Guidelines for Choosing a Thickener Silica

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Guidelines for Choosing a Thickener Silica

Formulation Considerations

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 mouthfeel