Lipex SheaSolve effectively solves complex challenges, such as combining appealing textures and other sensory benefits with high loads of UV filters and color pigments. It also shows SPF-boosting properties when used with mineral UV filters.

Its low viscosity, high polarity and good solubilizing properties mean you can combine it with other ingredients for functional use across various cosmetic applications and formats, including stick and sprayable formulations.

Derived from sustainable shea and containing 100% carbon from renewable sources, Lipex SheaSolve is produced using energy-saving catalysts and processes. In addition, the low melting point means it is suitable for cold processing, making it an environmentally-friendly choice all around.

Appearance: clear, slightly yellow liquid
Slip melting point: 10 °C
Viscosity: 15 m-Pas @20 °C, 11 m-Pas @40 °C
Polarity: surface tension 25 mN/m, interfacial tension 13 mN/m
Recommended applications: sun care and UV protection, color cosmetics, cleansing and skin care, hair care products

5 – 20% in emulsions and 20 – 80% in anhydrous products

Lipex Bassol C™, Lipex SheaTris™, Lipex SheaLiquid TR™, Lipex SheaClear™, Lipex PreAct™, Lipex SheaSoft TR™

• Good solubilizing and dispersion capacity for both organic and inorganic UV filters make Lipex SheaSolve suitable for use in all types of sun care where a high SPF in combination with good aesthetics is essential.

• Comparative studies on Lipex SheaSolve show effects on providing lower viscosity to dispersions containing high levels of mineral filters. The lower viscosity translates into a better wetting of the particles, which means the dispersant secures a lower agglomeration, making it more efficient than other natural or synthetic emollients. The resulting benefits include lower ghosting, better absorption, and improved finish in formulations.

Lipex SheaSolve demonstrates a three times faster uptake in zinc oxide powder than caprylic/capric triglycerides and C12-15 alkyl benzoate, which indicates a better wetting capacity, making it an excellent potential choice for mineral sunscreen applications.

The video shows how Lipex SheaSolve delivers lower viscosity and higher flowability to mineral UV filter dispersions than comparative emollients. A low viscosity dispersion means there has been good particle wetting, which means less agglomeration, resulting in lower ghosting and improved skin feel in final formulations.

The video shows how a 20% zinc oxide dispersion with Lipex SheaSolve has a reduced whitening or ghosting effect and faster absorption on the skin compared to dispersions with caprylic/capric triglyceride and C12-C15 alkyl benzoate. As a result, Lipex SheaSolve will deliver a better skin appearance and feel in mineral sunscreen formulations.

An in-vitro study shows that when used with mineral UV filters Lipex SheaSolve provides an SPF boosting effect vs the other alternatives.

5 - 25%

LIPEX® SheaLiquid TR™, LIPEX® SheaLuxe TR™, LIPEX® SheaSoft TR™, LIPEX® PreAct™, Akofine R™ 

• Our eco-friendly shea-derived emollient ester provides optimal pigment dispersion and wetting, creating low viscosity and homogeneous dispersions.

• Comparative studies on Lipex SheaSolve show effects on consistently providing more flowable and lower viscosity dispersions containing high loads of color pigments than commonly used alternatives.

• The lower viscosity makes laboratory handling and upscaling easier and indicates better wetting of the particles, which leads to less agglomeration.

• In the final formulation, Lipex SheaSolve delivers a more consistent color, a higher color payoff, and an overall lighter skin feel.

• Based on shea and an optimal choice when developing suncare and inorganic UV formulations, Lipex SheaSolve can contribute to incorporating skincare and suncare attributes into color cosmetics.

The above image shows 20% yellow iron oxide dispersions in different emollients. The Lipex SheaSolve dispersion is flowable, the caprylic/capric triglyceride dispersion is thicker but also flowable, and the C12-15 alkyl benzoate dispersion doesn’t flow.

The video shows how Lipex SheaSolve delivers lower viscosity and higher flowability to pigment dispersions than comparative emollients. The lower viscosity makes laboratory handling and upscaling easier and indicates better wetting of the particles, which leads to less agglomeration.

1 – 20% in emulsions and 5 – 70% in anhydrous products

Lipex Bassol C™,  Lipex SheaTris™, Lipex SheaLiquid™TR, Lipex SheaSoft™TR, Lipex SheaClear™, Lipex PreAct™

• Low viscosity, high polarity, and good solubilizing properties make Lipex SheaSolve an excellent choice for anhydrous and emulsion-based cleansing formulations, as it effectively dissolves skin impurities and all types of makeup, including waterproof products.

• Reduces viscosity, improves spreadability, and lowers tackiness, making it a good sensory and performance enhancer for a wide range of skin care formulations, including massage oils.

0.5% in shampoos, 3 – 5% in conditioners and scalp treatments, 10 – 70% in hair oils

Lipex L’sens™, Lipex SheaTris™, Lipex Cellect™, Lipex PreAct™, Lipex SheaLiquid TR™

• Lipex SheaSolve outperforms dimethicone to improve combability on both wet and dry hair, reducing the probability of hair breakage. 

• An in-vivo preference test carried out by professional hairdressers showed that Lipex SheaSolve delivers similar sensory, spreadability and rinsability benefits as dimethicone throughout the whole washing process. And there was no significant difference in performance between the two.

• Low viscosity, high polarity, and good spreadability ensure uniform coating of hair fibers with a thin, weightless, moisturizing film to improve silkiness, shine and combability, making Lipex SheaSolve a good alternative to linear, low molecular weight silicones in hair care application.

• Readily biodegradable and 100% natural derived, Lipex SheaSolve can be combined with eco-friendly surfactants to produce environmentally-safe shampoos and conditioners.