Manufacturing Secrets 2: Encounter with CNF (Cellulose Nanofiber)

Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) is a material made by micronizing plant-derived cellulose to the nano level (a few nanometers to a few hundred nanometers in width).

Because of its low environmental impact, it is attracting attention as a next-generation biomass material.

I first heard about it at the Cosmetics Ingredients and Development Expo around 2020.

What are cellulose nanofibers? What exactly are they?

Of course, like everyone else, I was skeptical.

The raw materials company explained to us that "its role is to increase moisturizing and thickening properties. It is a supporting role that enhances the functionality of cosmetics," so we didn't pay much attention to it.

However, the abbreviation CNF sounded cool to me, and I couldn't get the idea of it being a next-generation biomass, carbon-neutral material out of my head.

So I began researching cellulose nanofiber from scratch.

What is Cellulose?

Cellulose is the most abundant organic compound on earth. It is a type of polysaccharide, a natural polymer made of long chain carbohydrates extracted from trees and plants. It is known primarily as the main component that forms the cell walls of plants.

The wide range of uses for cellulose.

·paper

・Fabric (rayon or acetate fiber)

・Food additives

·cosmetics

Pharmaceuticals

・Building materials, etc.

CNF (cellulose nanofiber) is a material made by micronizing cellulose to the nano level (a few nanometers to a few hundred nanometers in width).

Application of CNF (Cellulose Nanofiber) to cosmetics and its functional characteristics

1. Improved moisturizing effect

CNF (cellulose nanofiber) has a high ability to retain moisture, improving the durability of moisturizing ingredients.

Features:

• Prevents moisture from evaporating, keeping skin moisturized for a long time

• Use in combination with hyaluronic acid or glycerin for even greater moisturizing power

• Highly moisturizing, yet non-sticky finish

2. Improved adhesion to skin

The fiber structure of CNF (cellulose nanofiber) forms a uniform film on the skin surface, improving the adhesion of cosmetics.

Features:

• Improves skin affinity of foundation and sunscreen, preventing makeup from coming off

• By keeping skin care ingredients firmly attached to the skin, it helps beauty ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin.

• It is also expected to help extend the duration of your makeup.

3. Thickening and stabilizing effect

CNF (cellulose nanofiber) has the property of gelling while retaining moisture, thereby increasing viscosity.

Features:

• Can be used as a viscosity adjuster for milky lotions, creams, gels, etc.

• Prevents separation of water and oil systems and improves stability (acts as an emulsion stabilizer)

• Adjusted feel for smooth, uniform texture

4. UV protection effect (under application research)

Some studies suggest that CNFs have UV-scattering and absorbing properties that could act as adjuncts to sunscreen ingredients.

Features:

• Improves the dispersion of UV filters, forming a uniform UV blocking film

• Light scattering effect reduces damage to the skin

• It is possible to develop a milder sunscreen by reducing the amount of chemical UV absorbers used.

I was honestly surprised that one ingredient, CNF (cellulose nanofiber), could have so many functions, actions, and effects.

In general cosmetics, these functions are often fulfilled by petroleum-derived or synthetic ingredients, some of which may be carcinogenic, endocrine disrupting, or cause allergies.

CNF (cellulose nanofiber) is a component extracted from plants and is not harmful to the skin or health. Furthermore, if it can enhance the functionality of such cosmetics, we felt that we had no choice but to research it.