company tower banner
Dow North America Company Logo

OPULYN(TM) 301 Opacifier

1 of 4 products in this brand
OPULYN(TM) 301 Opacifier is an anionic styrene/acrylic copolymer supplied at 40% solids. It delivers a rich, lotionized appearance in formulations. OPULYN(TM) 301 Opacifier has broad formulation compatibility and excellent stability. It best suited for formulations based on anionic surfactant systems such as shower gels, shampoos, and fatty-acid based liquid hand soaps.

INCI Name: Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer

Functions: Opacifier

Benefit Claims: Cleansing, Compatibility, Creamy Texture, Easy To Use, Excellent Stability, Formulation Performance, Improves Skin Appearance, Opacifying, Rich Feel

Labeling Claims: Allergen-free, Animal Products-free, BSE-free, Buy Now, CMR Substances-free, Endocrine Disruptor-free, Halal, Irradiation-free, Nanomaterials-free, Non-GMO, Not Listed In California Proposition 65, Palm Oil-free, Preservative-free, SVHC Chemicals-free, Solvent-free, TSE-free

Certifications & Compliance: EU Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009 Compliant, Halal, REACH (Europe)

  • TypeDocument Name
View All Documents

Knowde Enhanced TDS

Identification & Functionality

Cosmetic Ingredients Functions
Chemical Structure

OPULYN(TM) 301 Opacifier - Chemical Structure

Features & Benefits

Key Attributes
  • Imparts uniform opacity and lotionized appearance to formulations
  • Effectively hides amber cast or haziness in formulations
  • Imparts high whiteness or a pastel color effect to formulation when used with dyes
  • Excellent compatibility allows for use in a wide variety of applications
  • Effective at low use levels
  • Easy-to-use liquid

Applications & Uses

Application Format
Bath & Shower Applications
Personal Hygiene Applications
Skin Care Applications
Use Level
0.5 - 1.0 %
Recommended Applications

OPULYN™ 301 Opacifier is a highly versatile opacifier for anionic surfactant-based systems. Best suited for formulations with slightly acid to moderate pH range, containing up
to moderate levels of inorganic electrolytes, such as:

  • Mild shower gels and shampoos
  • Fatty-acid based liquid hand soaps
Formulation Guidelines

Formulation components, ionicity and pH should be chosen for optimal formulation stability.

  • Order of Addition

    • For maximum results, it is recommended that OPULYN™ opacifiers are diluted with product water (held out of the formulation) added slowly as the final component to the formulation (after pH adjustments, addition of dye, salt, perfume, etc.). Good agitation should be maintained throughout the addition process. If pre-dilution is not possible or desired, OPULYN™ opacifiers can also be added directly to formulation slowly and with good agitation. If desired, OPULYN™ opacifiers can also be added directly after the formulation initial water charge.
  • Neutralization

    • Due to low dosage rates, the low pH of OPULYN™ 301 Opacifier should not affect the pH of the final formulation. Note: if tap water is used to pre-dilute, the pH will automatically increase to pH 4–5 and neutralization may not be required.
  • Compatibility

    • There are several formulation parameters that can affect the stability of an opacified formulation, such as level of electrolytes and cationic ingredients, the pH and choice of surfactants. All of the OPULYN™ opacifiers behave differently in these systems. OPULYN™ 301 Opacifier has the broadest compatibility across a variety of applications. Both OPULYN™ 303B Opacifier and OPULYN™ 305 Opacifier offer a very good compatibility in the presence of high levels of inorganic electrolytes. In addition, OPULYN™ 303B Opacifier also has very good compatibility with cationic-based systems with low levels of anionic surfactants. OPULYN™ 302B Opacifier is the preferred choice for formulations with soft preservatives due to its compatibility in the lower pH range.
  • Evaluating Formulation Stability

    • Four week stability tests under high, low and room temperature conditions as well as 3 cycles of freeze/thaw stability are recommended as a best practice for any formulation containing opacifiers.
  • Overcoming Depletion Flocculation

    • Flocculation and sedimentation are the two most common symptoms of formulation instability. Certain conditions, such as high betaine levels, high electrolyte levels or the presence of cationic ingredients, can pose additional stability challenges in a formulation. For these specific conditions, ACULYN™ 28 Rheology Modifier or ACULYN™ 88 Rheology Modifier are the preferred choice as a primary or secondary thickening agent. Their high efficiency and excellent suspension performance will both build viscosity and help to prevent flocculation or sedimentation.
  • Cleaning

    • After use, process equipment should be cleaned with high pressure washing or an appropriate cleaning solution.

Properties

Physical Form
Appearance
Opaque white to off-white liquid, free of visible impurities
Typical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Gel Part (on 150 Micron)0 - 50ppmCTG 3240
Gel Part (on 45 Micron)0 - 100ppmCTG 3240
pH (at Shipment)2.05 - 2.50DOWM 102574
Solids Content (Forced Draft Oven, at 150°C, 0.6 g, 20 min)39.00 - 41.00%DOWM 102570
Viscosity (Brookfield, LV, Spindle #1, 60 rpm, 25°C)0 - 50cPDOWM 102715
Particle Size0.18microns
PreservativeNone, self-preserved
Active Content40%
Microbiological Values
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Candida albicansAbsentper gDOWB 508040
Gram Negative BacteriaAbsentper gDOWB 508040
Staphylococcus aureusAbsentper gDOWB 508040
Aerobic Plate Countmax. 100CFU/gDOWB 508040

Regulatory & Compliance

Safety & Health

Safety Information

OPULYN™ 301 Opacifier has a safe toxicological profile for a broad range of personal care products.

Storage & Handling

Usable Life and Storage

OPULYN™ 301 is supplied as a 40% solids emulsion with a maximum viscosity of < 50 cps at room temperature (25°C). The recommended storage temperature for this material is 4°C to 40°C. Keep from freezing. If exposed to temperatures below 4°C or above 40°C for extended periods, material may become unusable.