Fibrillated Cellulose?
Fibrillated cellulose – branded as Valida – is a 100% natural and bio-based material and is sourced from Sappi owned, sustainably managed forests.
Cellulose fibres are carefully processed down to their smallest components (cellulose fibrils, pictured above), without influencing the length of the fibres.
When these fibrils are suspended in water, they interconnect through hydrogen bonding and mechanical entanglement to form an extensive 3D network, which can stabilise all suspended particles with minimal impact on viscosity.
Next to the unique 3D structure that Valida brings to formulations, the network is also thixotropic: when a shear is applied, all fibrils align and viscosity drops.
When the shear is removed, the network quickly rebuilds and viscosity is restored. This allows for sprayable formulations without sacrificing in stability.
Valida in cosmetics
In cosmetics, Valida stabilises formulations, enables better spreadability and even sprayability, while the water loving nature of the fibres provides a hydrating skin feel, as opposed to sticky or tacky skin feel when using conventional thickeners.
Additionally, Valida’s network structure provides a unique texture for formulations. The network also scatters light instead of reflecting it, resulting in a matte finish as opposed to the shiny finish we all want to avoid.
Imagine smearing shampoo in your hands without dropping half of it to the floor, or applying a facial mask that remains wet for far longer, and serves to feed the skin with more nutrients.
Imagine making a sunscreen with a hydrating skin feel, and which is sprayable, or an oil-in-water emulsion that does not require surfactants to be stable. With Valida, these options are only the beginning.
Sign up for our webinar, or challenge us to solve your formulating difficulties.
Want to know more? Sign up for our webinar with the link here! Alternatively, feel free to challenge us to solve your formulation difficulties by contacting us via the information below. We are confident Valida can help you!