Influence of natural and synthetic polymers on the texture and sensory properties of cosmetic formulations

Polymers are widely used in cosmetic formulations due to their multifunctionality. Therefore, selecting the appropriate polymer and determining its optimal concentration is crucial for cosmetic development. Texture evaluation plays a key role in this process, and understanding the influence of operational variables, such as speed during measurements, is essential for accurate characterization. In this context, the study aimed to analyze the texture profile and sensory properties of gel formulations containing synthetic and natural polymers at different concentrations using Texture Analyzer TA.XT/Plus® and Sensorimeter® SR 100, as well as correlating both analyses. Results showed a correlation between the instrumental measurements and the speed variable in the texture parameters such as firmness, consistency, cohesiveness, and viscosity. Furthermore, polymers obtained from natural sources did not influence the spreadability in the sensory analysis, even at higher concentrations. The synthetic polymers altered spreadability and stickiness with increasing concentration. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding polymer chemical structures and polymeric networks in designing stable and effective formulations. Finally, natural polymers exhibited lower values for texture parameters but provided better sensory properties, demonstrating their potential to increase consumer satisfaction with cosmetic products.