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Lip Biophysical Properties and Characterization Methods for Long-Wear Lipsticks
Rebecca Barresi and I-Chien Liao*
LāOreal Research and Innovation Clark, NJ, USA
Abstract
The lips are two pliable and mobile muscular folds that surround the oral cavity and assist in a variety of functions which enable both human survival and communication. In addition to their functional purpose, the lips are frequently cosmetically enhanced, in terms of color and gloss, through the application of lipsticks. Understanding both the biophysical and surface properties of lips is crucial for the successful formulation and development of lipsticks, particularly those with long-wear or transfer-resistant claims. Various in vitro methods provide a clear insight as to the stability, physical properties, and visual characteristics of a lipstick formulation, but a correlation between such results and consumer use experience is still lacking.
This book chapter provides an overview of the lip anatomy and lip surface properties, which can be used to provide a general knowledge for lipstick formulation. While much is known in regards to the structure and functionality of the lip tissue, obtaining further knowledge can assist in the development of superior performing lipstick formulations. Classic in vitro test methods for long-wear lipsticks, in addition to such test results correlations with consumer sensory testing, are also discussed. It is important to note that although there is an abundance of in vitro methods available in order to characterize long-wear and transfer-resistant lipsticks, there is still a definite need to develop new methods that better correlate with consumer experience. Existing methods have the potential to be further improved with new knowledge of lip properties and use of better test substrates to illustrate the benefits of new product innovations.
Keywords: Lip anatomy, lip biophysical properties, lip surface properties, long-wear lipstick, in vitro evaluation, consumer sensory testing
1.1 Introduction
Lipsticks have been an integral part of cosmetics since the dawn of civilization. The first man-made lipstick, which consisted of black kohl, was made famous during the ancient Egyptian period as part of Cleopatraās makeup routine. Lipsticks went through a period of low popularity during the European Middle Ages, but returned to glory during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. During the Second World War, the use of lipsticks had not only made women feel more feminine, but rather red lipstick was seen as a symbol of patriotism and defiance of difficult times during the war. The basis of modern lipstick was invented by chemist Abu al-Qasim al-Zahrawi during the Islamic Golden Age and became a product of commercialization in late 19th century, thanks to industrial advancements. Given the long history of lipstick, consumers have developed clear expectations in regards to performance, appearance, and use experience [1]. The obvious immediate requirement is that the lipsticks should contain no toxic components and irritants. Exposure to potential irritants from lipstick is mainly by swallowing, such as after a consumer licks their lips. Currently, color additives must have FDA approval for its intended use, as many can contain traces of lead as an impurity. Following an investigation effort in 2007, the FDA determined that up to 10 parts per million (ppm) of lead in lipsticks would not pose a health risk.
The long-wear lipstick market can be classified into four key categories, each of which has its own benefits and appeals to consumers: long-wear, gloss, lasting lip gloss, and lip care. Long-wear lipstick, which was also advertised as transfer-resistant, was introduced in the cosmetics market by Shiseido in 1986 as a solution to problems associated with wear and movement experienced by a majority of lipstick users [2]. Functionally, lipsticks are expected to bring instant gratification in regards to the userās appearance, regardless of style and color. To accomplish this, an ideal lipstick is expected to be non-drying, provide sun protection, and have great wear, color, and shine. Wear of lipsticks shall be mentioned further throughout the chapter and can hereby be formally defined as the userās experience as a whole, consumer perception of performance and comfort, and formulation lastingness. Lipsticks should also be easy to apply on the lips and leave a thin film deposit. Early iterations of lipstick technology did not withstand the challenges associated with consumer use and wear, which, in turn, left the consumers desiring a formulation that was able to weather their lifestyle without reduced performance or need for re-application. As a result, long-wear lipstick, substantiating claims of non-transfer, lasting color, and no smearing/smudging, was introduced to the public in the form of a two-part kit. In this kit, the first layer, a pigmented lipstick, was intended to deposit color on the lips and was to be covered by a secondary overcoat containing film-forming polymers [3]. It is important to note the key difference between lipsticks described as long-wear versus transfer-resistant. Long-wear lipstick refers to the coloring remaining the same or visually consistent from the time of application over a period of time [4]. Transfer-resistance relates to the ability of the product not to be transferred onto a secondary surface upon contact. This would relate to the formulation being removed from the consumerās lips after touching another surface, such as a glass. However, most of the time these terms are used interchangeably with consumers.
A key challenge in lipstick development is attaining an acceptable adhesion to the skin and semi-mucous areas around the lip region. After application, products can tend to migrate into cracks in the lip due to poor adhesion, creating an uneven coating and coloring over time [5]. Efforts to alleviate this problem resulted in the use of a pressure-sensitive silicone resin with MQ units (trimethyl endcap and four-way branch point units). This MQ resin, as seen in Figure 1.1, is commonly used to boost lip adherence, but the material itself is brittle, thus requiring a plasticizer in order to allow for film formation [2, 3]. This plasticizer contr...
