Effect of molecular weight of polyvinylpyrrolidone on the skin irritation potential and properties of body wash cosmetics in the coacervate form

Abstract

Abstract Body wash cosmetics are among the most common groups of cosmetics used by consumers. Faced with strong competition in the marketplace, cosmetic manufacturers search for innovative solutions both in terms of product composition and form. An example of an innovative technology which can be used in the production of body wash cosmetics is the process of coacervation which yields a concentrated body wash product. Another important aspect which needs to be considered in the formulation of body wash cosmetics is their safety of use. It is crucial to ensure that such cosmetic products do not induce skin irritations. At present, the most widespread method of reducing the skin irritation potential of cosmetic products is the use of surfactant mixtures. The study is an attempt to evaluate the effect of using polyvinylpyrrolidone in the formulations of model body wash cosmetics in the coacervate form on the skin irritation potential and basic quality determinants of body wash products. Polyvinylpyrrolidone was found to contribute to a significant reduction in the irritant effect, and the skin irritation potential decreased in proportion to increasing molecular mass of the polymer. The application of polyvinylpyrrolidone with the different molecular weight also has an impact on improving the foaming properties of model body wash cosmetics and the stability of foam they produce.