Change is a constant: It is both a modern aphorism and a source of stress for formulators. Just when you think you have a formulation that ticks all the boxes, ingredients fall out of favor. Microcrystalline waxes in cosmetics? Not so much anymore. So where do you go for a wax that can meet the need for increased melt-point, without losing either stabilizing or gelling properties? Koster Keunen has a wax for that: SynKos M-1063.
Addressing the Future of Formulation
The personal care industry has been responding with resounding success to demands for more sustainable and cleaner or petrochemical-free ingredients. Innovation is necessary to evolution, and Koster Keunen is advancing cosmetic wax technology through thoughtful innovation and responsible chemistry.
We have developed the entire SynKos Wax Series, comprised of white synthetic waxes, to provide unique gelling and texturing capabilities. They can function like petroleum-based hydrocarbons, while being more consistent and offering a lower cost. This opens up new formulation options for an increasingly budget-aware cosmetic consumer demographic. SynKos M-1063 shows compatibility with all cosmetic systems, including vegetable oils, esters, and low viscosity fluids like cyclomethicone and isododecane. And above all, SynKos M-1063 meets the challenges of sustainability and safety that exceed trends and speaks to the heart of responsible manufacturing.
Example Formulations Matching Form to Formula
SynKos M-1063 meets the need for a high-purity thickener and texture enhancer, replacing microcrystalline wax, without the variability of petroleum-derived waxes. It is highly compatible and versatile, so it can be used in color cosmetics, hair care, and skin care. The following examples offer a starting point for your formulators to take inspiration or to accelerate the development process.
Blush for a While
Formula #: 1/25-451/858/358-6
When a stick glides across the skin, delivering color and a delicious feel, but manages to hold its structure, you have all the best properties of wax innovation! SynKos M-1063 features as a plasticizer in this anhydrous, vegan stick formula, enhancing the Blush for a While example formulation’s durability and consistency. Meanwhile, the Kester Wax K-24 adds slip, allowing the buildable color to glide on to cheeks or lips with a light, non-greasy feel.
| Ingredient Trade Name | INCI Name | % |
| Phase A | ||
| Ozokerite 175 | Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax, Paraffin | 15.0 |
| Synkos 2050 | Synthetic Wax | 7.0 |
| Synkos M-1063 | Synthetic Wax | 8.0 |
| Kester Wax K-24 | Lauryl Laurate | 6.0 |
| Wickenol 155 | Octyl Palmitate | 18.0 |
| Jeechem OD | Octyldodecanol | 29.5 |
| Dermol DISM | Diisostearyl Malate | 14.0 |
| Phase B | ||
| Unipure Red LC 328 | Red 28 Lake Cl45410 | 1.17 |
| Unipure Red LC 321 | Red 21 Lake CI 45380 | 0.01 |
| Unipure Blue LC621 | Blue 1 Lake CI 42090 | 0.01 |
| Unipure Black LC 989 | Iron Oxides CI77499 | 0.02 |
| Mica Sericite BC 285 | Mica | 0.05 |
| Wickenol 155 | Octyl Palmitate | 1.24 |
Perfectly Smooth Lotion
Formula #: 2/25-10000/10093-8
Everyday lotions are essential to skincare everywhere. And a pumpable, light lotion that lends itself to customizing is every brand’s dream. For just such a purpose, we provide this example formulation with traditional ingredients. The chief exception in this emulsion-based, vegan system is SynKos M-1063. You get the performance you would expect from formulations that include microcrystalline waxes, but with the sustainability and safety that come from Koster Keunen’s wax innovation.
| Ingredient Trade Name | INCI Name | % |
| Phase A | ||
| Deionized Water | Aqua | 71.95 |
| Sepimax Zen | Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 | 0.5 |
| Tealan 99 | Triethanolamine | 0.05 |
| Butylene Glycol | Butylene Glycol | 3.0 |
| Lincoserve WpH-LO | Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin | 1.0 |
| Phase B | ||
| Kostol NatureMuls | Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate | 4.5 |
| Kostol Apifree | Behenyl Behenate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate | 3.0 |
| Synkos M-1063 | Synthetic Wax | 3.0 |
| Ritacane IH | Isohexadecane | 8.0 |
| Belsil DM50 | Dimethicone | 5.0 |
At Koster Keunen, we take the “care” in personal care seriously. That is why we continue to research, test, and innovate. Our goal is sustainability, and we are proud to be part of your efforts to formulate products and ranges that move the personal care industry closer to that desirable result. If you have questions or would like to discuss the ways in which our waxes can work for your products, please contact us. We would be delighted to start a conversation.
About Koster Keunen
Koster Keunen has been working with wax since 1852 and has used our extensive experience and knowledge base to continuously develop new chemistries. Whether you are developing a new product, or need help with a reformulation or replacement, contact us to learn more about how we source, refine or develop waxes so you can create the perfect formula.
