A hero is only as good as his sidekick. A film only works if the supporting cast is first rate. And in the world of cosmetic formulations, the texture, the payout, and the stability often depend on having a dynamic duo on your bench. When your range requires anhydrous systems, particularly stick formulation, Kester Wax K-62 may just be the secondary structurant that boosts your product’s performance into the limelight.
Structures Need Support
Whether you are creating a stick or a firm paste, your system must be prepared to take stress, while giving users smooth payout and film-forming coverage that encourages them to return to your products again and again. Kester Wax K-62 is a vegan ester that can improve slip in anhydrous formulations for skin, hair, and color cosmetics. Its high melt point and ability to create strong gels make Kester Wax K-62 useful in formulations that take a beating and those that must perform under stress. This month’s example formulations show off some of Kester Wax K-62’s finer features.
Making an Example of Its Performance
While it can be used as a primary or secondary structurant, Kester Wax K-62 improves slip and spread without imparting a waxy feel that could leave skin feeling stiff and “coated.” Our example formulations show how it’s done.
Skin First Deodorant
Formula #: 12/25-258/10092-4
When formulating or using deodorant, the first order of business is to take care of tender skin. Skin First Deodorant employs Sunflower Wax and Kester Wax K-62 to stand up to the rigors of daily use, but this Natural/Clean formulation does more. This stick utilizes Kester Wax K-45, a natural, barrier-forming emollient that conditions skin, while adding glide and silkiness to the formulation. Such a pleasant experience raises the daily ritual of hygeine to the level of self-care.
| Ingredient Trade Name | INCI Name | % |
| Phase A | ||
| Sunflower Wax | Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax | 10.0 |
| Kester Wax K-70P | C18-38 Alkyl Hydroxystearoyl Stearate | 3.0 |
| Kester K-45 | Jojoba Esters | 3.0 |
| Kester Wax K-62 | Stearyl Behenate | 4.0 |
| Extra Virgin Coconut Oil | Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil | 18.0 |
| Jeechem CTG | Caprylyc/Capric Triglyceride | 24.0 |
| Magnesium Hydroxide | Magnesium Hydroxide | 15.0 |
| Tapioca Natural | Tapioca Starch | 12.0 |
| SMA Arrowroot Powder | Maranta Arundinacea Root Powder | 10.0 |
| Cedarwood Oil | Organic Cedarwood Atlas Oil | 0.5 |
| Fragrance “Rose” | Parfum | 0.5 |
Vegan Lipstick – Arabian Spice
Formula #: 6/17-258/484/130-1
Glamourous. There is just one word for the luxurious feel of gliding on color in one smooth stroke! This example formulation is a lipstick that demonstrates the stability to stand up to the rigors of everyday use without a heavy, waxy feel. Vegan Lipstick – Arabian Spice takes advantage of the structuring duo, Sunflower Wax and Kester Wax K-62, but doesn’t stop there, leveraging the key benefits of Kester Wax K-60P , a plasticizer that promotes creamy texture and gloss. This stick proves that clean and natural are no impediments to a delightful sensory experience.
| Ingredient Trade Name | INCI Name | % | |
| Phase A | |||
| Sunflower Wax | Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax | 10.0 | |
| Kester Wax K-62 | Stearyl Behenate, Cetyl Stearate, Stearyl Stearate | 3.5 | |
| Kester Wax K-60P | Polyhydroxystearic Acid | 8.0 | |
| Jojoba Oil | Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil | 18.5 | |
| Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil | Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil | 17.0 | |
| Radia 7750 | Isoamyl Laurate | 8.0 | |
| Phase B | |||
| Titanium Dioxide 325 | Titanium Dioxide | 10.7 | |
| Unipure Red LC 381 | Iron Oxides CI 77491 | 2.83 | |
| Unipure Red LC 386 | Iron Oxides CI 77491 | 2.52 | |
| Jeechem CTG | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | 11.42 | |
| Kester Wax K-24 | Lauryl Laurate | 7.53 | |
At Koster Keunen, we want your formulation and manufacturing to go as smoothly as possible, whether it is in the form of packaging changes to improve safety and ease of use, or offering sample formulations to spark the creative process. We are delighted to speak to you to discuss how our waxes and lipids can bring out the best in your products. Contact us 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.




