Liquid crystals were the first time already described in 1888 by the Austrian scientist Friedrich Reinitzer. Liquid crystalline systems show on the one hand properties of fluids but on the other hand also orientation dependent (anisotropic) physical properties like crystals. This special combination of properties is responsible for extraordinary features of different types of materials and led already in the 1960s to the development of liquid crystal displays (LCDs). A special type of liquid crystals are designated lyotropic liquid crystals. They are formed when certain emulsifying agents are dissolved for instance in water. When the emulsifying agent is used in the right concentration and co-emulsifying agents are added submicroscopic structures are formed assembling in a symmetric manner and consequently forming liquid crystals. In case of O/W (oil in water) creams in particular lamellar structures are of relevance, as the properties of creams are significantly altered due to a high content of lamellar structures. From the cosmetic point of view the following properties are for creams especially advantageous:
The molecular assembling of lipid substructures in such emulsions corresponds in many ways to the assembling of lipid substructures in the stratum corneum. Creams with liquid crystalline structures show therefore high skin affinity and exhibit a very good feeling on skin.
Because of the lamellar structure active ingredients are sustained and controlled released from liquid crystalline emulsions in many cases tremendously improving their efficacy.
Viscosity of creams can be increased by liquid crystalline substructures. The addition of thickeners leading on skin to an unpleasant tacky feeling is consequently not necessary.

Green River Polymer's DermoActiveCare cosmetic series is developed based on liquid crystalline emulsions. The following products contain such liquid crystalline emulsions in high concentration and are responsible for a unique pleasant skin feeling:

Body Lotion

Eye Cream

Intensive Cream dry skin

Light Cream anti-aging

Intensive Cream anti-aging

Cream-Serum

PHOENIX Scientific Award 2022

A. Bernkop-Schnürch, CSO Green River Polymers, was honored with the PHOENIX Scientific Award 2022.
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