Indonesia is inhabited by a large number of population positioning Indonesia as a strategic market for consumer products. Cosmetic product is fast-growing consumer product in Indonesia. One of significant additives in cosmetic products is thickener. Thickener is derived from materials classified as hydrocolloid, such as cellulose, agar, carrageenan, gum, and starch. Cellulose is a compound contained in forestry products, for instance, pulp (cellulose-rich product). However, mostly, pulp is exported and used to produce paper for domestic use. Interestingly, pulp/cellulose could be processed into derivative products that could be used as thickener. The objective of this study is to test the performance of cellulose-based thickener which has pseudoplastic properties and proper viscosity for cosmetic products.
One of cellulose derivative products that has good characteristics for thickener in cosmetic products is hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC). HEC was characterized in terms of its solubility at various pH, dissolution temperature, solvent types, and the performance as thickener. HEC testing as thickener was carried out by mixing it with various cosmetic products. Cosmetic products used in this study were liquid body wash, shampoo, lotion, facial wash, shower cream, and milk cleanser.
Contact Person:
Akhmad Zainal Abidin, Ph.D. (zainal@che.itb.ac.id)
