Increased throughput and efficiency in the production of products both at a individualized custom size and industrial scale.
Cosmetics and Personal care products represent a diverse set of materials and formulations. FlackTek™ allows for rapid development of production quality materials in the lab, and is often used as a manufacturing aid to increase efficiency and throughput.
Common Challenges and Solutions
The Challenge: Dispersing pigments into a base is a messy and time consuming process traditionally requiring a roller mill with a heating mechanism to melt the waxes. These devices introduce air into formulations and must be cleaned between each batch to prevent cross contamination.
The Solution: The FlackTek™ will quickly disperse dry pigments into butyl acetate and other solvent based nail polish formulations. Hegman gauge measurements of 7 and greater are easily and repeatably producible. Photosensitive and UV curable nail polishes, commonly known as gel nails, require vacuum degassing to achieve clarity, a process shortened to minutes in a vacuum equipped FlackTek™.
Easily melt the waxes and disperse the colorants using the FlackTek™ before pouring into a mold. Mixing times are on the order of seconds and the entire process from start to finish can be completed in minutes! Since there is no cleanup required, formulations can be mixed consecutively with no downtime.
The Challenge: Polymers like carbomer or CMC require hours or even days to fully wet using a homogenizer or heated stir plate to mix. Homogenizers require extensive clean up between batches and introduce significant quantities of air into formulations.
The Solution: SpeedMixing can wet and disperse formulations such as carbomer, CMC, cellulose, and xanthan gum in a fraction of the time required by traditional technologies. Primary polymer hydration steps can often be eliminated by incorporating the polymer directly, saving significant time in the wetting-out process. By pulling vacuum while mixing, chemists can create clear final formulations, and operator’s time is not consumed by cleaning equipment between batches.
Using the Vacuum SpeedMixer, chemists can mix and de-air a toothpaste formulations from scratch in a fraction of the time a double planetary bladed mixer would take. Since all ingredients can be added at the same time, the SpeedMixing process is simple. SpeedMixing simultaneously disperses silica filler, calcium carbonate xanthan gum, CMC, SLS, flavors and fragrances and other toothpaste components with ease.
The Challenge: Traditional methods of mixing of fragrances, flavors, and surfactants require a unique piece of equipment for each base material. For example, most traditional technologies can’t mix toothpaste AND hard soap stock. Traditional invasive mixing technologies introduce air during the mixing process, which can create issues when testing samples or packaging final products.
The Solution: The FlackTek™ is a highly versatile device capable of quickly mixing pre-dispersed surfactants into water for liquid hand soap, foaming hand soap, and other liquid detergent formulations. Easily disperse additives like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) into personal and fragrances.
We help you process these materials, and more…
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Emulsifiers
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Humectants
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Thickeners
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Polysorbate
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Glycerin
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Propylene glycol
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Sorbitol
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Carbomer
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Xanthan gum
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Hydroxyethyl cellulose
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Sodium carboxymethylcellulose
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Colorants
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Iron oxides
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Titanium dioxide
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Micas
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Dyes
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Essential oils
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Fragrances
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Oils
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Aromatic compounds
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Aroma chemicals
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Amino silicones
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Silica dispersions
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Salicylic acid
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Retinol
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Vitamin C
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Niacinamide
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Hyaluronic acid
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Phenoxyethanol
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Sodium benzoate
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Potassium sorbate
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Benzyl alcohol
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Ethylhexylglycerin
Frequently Asked Questions
Can FlackTek™ mixers effectively handle the incorporation of delicate botanical extracts or natural ingredients into cosmetic formulations?
Yes, FlackTek™ mixers are well-suited for the gentle blending and dispersion of delicate botanical extracts and natural ingredients. The controlled mixing action ensures minimal ingredient degradation, preserving the potency and efficacy of these sensitive components.
How does high-speed mixing technology contribute to the stability and shelf life of cosmetic products?
High-speed mixing technology, like FlackTek™, ensures thorough dispersion of ingredients, reducing the likelihood of phase separation and improving product stability. The homogenizing action helps to prevent settling of particles and enhances the shelf life of cosmetic formulations.
Can FlackTek™ mixers assist in the efficient incorporation of active ingredients with varying solubilities into cosmetic formulations?
Yes, FlackTek™ mixers are perfect for efficiently incorporating active ingredients with varying solubilities into cosmetic formulations. The high shear forces generated during mixing facilitate the dissolution and dispersion of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic actives, ensuring uniform distribution throughout the product.