How to Use Starphere S5-GR45 in Your Formulations
Understanding Starphere S5-GR45
Starphere S5-GR45 is a multi-sensory delivery system designed to make your products look and feel amazing. Think of them as tiny, biodegradable spheres that hold a special ingredient—in this case, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E). When your customer uses the product, these small green beads burst with gentle pressure, releasing their contents and a subtle pop of color.
For the more technical formulator, these beads are composed of a corn starch and cellulose matrix, making them a natural and eco-friendly choice. The 500–700 μm particle size is carefully chosen to be visually impactful in clear formulas yet small enough to break down easily without feeling harsh or scratchy on the skin. They provide an excellent way to incorporate actives that you want to be released at the moment of application.
Formulation Tips
Working with Starphere beads is straightforward, but a few key tips will ensure your product is stable and beautiful.
- Usage Rate: A typical usage rate is between 0.5% and 3%. Start with 1% for a subtle sprinkle of color and increase to 3% for a more dramatic, high-density look.
- When to Add: ALWAYS add Starphere beads during the cool-down phase of your formulation, when the temperature is below 40°C (104°F). Adding them to a hot mixture will cause them to melt and dissolve prematurely.
- Suspension is Key: These beads have density and will sink to the bottom of a thin liquid. To keep them evenly distributed, your formula needs enough thickness (viscosity) to hold them in suspension. Use a suitable thickener like a carbomer, xanthan gum, or other rheology modifier to create a gel or thick cream structure.
- Mixing: Gently fold the beads into your finished product using a spatula or a low-speed paddle mixer. High-speed, high-shear mixing (like with a stick blender) can break the beads.
Key Performance Benefits
- Vibrant Visual Appeal: The bright green color instantly elevates the look of your product, making it stand out on the shelf and suggesting a fresh, natural, or active-focused formula.
- Engaging Sensory Experience: The beads provide a unique texture and a satisfying “burst” sensation upon application, creating a memorable and interactive user experience.
- Targeted Active Delivery: Delivers Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), a well-known antioxidant, directly to the skin upon application, helping to protect it from environmental stressors.
- Natural & Biodegradable: Made from a corn starch base, these beads are an environmentally conscious choice that readily biodegrades, aligning with clean and sustainable beauty trends.
- Versatile & Easy to Use: Perfect for a wide range of products, from face masks and serums to body washes and shampoos. Their fine 500–700 μm size ensures a smooth feel after bursting.