Choosing a Thickener Silica

Typically, a 20 percent loading of cleaning silica is used and thickener is added as needed to achieve the desired viscosity build. The mouth-feel problems posed by a low level of cleaning silica are overcome simply by increasing the thickening silica content of the formulation. A formulator typically uses from 20 to 30 percent silica in order to address mouth-feel issues. By addressing performance with the cleaning silica and viscosity by the thickener, great toothpaste can be created. A 12 percent loading of Zeodent® 124 cleaning silica would be complemented by 10 percent Zeodent® 165, resulting in a smooth, readily dispersible mouth-feel. Other examples of choices would include 18 percent Zeodent® 113 plus 6 percent Zeodent 165, or 20 percent Zeodent® 103 plus 8 percent Zeodent 165.

Guidelines for Thickener Silica:

• Thickener silica has negligible effect on cleaning and abrasion levels

• The primary function of thickener silica is rheology control during processing and in the final product

• Higher levels of thickener deliver products with higher viscosity (better “stand up”) and enhanced mouth-feel