Proven performance and formulation latitude

are key benefits offered by Lubrajel* hydrogel

and Lubrasil* microemulsion
Hydrogels and silicone-enhanced emulsions provide long-lasting
moisturization and multi-functional benefits

With good chemistry great things happen.™

Introduction
When skin care product formulators need an effective way
to improve performance, alter the feel of creams and gels
or modify their rheology, they can turn to a proven family of
hydrogels from Ashland to meet their needs. Our Lubrajel*
hydrogels and Lubrasil* microemulsions offer wide ranges of
enhancing technologies to make products feel more elegant,
deliver a multitude of functions and aid ease of formulation.
Lubrajel hydrogel and Lubrasil microemulsion are clathrates
of glyceryl acrylate and polyacrylic acid that enclose water
molecules and release them upon exposure to the skin’s
pH, surface moisture and temperature to keep it supple
and conditioned. Hydrophilic gels consisting of a solvent,
humectants and a polymer, as a thickening agent, this
range of products delivers moisturizing benefits and unique
sensory attributes including enhanced lubricity and a
smooth, velvety after-feel.
Applications
• Skin creams and gels
• Sun care products
• Perfumes
• Hair gels
• Pressed powders
• Shaving gels and creams
• Treatment products
Benefits
• Superior moisturization
• Globally approved with excellent skin compatibility and
toxicity profile
• Imparts an inviting after-feel and slip
• Excellent lubricity, spreadability and emolliency
• Broad formulation compatibility and long shelf life
Product Family
• Lubrajel II XD hydrogel (INCI: Glycerin (and)
Glyceryl Polyacrylate)
• Lubrajel CG hydrogel (INCI: Glycerin (and) Glyceryl
Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer (and) Propylene Glycol)
• Lubrajel DV hydrogel (INCI: Glycerin (and) Glyceryl
Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer (and) Propylene Glycol)
• Lubrajel MS hydrogel (INCI: Glycerin (and) Glyceryl
Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer (and) Propylene Glycol)
• Lubrajel NP hydrogel (INCI: Glycerin (and) Glyceryl
Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer)
• Lubrajel Oil hydrogel (INCI: Glycerin (and) Glyceryl
Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer (and) Propylene Glycol
(and) PVM/MA Copolymer)
• Lubrajel PF hydrogel (INCI: Glycerin (and) Glyceryl Acrylate/
Acrylic Acid Copolymer)
• Lubrajel TW hydrogel (INCI: Propylene Glycol (and) Glycerin
(and) Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer)
• Lubrajel WA hydrogel (INCI: Propylene Glycol (and) Glycerin
(and) Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
(and) Poloxamer 184)
• Lubrasil microemulsion (INCI: Glycerin (and) Glyceryl
Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer (and) Polysorbate 20
(and) Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Propylene Glycol
(and) Dimethiconol)
• Lubrasil II DM microemulsion (INCI: Glycerin (and)
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer (and)
Laureth-23 (and) Dimethicone)
• Lubrasil II SB microemulsion (INCI: Glycerin (and) Glyceryl
Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer (and) Laureth-23 (and)
Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethiconol)
Theoretical Structure of Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic
Acid Copolymer
Lubrajel hydrogel is structured so that the pH, surface
moisture and temperature of the epidermis create a
reverse clathrate to release water and deliver a moisture-
balancing effect.
Carboxyvinyl
Glycerin backbone
Lubrajel hydrogel is hydrophilic and consists of water,
humectants and a polymer as a thickening agent. The
solvent and humectant molecules are bound to the
polymeric network, resulting in a structured system with
increased viscosity. When applied to skin, the network
is disrupted and releases the solvent and humectant
to moisturize and impart a velvety after-feel. Lubrasil
microemulsion adds the smooth feel of silicone with
the incorporation of dimethicone in a microemulsion.
As emollients, both product lines provide long-term
moisturizing benefits.
One of the most important benefits of the Lubrajel hydrogel
and Lubrasil microemulsion lines is their lasting moisturizing
effect, but this is just one aspect of the products’ multi-
functional profile. As a rheology modifier, Lubrajel hydrogel
comes in several versions with varying viscosities, from
the highly viscous Lubrajel DV hydrogel used in emulsion
stabilization and suspension of compatible materials such as
titanium dioxide to Lubrajel Oil hydrogel, an oil-like, low-
viscosity gel. They are also effective at stabilizing emulsions
in various personal care applications. Similarly, Lubrasil
microemulsion’s silicone-containing formulation is multi-
functional. As an emollient, film former and water-resistant
additive, the product range delivers advanced lubricity,
moisturization and feel.
 Testing of Lubrajel Hydrogel Short-term Benefits Short-term Testing of Lubrasil II SB Microemulsion and
Lubrasil II DM Microemulsion
Three varieties (Lubrajel II XD hydrogel, Lubrajel CG hydrogel Lubrasil II SB microemulsion and Lubrasil II DM
and Lubrajel Oil hydrogel) were compared with a placebo gel microemulsion were both found to be effective in promoting
with no additives, a control gel with glycerin and untreated moisturization levels in the short term. In vivo testing using
skin on five test subjects. Skin conductance data were a dermal phase meter demonstrated that skin treated with
then collected for all six samples, which were applied to either ingredient resulted in better conductance.
randomized sites on the inner arm of volunteers and allowed
to dry for 30 minutes. Readings were taken every 30 minutes Lubrasil II DM Microemulsion Short-term Study
using a Skicon* 200 skin surface hygrometer to measure
conductance, and a Scopeman* video microscope was then 450
used to examine the effect on skin texture. 400
400 401
350
361

