Global manufacturer of fine speciality chemicals and plastic additives Vertellus has obtained International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) listing for ZeMac Solutions for use in cosmetics and personal care applications.

The ZeMac Solutions are water-based products featuring ZeMac copolymer technology. Engineered by Vertellus, they are used as high-molecular-weight surfactants and size regulators in microencapsulation of fragrances, speciality inks and pigments, as well as phase change materials (PCM).

The solutions were tested by an independent laboratory and showed no skin irritation. Along with other documents, these results have been recently approved by the Personal Care Products Council and ZeMac Solutions are now listed as an aqueous solution of ammonium of polyethylene-maleate.

What does INCI stand for?

INCI is an international designation for the declaration of the ingredients on the packaging of cosmetics. INCI names are mandated on the ingredient statement of every consumer personal care product globally.

The use of INCI minimises the language barriers that often hinder consumer understanding and international trade. This INCI listing now opens up new applications for ZeMac Solutions in cosmetics and more broadly in personal care markets.

Global development manager for Plastics at Vertellus Dr Ashok Adur said: “The unique chemistry of the ZeMac copolymer technology and the high-molecular-weight of ZeMac E400 enables the polyionic effect. This makes it possible for microencapsulation formulators to obtain precise control of particle size distribution of these capsules, which is critical for applications in speciality inks and for permeation control in fragrances.

“Another benefit in many shell systems such as melamine-formaldehyde is the tougher shell, which allows formulators to down-gauge the shell. This enables higher payload of the encapsulant for higher efficiency in applications like phase change materials, resulting in lower net cost.”

Vertellus will be discussing the technology and applications for ZeMac in microencapsulation during the 21st Microencapsulation Industrial Convention in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Taking place from 21 May to 24 May the convention will see Dr Adur present a paper on the use of ZeMac E400-based solutions for size regulation of microcapsules.

Visit the Vertellus Personal Care Team at in cosmetics global in Amsterdam at booth P141 or NYSCC Suppliers Day in NYC.