Piscataway, NJ - October 16, 2006
The Dow Chemical Company, through its Amerchol business, will introduce a new patent-pending low surfactant cleansing system that utilizes METHOCEL™ cellulose ethers at the IFSCC trade show in Osaka, Japan. Known as the “Low Surfactant/High METHOCEL™” (LSHM) system, it will enable personal care formulators to use significantly lower levels of surfactants in their shampoo and body wash products while still maintaining cleansing ability and viscosity.
Laboratory evaluations have shown that cleansing systems containing low levels of surfactants are able to provide desirable sensory properties when METHOCEL™ cellulose ethers (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) are added to the formulation at appropriate levels, including significant improvements in foam quality and consistency. Lower levels of surfactants contribute to improved mildness, an important property in baby care products which also results in a superior wet and dry feeling of products on the hair and skin.
Other benefits provided by the LSHM system include improved deposition of ingredients and better color protection in shampoos for color-treated hair. In addition, increased headspace for perfume is available, a key benefit to personal care formulators. According to Denise Elias, Global Marketing Manager for Amerchol, the costs to use the high performance LSHM system may sometimes be offset by the reduction in amounts of fragrances used.
“The development of the LSHM system is an excellent example of the combined resources of Amerchol and Dow,” said Elias. “As we celebrate the five year anniversary of our integration, it is very exciting to introduce a new technology for a Dow product that has been used in the personal care industry for several years.”
About Amerchol
The Amerchol business is a global manufacturer and marketer of performance chemicals for use in personal care applications, primarily conditioners, moisturizers, emollients, and thickeners. These products are sold to end-use producers as ingredients in consumer skin and hair care products. Amerchol is known for its dedicated service to the industry and its functional product line. The company’s line consists of a broad range of products, several of which are produced in two manufacturing facilities – Greensburg, LA and Xiaolan, China. Amerchol also markets and sells many other specialty products for Dow in the personal care industry. For further information, visit www.amerchol.com.
About The Dow Chemical Company
Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of science and technology to improve living daily. The Company offers a broad range of innovative products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Built on a commitment to its principles of sustainability, Dow has annual sales of $46 billion and employs 42,000 people worldwide. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.
®™* Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow
For Editorial Information:
Jennifer Sigsworth
The Dow Chemical Company
989-636-1113