% Initial Impedance
Short-term (three hours) 300
250
200
60
150
50 100
50 100
40
0
Conductance

30 pre-application 1 2 3

Hours
20

Short-term benefits from Lubrasil II DM microemulsion

10
were clearly evident as measured by a dermal phase meter.
0 Moisturization levels spiked significantly within the first
Dry 1 Hour 2 Hours 3 Hours
Time (Hours) three hours following application.
Lubrajel II XD hydrogel Glycerin (control) Lubrajel CG hydrogel
Lubrajel Oil hydrogel Placebo Untreated

Lubrasil II SB Microemulsion Short-term Study

All three Lubrajel hydrogel samples tested are statistically
equivalent and provide significant moisturization compared 450

with the control and untreated samples. 400 415 420

350
356
% Initial Impedance

300
Scopeman Results 250

Gel with Gel with Gel with 200

Gel with Placebo Untreated
Lubrajel II XD Glycerin Lubrajel CG Lubrajel Oil
(control) hydrogel hydrogel
150
hydrogel
100
100
Baseline

50
0
pre-application 1 2 3
After 3 Hours

Hours

The application of Lubrasil II SB microemulsion produced

similar results on the test subject as demonstrated by the
Scopeman photographs showed that visually noticeable above test data.
improvements in skin were achieved three hours after the
application of Lubrajel hydrogel.
Long-term Benefits Lubrajel Oil Hydrogel Moisturization Clinical Data
Long-term (eight days)
Gels with Lubrajel II XD hydrogel, Lubrajel CG hydrogel and
Lubrajel Oil hydrogel were compared with a placebo gel
with no additives, a control gel with glycerin and untreated

Dry
skin on five test subjects. Skin conductance data were then
collected for six samples applied to randomized sites on
both inner arms of volunteers. The arms were washed using
Ivory soap once a day for seven days, and products were
applied for five days and allowed to dry for 30 minutes. The

Day 5
subjects refrained from applying products after day 5, and
readings were taken on day 8 to gauge the regression stage.
As in the other test, a Skicon* 200 skin surface hygrometer
was used to measure conductance and a Scopeman* video

Regression
microscope was used to examine the effect on skin texture.

