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You beauty: Science invents 'dry water' to transform cosmetics
AS CONCERNS grow over the amount of harmful chemicals contained in beauty products a Yorkshire scientist has made a discovery which could transform the way cosmetics are made.
Professor Bernie Binks believes hydrating moisturisers and skin creams could become a thing of the past as they are replaced by water – sold in a powdered form.
His research at Hull University's laboratories has found a way of turning water into dry particles by mixing it with silica, which can then be rubbed into the skin as a moisturiser.
Sarah Beeney turned the spotlight on the amount of potentially dangerous chemicals in everyday beauty products with her hit television programme How Toxic are You?
The show, screened on Channel 4, last month, looked at the level of preservatives called parabens, which can be found in shampoos, gels, and moisturisers, and have been linked to breast cancer and a low sperm count.
There are also concerns about a chemical called phthalate, found in wrapping film, plastic bags, moisturisers, shampoos and much else. Two types of the chemical have already been banned from children's products, and one has been banned from make-up.
Now Prof Binks believes he can create a new line of beauty products which are all based on water stored in a powder.
The dry water is created by putting water and silica into a food mixer. Silica particles can be found in sandstone and quartz and are used to make glass.
Prof Binks said: "If you place silica and water in a glass, the silica will form a layer on top of the water – it is hydrophobic, it doesn't mix with the water. However when you place it in a food mixer, tiny droplets of water too small to be seen become encased by the particles of silica and you are left with a dry powder."
The dry water has a cooling effect on the skin and when it is rubbed in it becomes "sheared" and releases moisture as the water separates from the silica.
Prof Binks has received 250,000 from one international company to continue his research for another two years and he is due to travel to Europe next month to hold discussions with another major cosmetics label to see how the idea could be developed.
He said: "Nanotechnology is currently very fashionable and this dry water is a perfect example of how small particles can be utilised to prepare a novel material and bring about benefits to the consumer. I am particularly excited about the simplicity of the substance."
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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