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Catalog Number | CI-SC-0070 |
Product Name | Polyamide 3 |
CAS | 1093268-29-1 |
Description | Partially vegetable-derived rheology modifier for formulation with low to high polarity organic liquids. High bio-renewable content. Sustainable product, only partially petroleum derived. |
Solubility | Water-soluble |
Appearance | Clear yellowish pellets |
Application | Creams, lotions, sticks, sunscreen, color cosmetics, ethanol gels and sprays. |
Storage | Store in a closed container at a dry place at room temperature |
Composition | Polyamide-3 |
Features And Benefits | Provides multifunctional benefits including uniform delivery of actives, pigments and solids while reducing or eliminating the need for emulsifiersForms shear thinning emulsions that provide a positive sensory feel while improving skin hydrationCan stabilize emulsions over a broad pH range and accommodate high oil and fat loadings including siliconesForms gelled oil-in-water and water-in-gelled-oil emulsions that are pH insensitive (gels can be water soluble or insoluble)Ads water-resistance to sunscreens and stabilizes inorganic UV filtersCompatible with common emollients used in sun care emulsionsProvides excellent skin feel with low tackActs as emulsion stabilizers and reduces the need for adding multiple emulsifiers in formulas |
GMO | GMONo data available |
HS Code | 3823706000 |
INCI | Polyamide-3 |
Manufacture | Polyamide-3 is produced synthetically by the condensation polymerization of diamino compounds (reacted with fatty acids) with dicarboxylic acids. |
Preservation | Preservative-free |
Purity Grade | No purity grade applicable |
Raw Material Source | Diamino compounds, dicarboxylic acids, fatty acids from vegetable oils |
Uses | Softens at 40°C/100°F. Typical use level 1-10%. Can be used to make solid gels of medium polar organic liquids such as emollient esters, glycols, alcohols and polar surfactants. Makes clear sticks, good pigment dispersion. If added to castor oil you will get an instant lip gloss with very nice feel and gloss. Tip: Add very small amounts to the heated oil, under constant agitation until melted, before adding more, to avoid clumping. For external use only. |
Kapoor, Katharina, et al. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2022, 111(10), 2779-2787.
In this work, a topical film-forming solution (FFS) with enhanced skin delivery capability was developed, which consisted of the lipophilic retinoid tazarotene and the hydrophobic polyamide-3 polymer.
· Experimental Design
To investigate the impact of the film-forming polymer and to create cosmetically appealing formulations, tazarotene-containing FFSs were developed using either tazarotene with the polymer hydroxypropyl cellulose or tazarotene with hydrophobic polyamide-3 polymers mixed with acrylates/beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymer, both commonly utilized in cosmetics. The resulting films were analyzed via classical differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and modulated DSC (mDSC) to understand the molecular interactions between the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and the polymer film.
· Key Findings
The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the in-situ generated polyamide-3 (11,500 Da)/tazarotene films, with ratios of 5:1 and 10:1, demonstrated a significant increase (p < 0.01) compared to a physical mixture, suggesting a molecular distribution of tazarotene within the polymer matrix. Additionally, stress testing at 32°C and 40°C revealed that these films were kinetically stable for at least two weeks. The release of tazarotene from solid solution films was markedly higher than that from crystalline and amorphous forms. Furthermore, the film with a 10:1 ratio, containing 0.1% tazarotene, showed a tenfold increase in skin penetration compared to a commercial 0.1% tazarotene cream.
Schleusener, Johannes, et al. Skin Research and Technology, 2021, 27(2), 191-200.
This work aimed to evaluate the uniformity of sunscreen application using a newly developed electrostatic sprayer, eliminating the need to rub the formulation by hand. Uniformity of distribution was assessed qualitatively using in vivo laser scanning microscopy (LSM) and quantitatively by absorbance spectra after tape stripping and standard deviation of multiple spatially displaced reflectance measurements for non-invasive SPF determination below the lowest erythema dose, showing a significant improvement of 20.9% in uniformity after spray application compared to manual application.
In the LSM experiments, the film formers polyamide-3 and acrylate/octylacrylamide both appeared to provide uniform sunscreen formulations. The two film formers serve different purposes. Acrylates act as a bonding medium to keep the sunscreen in contact with the skin, while polyamides enhance distribution.
Sunscreen formulations tested
All measurements were conducted on sunscreen formulations featuring Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Octocrylene, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, and Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine as UV filters.
Among these, only the three formulations designated for LSM measurements (SPF 15) included 0.2% sodium fluorescein as a fluorescent marker, excited at approximately 490 nm, along with either 2% Polyamide-3, an Acrylates/Octylacrylamide copolymer, or a combination of Polyester-10 and Propylene glycol dibenzoate as film formers.
What is Polyamide-3 and what are its primary uses?
Polyamide-3 is a type of polyamide polymer known for its ability to function as a rheology modifier in various formulations, particularly those with low to high polarity organic liquids. It helps in forming and stabilizing emulsions and is also effective in adding water resistance to sunscreens. Polyamide-3 is commonly used in creams, lotions, sticks, sunscreens, color cosmetics, and sprays due to these properties.
How does Polyamide-3 benefit skincare and sun care products?
In skincare, Polyamide-3 serves as an excellent thickener for oils without adding opacity, unlike waxes and other fatty thickeners. It forms gelled emulsions that are pH insensitive, reducing the need for numerous emulsifiers and enhancing the formulation's sensory feel while improving skin hydration. In sun care applications, it enhances water resistance and stabilizes inorganic UV filters, ensuring compatibility with common emollients and providing a pleasant skin feel.
What characteristics does Polyamide-3 impart to a formulation?
Polyamide-3 offers the benefits of film formation and viscosity control within formulations. As a film-former, it extends the wear time of color cosmetics by reducing rub-off, making it particularly valuable for products intended to have long-lasting effects.
Is Polyamide-3 safe for use in cosmetic formulations?
Yes, Polyamide-3 is considered safe for use in cosmetics, with low concerns regarding allergies and toxicities. It is a well-regarded ingredient with an established safety profile.
Why might a formulator choose Polyamide-3 over other ingredients?
Formulators may opt for Polyamide-3 to add viscosity and gloss to oil blends, create clear oil gels, and improve the wear time and water resistance of color cosmetics. Its unique combination of thickening and film-forming capabilities makes it difficult to substitute without compromising the intended properties of the formulation.
Can Polyamide-3 be easily substituted in formulations?
Substituting Polyamide-3 can be challenging if it's being used for its thickening, gel-forming, and rub-off resistance properties, particularly in oil-based formulations. Alternative ingredients may not offer the same range of benefits, and adjustments in concentration and formulation may be necessary to achieve desired results.