GE Silicones Introduces Velvesil 125 Copolymer Network; New copolymer offers a unique sensory profile combining silicone and organic attributes.

Business Editors

WATERFORD, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 2, 2002

GE Silicones announced the introduction of the Company's newest polyether silicone technology for personal care, the Velvesil(TM) 125 copolymer network.

A bodying ingredient offering unique sensory and other benefits, Velvesil copolymer is characterized by attributes common to both silicone and organic chemistries. Velvesil copolymer is designed for use by formulation chemists creating new products for skin care and antiperspirants, and for hair care and color cosmetics.

"The Velvesil(TM) 125 silicone copolymer network is a unique and important addition to the growing personal care product line from GE designed especially for sensory enhancement," notes Serge Rogasik, Marketing Manager for Personal Care at GE. "Velvesil 125 is a crosslinked, silicone copolymer network allowing formulation with both other silicone ingredients as well as organics like anti-aging additives, vitamins, plant extracts, and more. Its organic compatibility is the result of a unique balance of alkyl, polyether and silicones. The versatility of this chemistry makes it an important new tool for formulation chemists in personal care."

Velvesil(TM) 125 copolymer offers diverse array of benefits for personal care products

In skin care products, Velvesil 125 copolymer is a sensory modifier and bodying ingredient providing a soft, velvety feel to the skin in face and body creams and lotions. In antiperspirants, Velvesil 125 copolymer provides anti-syneresis benefits and efficient thickening properties, as well as sensory enhancements.

Also acting as a structurant in AP applications, Velvesil 125 can combine with organic thickeners to achieve desired texture and rigidity. In hair care, Velvesil 125 copolymer imparts lubricity, volume, combing ease and flyaway reduction in shampoos, conditioners and styling products. And in color cosmetics such as foundations and lipsticks, Velvesil copolymer imparts a light, velvety feel to the skin, with the added advantages of excellent spreadability and skin coverage.

Velvesil(TM) 125 silicone copolymer network is a translucent gel in appearance, with percent solids of 12-13% and viscosity @ 25C of 200,000 - 350,000 cP. INCI Name is Cyclopentasiloxane (and) C30-45 Alkyl Dimethicone/Polycyclohexene Oxide Crosspolymer.

Go to www.Velvesil.com to learn more about typical properties, sample formulations, and attributes of new Velvesil(TM) 125 silicone copolymer network; to join a new series of Internet Seminars, to order product samples, and more.

GE Silicones, an operating division of GE Specialty Materials, is a global manufacturer of silicone products, with its headquarters in Waterford, NY. It has 3,500 employees and manufactures over 4,000 products for the personal care, healthcare, electronics, fabric care, automotive and hardware retail industries.