Lubrajel Hydrogel Moisturization Clinical Data

Long-term (eight days)
Gel with Lubrajel Oil Placebo Untreated
hydrogel
Conductance
160 On day 5, the Lubrajel Oil hydrogel-treated skin was visibly
140
smoother than the placebo-treated and
untreated skin.
120

100
Lubrajel CG Hydrogel Moisturization Clinical Data
Conductance

80 Long-term (eight days)

60

40

20
Dry

0
Baseline Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Regr.
Time
Lubrajel II XD hydrogel Glycerin (control) Lubrajel CG hydrogel
Lubrajel Oil hydrogel Placebo Untreated
Day 5

Formulations with Lubrajel hydrogel consistently delivered

prolonged moisturization compared with a placebo or no
treatment, as shown with significantly higher conductance
Regression

values.

Clear Benefits Over Placebo and Untreated Samples

The incorporation of Lubrajel hydrogel in any formulation Gel with Lubrajel CG Placebo Untreated
hydrogel
may have a significant impact on skin moisturization. As
shown in the following testing conducted on Lubrajel Oil
hydrogel and Lubrajel CG hydrogel, treated skin was visibly On day 5, the Lubrajel CG hydrogel-treated skin was visibly
smoother compared with both a placebo and untreated skin smoother than the placebo-treated and
after five days. untreated skin.

Testing of Lubrasil II SB microemulsion and Lubrasil II DM

microemulsion was also conducted to determine their
long-term benefits. Impedance levels were measured on the
skin of a 50-year-old subject after the application of Lubrasil
II SB microemulsion and Lubrasil II DM microemulsion each
day over five days. In this study, a dermal phase meter was
used to measure moisture content and a Scopeman* video
microscope was used to examine the effect on skin texture.
Lubrasil II DM Microemulsion Moisturization Clinical
Data: Long-term (five days)

500
450
400
350
300
250 Pre-treatment
200 Post-treatment
150
100
50
0
1 2 3 4 5

Moisture level of test subject’s skin was markedly higher

throughout the five day study period.

Lubrasil II SB Microemulsion Moisturization Clinical

Data: Long-term (five days)
Scopeman Results
180
Subject 2 Subject 5 Subject 4 Subject 3
160
140
120
100
Pre-application
80
Post-application
60
40
20
0 Top Row: Subjects photographed on the first
day of the study before gel application.
1 2 3 4 5 Middle Row: Subjects photographed on Day 5
3 hours after gel application.
Bottow Row: Subjects photographed on
day 8 (regression) 3 days since last
gel application.
While the difference wasn’t as pronounced as with Lubrasil
II DM microemulsion, the use of Lubrasil II SB microemulsion
still yielded an improvement in skin moisturization over the Scopeman photographs visually showed that noticeable
study period. improvements in skin smoothness were achieved after the
application of Lubrasil II SB microemulsion.
Subject 7 Subject 5 Subject 4 Subject 3

Top Row: Subjects photographed on the first

day of the study before gel application.
Middle Row: Subjects photographed on Day 5
3 hours after gel application.
Bottow Row: Subjects photographed on
day 8 (regression) 3 days since last
gel application.

Similarly, the use of Lubrasil II DM microemulsion

demonstrated visible benefits to skin smoothness.
Lubrasil microemulsion: Performance with a Better Feel Featured Products
By incorporating dimethicone with Lubrajel hydrogel,
Ashland offers the range’s moisturizing performance with Lubrajel CG Hydrogel
the smooth feel of silicone to deliver a highly luxurious skin INCI Name Glycerin (and) Glyceryl Acrylate/
care experience. Acrylic Acid Copolymer
(and) Propylene Glycol
Multi-function Moisturizing Benefits CAS Number 56-81-5, 9003-01-4, 57-55-6
Clinical data clearly demonstrate that the Lubrajel hydrogel
and Lubrasil microemulsion lines are effective in delivering Physical Properties
moisturizing benefits over a long period of time. Although Appearance: Colorless gel
humectants such as glycerol offer similarly beneficial Viscosity(@25°C): 350,000 cps
effects, they can’t provide the additional functions in pH: 5.0 - 5.5
cosmetic formulations as provided by the Lubrajel hydrogel
and Lubrasil microemulsion products – e.g., rheology Handling/Safety
modification, emulsion stabilization, lubricity and feel. Please refer to the MSDS

