Plantec OP2 (Beautyderm HP, GC-Derm)

Plantec OP2 (INCI: glyceryl stearate, cetearyl alcohol, stearic acid, sodium lauroyl glutamate) is a commercial name for a mixture of emulsifiers and thickeners for the oil phase. It is also sold under the names Beautyderm HP and GC-Derm, and is available in Slovenian and Italian online shops. It is permitted in natural cosmetics in accordance with the Ecocert certificate. It is easy to use and suitable even for beginners.

Plantec OP2 is available in white or slightly yellowish pellets or relatively soft flakes. Emulsions are white, and their consistency can range from liquid milk to a relatively compact cream. The emulsifier produces stable emulsions across a wide pH range and is not sensitive to electrolytes.

Plantec OP2 emulsifier is completely natural and biodegradable. Plantec OP2 emulsifier is of plant origin and is used for the preparation of creams and lotions or other oil-in-water emulsions. It is easy to use (hard pellets) and very skin-friendly.

Plantec OP2 is a commercial name for a mixture of emulsifiers and thickeners for the oil phase (glyceryl stearate, cetearyl alcohol, stearic acid, sodium lauroyl glutaminate). It is easy to use and suitable even for beginners. The emulsifier produces stable emulsions across a wide pH range. OP2 mimics certain biological properties of the epidermis and is therefore highly compatible with all skin types. In addition to its emulsifying properties, the emulsifier also has a beneficial effect on the skin, moisturising it and creating a gentle and soft texture. In terms of composition and use, Plantec OP2 is somewhat similar to the commercial emulsifier Phytocream 2000. It does not contain PEG (polyethylene glycol).

Properties / notes:
Solubility: in oils (miscible), forms an emulsion with water.
Melting point: between 54 - 46 °C.
Appearance: white-yellowish pellets (easier dosing).
Odour: no specific odour.

Purpose: natural emulsifier for oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions.

General guideline for preparing a cream / lotion: the emulsifier can be used in two ways.

The first, classic method: heat the oil and water phases to 75°C and then combine them while stirring rapidly and allow to cool.

The second, more advanced method: single phase preparation allows the water and oil phases to be combined while still unheated and then heated together to 75°C with rapid stirring. This second method is not possible with most other emulsifiers.
Mixing process (for both methods): add essential oils or fragrances below 40°C. Stop stirring once the mixture has cooled. For mixing smaller quantities, a stick blender can be used.

Preservation: all emulsions containing water must also be preserved, otherwise they spoil quite quickly. Unpreserved creams will keep in the refrigerator for a maximum of 5 days.

Note: it is most ideal to add exactly the right amount of emulsifier to the product, as an excessive amount of emulsifier in the product means it will foam somewhat more. If you want the cream to be firmer, it is best to add various waxes alongside the emulsifier as hardeners (beeswax, cetearyl alcohol wax, olive wax, etc.). If you want your product not to foam, or if you have added too much emulsifier, you can eliminate the foaming by adding silicone oil (dimethicone, Abil350, etc.). Babassu oil and propylene glycol also have a somewhat milder anti-foaming effect.

Recommended usage: 2 - 8%:
Creams (emulsions with more oil in water): 2 - 8%.
Lotions (emulsions with less oil in water): 2 - 4%.

Related emulsifier: in terms of composition and use, Plantec OP2 is somewhat similar to the commercial emulsifier Phytocream 2000.