Dynamic Mechanical Freezing Points of Cosmetic O/W Emulsions and Their Stability at Low Temperatures

To develop cosmetic products quickly and effectively, developers need reliable test methods for evaluating product stability. Phenomena that determine the stability of cosmetic emulsions include phase transitions taking place in the relevant application and storage temperature range. The tendency of ingredients to crystallize influences the stability of emulsions especially at low temperatures. In this article a Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used to determine the temperature of the water/ice phase transition of the continuous water phase for oil in water emulsions. A rheological, oscillating test method was developed to measure the phase transition temperature and the results were compared with those of the DSC and standard cold storage tests. There was a correlation of the crystallization temperature of the external water phase with the storage stability at –10°C. The accompanying increase in viscosity with cold storage due to structural alteration of the emulsions could be confirmed by TEM micrographs.