Applied Clay Science 175 (2019) 40–46

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Applied Clay Science

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/clay

Research Paper

Evaluation and characterization of Melo Bentonite clay for cosmetic T

applications
⁎
Juliana da Silva Faveroa, Venina dos Santosa, , Valeria Weiss-Angelia, Lucas Bonan Gomesb,
Diego Gusmão Verasb, Norberto Danib, André Sampaio Mexiasb, Carlos Pérez Bergmannb
a
University of Caxias do Sul (UCS), 1130 Francisco Getúlio Vargas Street, 95070-560 Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil
b
Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 9500 Bento Gonçalves Avenue, 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

A R T I C LE I N FO A B S T R A C T

Keywords: Clays are used in cosmetology with different applications, which are conditioned to the chemical and miner-
Clay alogical composition and physical-chemical characteristics of these materials. Therefore, the aim of this work
Bentonite was to evaluate the potential application of Melo Bentonite (BEM), clay from Uruguay through different tests.
Physical-chemical characterization Initially, it was performed the characterization of BEM by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spec-
Cosmetic formulation
troscopy (XRF), thermal analysis (TGA/DTG), particle size distribution and surface area. The microbial content
Microbiological evaluation
of natural Melo Bentonite clay was also verified. Two calamine suspensions were formulated with bentonite clay,
one containing BEM and the other containing bentonite clay (BE), both at concentration of 5% w/w in glycerin.
Bentonite clay was used in accordance to standard. The suspensions were characterized through tests of sedi-
mentation rate, viscosity and pH determination. The physical-chemical characterization of BEM indicated
compatible characteristics with those of clay; it was observed only smectite and quartz reflections as crystalline
phases and in terms of chemical composition the major presence of silicon, aluminum and magnesium was
verified. The microbiological evaluation showed that microbial content of Melo Bentonite presents acceptable
limits, according to the Brazilian legislation for cosmetic products. BE was tested by a suspending agent. The
sedimentation amount obtained for the suspention that was prepared with BEM was (0.73 mL/min) and with BE
(0.63 mL/min). BEM is a better agent suspensor than BE. The viscosity presented by the sample containing BEM
was lower than that containing BE; both of them showed non-Newtonian behavior and pseudoplastic flow. The
pH of the sample containing BEM was close to neutral (7.72 ± 0.005), while the pH of the sample containing BE
was 8.17 ± 0.026. The results showed a possible application of BEM in cosmetic products.

1. Introduction different structures when dispersed in polar media (López-Galindo and

Suspensions are thermodynamically unstable formulations and
phases tend to separate over time, so they require precise rheological
control and stability. Suspension agents are used to retard sedimenta-
tion by affecting the rheological behavior of the suspension (Zatz, 1985;
Viseras et al., 2007). Clays are often used in pharmaceutical formula-
tions for this purpose, by the different properties they present, such as:
large surface area, adsorptive capacity, rheological properties, chemical
purity and low or inexistent toxicity in humans (Carretero, 2002).
Clay minerals have two main functions in semi-solid pharmaceutical
formulations: they stabilize dispersed systems and adjust the rheolo-
gical patterns of the preparations (Iwasaki et al., 1989). These tasks are
closely related to the presence of charges on the surface of the clay
mineral particles, by their colloidal dimension and their ability to form
Viseras, 2004).
The stabilization of both suspensions and dispersions, and emulsions
is the result of the gel formation ability that clay minerals have, as well
as their presence in the interface boundaries due to their colloidal size,
surface loads and large surface areas. However, the rheological prop-
erties of the clay dispersions are strongly influenced by the type of clay
minerals, concentration and the presence of other molecules and ions
(López-Galindo and Viseras, 2004). A dispersion is stable when the
potential energy of repulsion arising from the approach of charged
particles exceeds the attractive energy inherent among the particles
over a given separation distance (Viseras et al., 2007).
Bentonite is used as a suspending agent in concentrations ranging
from 0.5 to 5% (w/w), producing good flocculation in bismuth sub-
nitrate suspensions. The gelling properties of bentonite are reduced by