Guidelines for Use

• Used at 5 to 25% in cosmetic applications
• Usually added post-emulsion formation in creams
and lotions
• May be used to stabilize cold manufactured emulsions

Lubrajel DV Hydrogel
INCI Name Glycerin (and) Glyceryl Acrylate/
Acrylic Acid Copolymer (and)
Propylene Glycol
CAS Number 56-81-5, 9003-01-4, 57-55-6

Physical properties
Appearance: Colorless viscous gel
Viscosity(@25°C): 1,100,000 cps
pH: 5.0 - 5.5

Handling/Safety
Please refer to the MSDS

Guidelines for Use

• Used at 5 to 25% in creams, lotions, sunscreens and
clear cosmetic gels
• Water soluble
• Excellent toxicity profile and is not irritating to eyes
or skin and is not a sensitizer
Lubrajel Oil Hydrogel Lubrasil II SB Microemulsion
INCI Name Glycerin (and) Glyceryl Acrylate/ INCI Name Glycerin (and) Glyceryl Acrylate/
Acrylic Acid Copolymer (and) Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Propylene Glycol (and) (and) Laureth-23 (and)
PVM/MA Copolymer Cyclopentasiloxane
CAS Number 56-81-5, 9003-01-4, 57-55-6, (and) Dimethiconol
9011-16-9 CAS Number 56-81-5, 9003-01-4, 9002-92-0,
541-02-6, 31692-79-2
Physical Properties
Appearance: Colorless liquid Physical Properties
Viscosity(@25°C): 800 cps Appearance: Iridescent viscous gel
pH: 5.0 - 5.5 Viscosity(@25°C): 45,000 cps
pH: 5.0 - 5.5
Handling/Safety
Please refer to the MSDS Handling/Safety
Please refer to the MSDS
Guidelines for Use
• Approved for use in most countries Guidelines for Use
• Common use concentration in cosmetic products • Used commonly in skin care products at levels
is 0.2 to 5% between 3 and 15%
• Excellent toxicity profile; is not irritating to eyes or skin • Higher concentrations are suitable for hair care products
and is not a sensitizer • Compatible to varying degrees with nonionic surfactants,
some anionic surfactants, and most water-soluble or
Lubrasil II DM Microemulsion dispersible materials that are not highly ionized
INCI Name Glycerin (and) Glyceryl Acrylate/
Acrylic Acid (and) Laureth-23 The Lubrajel hydrogel and Lubrasil microemulsion lines
(and) Dimethicone are trusted and widely used in a variety of personal care
CAS Name 56-81-5, 9003-01-4, 9002-92-0, products. Offering long-lasting and multiple benefits,
63148-62-9 these are the ingredients of choice for formulators who
want to easily add a more lubricious feel to their skin creams,
Physical Properties thicken hair gels, add moisturization to sun care lotions or
Appearance: Iridescent viscous gel improve performance.
Viscosity(@25°C): 45,000 cps
pH: 5.0 - 5.5

Handling/Safety
Please refer to the MSDS

Guidelines for Use

• Used in skin care products at levels between 2.5 and 10%
• May be used in hair care products at similar concentrations
• Compatible to varying degrees with nonionic surfactants,
some anionic surfactants, and most water-soluble or
dispersible materials that are not highly ionized
Global Headquarters

Ashland Inc.
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personalcare@ashland.com

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™ Trademark, Ashland or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries
* Trademark owned by a third party
© 2012, Ashland
PC-11514

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believed to be accurate and reliable, but are not to be taken
as a guarantee, an express warranty, or an implied warranty
of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, or
representation, express or implied, for which Ashland Inc.
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