How to Use Starphere P5-VI12 in Your Formulations
Understanding Starphere P5-VI12
Think of Starphere P5-VI12 as tiny capsules that create a big impact in your formula. These violet-colored beads provide an immediate visual “wow” factor, letting your customers see the technology at work. But they’re more than just for looks; each bead is loaded with Vitamin E Acetate, a well-known antioxidant. When the product is rubbed onto the skin, the beads gently burst, releasing the Vitamin E and a subtle burst of color.
For the technical-minded formulator, Starphere P5-VI12 is a delivery system based on a biodegradable matrix of corn starch, cellulose, and mannitol. This matrix is firm enough to remain suspended in properly thickened formulas but soft enough to break down easily with gentle pressure, ensuring a smooth, non-gritty feel on the skin. Their medium-to-large particle size of 850–1200 μm makes them easily visible, signaling a premium, active-filled product.
Formulation Tips
- Usage Rate: Use 0.5% to 3%. Choose the lower end for a subtle sprinkle and the higher end for a dense, visually saturated look.
- When to Add: Add during cool-down only, below 40°C (104°F). Hot addition can soften or dissolve the bead matrix prematurely.
- Suspension: Use a thickener or rheology modifier (e.g., carbomer or gums like Xanthan) to create a gel structure that will suspend 850–1200 μm beads and prevent settling.
- Mixing: Gently fold into the finished base with a spatula or low-speed paddle mixer. Avoid high-shear mixing to prevent bead breakage.
Key Performance Benefits
- Stunning Visual Appeal: Vibrant violet pearl finish elevates shelf presence and signals a high-performance, active-filled product.
- Engaging Sensory Experience: Beads burst on application for a memorable tactile effect and a subtle color release.
- Active Delivery System: Encapsulates and releases Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) upon application for antioxidant benefits.
- Gentle Exfoliation: Starch-based spheres break down easily to provide a soft, non-gritty polishing effect.
- Natural and Biodegradable: Corn starch-based matrix offers a clean, eco-conscious alternative to plastic microbeads.
- Versatile Application: Ideal for clear gels, serums, lotions, masks, and body washes that aim for multi-sensory impact.