Lumorol K 5229: The Ultimate Anhydrous Foaming Surfactant
Lumorol K 5229 is a specialized, anhydrous surfactant blend designed specifically for creating high-oil foaming cleansers. Unlike traditional surfactants that require water, Lumorol K 5229 is oil-soluble, allowing you to formulate crystal-clear shower oils, blooming bath oils, and foaming sugar scrubs that contain no water. When this unique blend touches water, it instantly transforms from an oil into a creamy, milky white emulsion that lathers beautifully, leaving skin soft and moisturized without the greasy feel.
Key Features & Benefits
- Water-Free Formulation: Allows for the creation of 100% anhydrous products like foaming shower oils and bath melts, eliminating the immediate need for broad-spectrum preservatives in water-free formats.
- Oil-to-Milk Transformation: Creates a luxurious "blooming" effect where clear oils turn into a rich, white cleansing milk upon contact with water.
- High Foaming Power: Unlike standard solubilizers, it provides excellent foaming properties even in formulations with high oil content.
- Mild & Gentle: It is mild on the skin, making it suitable for sensitive skin types and daily use in body washes and face cleansers.
- Versatile Compatibility: Clearly soluble in almost any oil, allowing for flexible formulation with various carrier oils and triglycerides.
Ingredients & Technical Specifications
- Ingredients (Common Name): Lumorol K 5229
- Ingredients (INCI Name): Laureth-4 (and) MIPA-Laureth Sulfate (and) Propylene Glycol
- CAS Numbers: 68439-50-9, 1187742-72-8 (or 83016-76-6), 57-55-6
- Active Matter: ~93% (approx. 43% anionic active matter)
- Appearance: Clear, golden yellow liquid
- Solubility: Oil-soluble; Self-emulsifies in water
- Charge: Anionic and Non-ionic blend
- pH (10% solution): ~6.4 - 7
- Country of Origin: Germany
- Suggested Uses: Foaming shower oils, Body wash oils, Blooming bath oils, Foaming sugar scrubs, Makeup removers.
Recommended Usage
- How to Use: Add Lumorol K 5229 directly to your oil phase. It can be processed cold. Stir gently until the mixture is homogeneous.
- Formulation Tip (Oil Polarity): The polarity of your carrier oils affects stability. High polarity oils (like Sunflower or Almond oil) often require a higher percentage of Lumorol K 5229 to remain clear, whereas low polarity oils (like Mineral Oil or MCT Oil/Caprylic Capric Triglycerides) require less. If your formula separates, try increasing the Lumorol or adding MCT oil.
Lumorol K 5229 vs. Polysorbate 80
While both ingredients allow oils to rinse off with water, they serve different functions:
- Lumorol K 5229: This is a true foaming surfactant blend. It is designed to cleanse and lather. Use this when you want bubbles and a "soapy" feel from an oil product.
- Polysorbate 80: This is a solubilizer. It helps oils disperse in water (bloom) so they don't float on top of the bath, but it does not foam significantly. It is better suited for simple bath oils where cleansing/lathering is not the primary goal.
Storage
Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place ideally below 25°C.
- Note on Temperature: If stored in cold conditions, the product may become turbid or develop sediment. This is normal. Simply warm it gently to ~30°C and stir to restore clarity without affecting quality.
Safety Guidelines
Lumorol K 5229 is safe for external use in cosmetic formulations. It is not meant for internal consumption.
- Handling: Always wear protective gloves and eye protection/face protection when handling the raw material. If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
- Individuals who are pregnant or under medical care should consult a healthcare provider before use.
