Evaluating Emulsions and Textures in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
Beyond selecting for active ingredients, we are here to help you optimize your formulations for texture, flow, and grit of your products using particle size analyzers or our universal tester with a variety of stages available to accommodate all your texture testing needs.
Featured Applications
Particle Size Evaluation in Hair Conditioner —Undiluted Measurement of Highly Concentrated Emulsions—
Particle size directly impacts sensory properties, product consistency, and long-term stability of creams, lotions, and conditioners. This study focuses on hair conditioner emulsions, examining dispersed oil–water microparticles and their particle size distributions, a critical factor influencing product texture, stability, and functional performance. Laser diffraction particle size analysis is used to evaluate both diluted and undiluted emulsions. Measurements are performed using the Shimadzu SALD™ 2300 Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analyzer, utilizing both a batch cell for diluted samples and a high-concentration sample measurement system with adjustable optical path length for direct analysis of undiluted formulations. This approach captures particle size distributions across a wide range while maintaining representative sample conditions. The system’s ability to measure highly concentrated emulsions without dilution preserves the true dispersion state and enabling accurate, application-relevant characterization.
EZ Test Texture Analyzer - Creating Culinary Science
Shimadzu’s EZ Test Food Texture Analyzer provides quantitative texture data that supplements sensory testing in food development and quality control applications. The EZ Test’s high-accuracy load cells, small footprint and full line of texture analysis fixtures make it an excellent choice.
Evaluation of Structural Strength of Semisolids Conforming to USP 915 and USP 1912 by Penetration Method
This study focuses on semisolid materials such as creams, ointments, and gels, assessing their structural integrity through mechanical strength and penetration behavior, key attributes that influence product performance and user experience. This capability is essential for cosmetics and personal care development, where the texture, spreadability, and consistency of formulations directly impact consumer perception, product stability, and functional efficacy. The methodology follows USP <915> and USP <1912> penetration testing, utilizing controlled probe insertion to quantify resistance and deformation characteristics. Measurements are conducted using a Shimadzu EZ Test texture analyzer with defined penetration depth, force application, and measurement speed to ensure reproducible structural evaluation under standardized conditions. This system’s high sensitivity and reproducibility for mechanical characterization enables precise differentiation between formulations and provides actionable insights for optimizing product stability, texture, and overall performance in semisolid cosmetic systems.
