Chapter 13. Polymer Colloids for Cosmetics and Personal Care

Polymer colloids have been utilized in the cosmetics and personal care industrial sector for the last several decades. They exhibit unique rheological, tribological, optical, and film-forming properties that make them highly appealing for incorporation into cosmetic products. Of these properties, film formation plays one of the most critical roles for their performance in cosmetics. This is utilized in optimizing performance of makeup products like foundation, mascara, nail polish, and lipstick. Their superior lubrication performance allows the generation of distinctive sensory responses from skin care and makeup products. Recent advances in smart polymer colloids has allow the further adoption of these materials into next-generation cosmetics through engineering specific stimuli-responsive changes in rheology, tribology, and optical performance. This chapter discusses both the fundamental performance-controlling properties of polymer colloids and how these are utilized in developing and optimizing a wide range of cosmetics and personal care products.