AGC Chemicals Americas
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English
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Customer & product inquiries: 1-800-424-7833
AGC Chemicals Americas
English
Customer & product inquiries: 1-800-424-7833
SOLESPHERE™ microsphere silica gels are environmentally safe, non-nanoparticle, non-plastic, non-petroleum ingredients that enhance the performance of skincare and cosmetics. They can be used in oil-in-water, water-in-oil and anhydrous formulations to provide UV boost, reduce greasiness and stickiness, minimize pores, absorb oil and perspiration, improve spreadability and provide a matte appearance.
SOLESPHERE gels are made from silicon dioxide, a natural and sustainable material, and they are Ecocert- and COSMOS-certified for safety and sustainability. Most grades are porous, so they naturally reflect light, providing an SPF boost for sunscreen formulations:
SOLESPHERE gels have a lower coefficient of friction than titanium dioxide and other popular fillers. On a molecular level, they move more freely which improves both tactile and visual aesthetics. Their near-perfect spherical shape enables more consistent formulations that spread more smoothly on the skin. The microspheres are strong and do not deform easily when pressed, so products glide easily. Because they are porous, SOLESPHERE particles impart a matte effect that is ideal for tinted moisturizers and makeup foundations. They are ideal replacements for Nylon 12, PMMA and other plastic beads in cosmetics and personal care products.
Related Information
Five key SOLESPHERE grades–H-51, H-53, H-121, H-32 and NP-30–can impart the desired mix of performance qualities into a formulation including:
| Grade | NP-30 | H-51 | H-52 | H-53 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pore volume (mL/g) | 0.02 | 0.8 | 1.6 | 2.0 |
| Compression strength (MPa) | 1900 | 40 | 4 | 3 |
Moisture absorption is affected by specific surface area and pore volume.
Test method: Applied 0.5mg/cm test powder to artificial leather Supplare (made by Idemitsu Techno Fine),
and evaluated texture by KES-SE friction tester (made by Kato tech and sensor: artifical leather Supplare, load 25g).
Test method: Applied SOLESPHERE samples to the surface of Supplare, and then monitored with a digital microscope (x 25).
SOLESPHERE prevents oily skin and covers up wrinkles.
Optical diffusion (one characteristic of SOLESPHERE) gives these effects.
These effects are proportional to particle size and pore volume.
