Cosmetic Technology

Polymers are used in a wide variety of cosmetic formulations to serve various functions, the main ones being rheology control, formulation stabilization, and as conditioning agents. It is therefore important to understand their behavior in these complex systems, particularly by studying polymer-surfactant interactions—since these two components are often present together in such systems—as well as interactions with solid surfaces (suspensions, applications on hair or skin) or liquid surfaces (emulsions).

The course covers: (1) the different types of polymers used—water-soluble, synthetic, natural, and semi-natural, as well as amphiphilic polymers—and the structure-property relationships; (2) the principles of thickening formulations or gelation using polymers; (3) interactions with surfactants, including an overview of the different types of surfactants and their physicochemical properties, particularly polymeric surfactants, (4) interactions with surfaces (skin, hair) as well as all types of solid surfaces, (5) the principles of stabilizing emulsions and suspensions using polymers.

The second part of this module is devoted to silicones and their use in cosmetics:

The Chemistry of Silicones, Silicones in Cosmetics: Categories, Uses, and Sensory Effects, with Application Examples.

Knowing how to identify the polymers that make up a formulation

1. Understand the major families of polymers used in formulations and how they work
2. Understanding polymer-surfactant and polymer-surface interactions

4- Be able to understand the role of polymers used in a given formulation

5- Understanding the Role of Polymers in Colloidal Stability

6- Understand the silicones used in cosmetics and be able to incorporate them into any type of product

Fundamentals of Chemistry and Physical Chemistry of Polymers

Surfactants

Basic Concepts in Rheology

Ongoing Assessment

Courses taught by industry professionals and faculty members specializing in the relevant field. This module may be supplemented by lectures.

Administrative contact(s):

Master's in Chemistry Office

https://master-chimie.edu.umontpellier.fr/