Vegetable oil based gel materials for cosmetic, toiletry, and candle markets

As a nation, we are faced with multiple challenges from global climate warming, rapid depletion of fossil oil, a strong desire to become independent from foreign oils, and a moral obligation to preserve our environment for future generations. In response to these challenges, many consumers have changed their purchasing behavior, preferring bio-based products over fossil-based products with a willingness to pay a premium. This green socioeconomic movement is now prevalent in many commercial markets. Many companies which manufacture and market finished consumer products are actively seeking new bio-based raw materials to develop their green products for this growing segment of consumers. As a result, the market opportunity for bio-based raw materials is growing very rapidly. Our patent-pending vegetable oil gel technology is geared towards taking advantage of this growing market opportunity. This technology blends an advanced polymer into liquid vegetable oil, forming a microscopic three-dimensional network of polymer springs within the oil matrix, conceptually similar to the spring structure of a mattress except at a nano-molecular level. Depending on the density and strength of these oil matrix embedded molecular polymer springs, the resulting gelled material can exhibit a wide range of unique properties, from a strong and tough material, to a jell-O like soft gel, to a pudding-like soft solid, and to even a thickened but flowable liquid. Additionally, this gelled material can be produced with a clear or opaque color. The versatility of this material allows us to consider many different applications in a wide variety of industries. As a result of our work in the Phase I project, we have already developed two commercial prototypes as value-added ingredients for the Cosmetic and Toiletry Industry (CTI) and candle industry, and have verified some of their unique benefits when incorporated in the end formulations of CTI products. The brand names we've chosen for these two commercial prototypes are NatureVgelTM Soya - 100 and NatureVgelTM Soya Butter-100. The unique benefits we have verified for the CTI include: a) imparting a very silky and cushiony skin sensory in the finished cosmetic and skin care products; b) increasing product stability; c) controlled delivery of essential oils and fragrance, and d) longer wear. In addition to the Cosmetic and Toiletry market and candle market, there are many more potential commercial markets such as toy market, shoe and back pack cushion, burn beds, etc.