70P at the Society of Cosmetic Chemists symposium in Los Angeles, December 11-13, 2024. Please stop by 214 to check out our poster presentation, see these example formulations in person and discuss your plasticizer needs with us. If you cannot make it to L.A. this time around, please contact us to request a sample of our newest plasticizer.
Contact Us About Plasticizers
If you find that your formulations need a texture rescue, or your systems are trending toward sustainability, We Have a Wax for That. If you would like to learn more contact us to start a conversation.
About Koster Keunen
Koster Keunen has been working with wax since 1852 and has used our extensive experience and knowledge base to continuously develop new chemistries. Whether you are developing a new product, or need help with a reformulation or replacement, contact us to learn more about how we source, refine or develop waxes so you can create the perfect formula.
