ABSTRACT
Low-viscosity oil phases have always been of interest in formulating pigmented products. Included in this group are poly-alpha olefin (PAO), mineral oils, esters, and other oils. The large variety of oily materials find application in pigmented products, including as vehicles for the grinding of pigments and as oil phases in emulsions. Highly hydrophobic materials that are liquid to low temperature, possess little or no odor, and have a cosmetically acceptable taste are highly prized raw materials. This chapter will deal with two classes of materials used in these applications. The first are Guerbet alcohols and the second branched esters made by the introduction of a limited number of moles of propylene oxide. Other chapters deal with other types of raw materials. All need to be considered when selecting raw materials for incorporation into personal care products.