⁎
Corresponding author.
E-mail address: vsantos2@ucs.br (V. dos Santos).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2019.04.004
Received 29 August 2018; Received in revised form 25 March 2019; Accepted 5 April 2019
Available online 12 April 2019
0169-1317/ © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
J. da Silva Favero, et al.
Fig. 1. Geological map and location of A and B Camps at Bañado de Medina region – Uruguay (Adapted from Gomez et al., 1980; Bossi et al., 1998, Calarge et al.,
2003a; Calarge et al., 2003b; Calarge et al., 2006; Albarnaz et al., 2009).
acids and increased by bases, such as magnesium oxide. A bentonite
used commercially under the name Veegum® HS is applied in several
pharmaceutical formulations, with the function of suspending agent in
combination with xanthan gum to promote proper viscosity (Vanderbilt
Report, 1984).
Thus, the goal of this work consists in the evaluation of potential
application of Melo Bentonite as a suspensor agent in cosmetology
products, through physical and chemical characterization as well as
evaluating the suspending capacity of these clays.
2. Materials and methods
2.1. Geologic context and materials
The raw bentonite sample was obtained from the Banãdo de Medina
deposit located in the north of Uruguay, in Cerro Largo district, mu-
nicipality of Melo, with central coordinates 32°24′39″ south latitude
and 54°22′04″ west latitude (Fig. 1) (Albarnaz et al., 2009). The Melo
Bentonite bed belongs to the Upper Permian Yaguary Formation of the
Paraná basin (Andreis et al., 1996). The lithology is mostly composed of
41
Applied Clay Science 175 (2019) 40–46
fluvial and aeolian sandstones with intercalations of mudstone deposits
(red beds) typically formed by lagoon systems during the Late Permian
regression (Andreis et al., 1996). Great volcanic activity in the region of
Patagonia during the Triassic and Early Jurassic age (Andreis et al.,
1996) is remarkable due to generation of large amounts of silica-rich
ash deposits (Axelrod, 1981). The bentonite deposit itself is 1.6 m thick,
pinkish, massive, soft rock bed, interlaid in sandstone formations. Be-
sides these were also used, calamine (Alpha Química, Brazil), zinc oxide
(Alpha Química, Brazil), glycerin (Alpha Química, Brazil), methylpar-
aben (Alpha Química, Brazil) and distilled water. The other materials
used are particularly described in each of the specific methods.
2.2. Bentonite characterization
The studied Melo bentonite sample (BEM) was characterized before
and after the microbial decontamination method. The decontamination
method consisted in drying the natural samples in an oven (Fanem
315SE/Brazil) at 120 °C for 24 h (Favero et al., 2016).
J. da Silva Favero, et al.
Table 1
Composition of the calamine suspensions containing BE and BEM.
Common name INCI (%) (%)
Suspension of BE 5% Bentonite 25.0 – previous work methodology Favero et al. (2016).
Suspension of BEM 5% Clay – 25.0
Calamine Calamine 2.0 2.0
Zinc oxide Zinc oxide 14.0 14.0
Glycerin Glycerin 7.0 7.0
Methylparaben Methylparaben 0.1 0.1
Distilled water Aqua 51.9 51.9
2.2.1. X-ray diffraction
Mineralogical analysis was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD).
XRD patterns were obtained with a Siemens (BRUKER-AXS) D-5000
diffractometer (Germany) operating at 40 kV and 40 mA using Cu-Kα
monochromatic radiation (λ = 0.15406 nm), divergence and anti-
scattering slits of 1°and 0.2 mm detector slit. It was used the angular
range from 2 to 72°2θ for total rock analysis, scan speed of 0.02/1 s. For
the oriented slides the angular range from 2 to 28° 2θ was chosen, scan
speed of 0.02/2 s for natural (N) and heated (H) samples and 0.02/3 s
for glycolated sample (G). The samples were prepared as it follows:
natural Melo Bentonite was disaggregated by mechanical grinding to a
talc-like powder with the use of agate mortar and pestle. Then, the
disaggregated material was sieved through 74 μm. Finally, the obtained
powder was mounted on a sample holder for subsequent analysis. After
primary disaggregation of natural sample, the preparation procedure
was followed by: (1) powdered material was dispersed in deionized
water and stirred for continued 14 h; (2) for further disaggregation
ultrasonic probe was used for approximately 6 min; (3) the clay
fraction < 2 μm was separated following the Stokes's law which relates
the settling velocity of a particle to its size and specific gravity. The
sample was placed in a settling vessel and filled up with deionized
water to complete the settling zone, then the temperature of the dis-
persion was measured (24 °C) and the vessel agitated. According to the
calculation of the fluid viscosity, the sample was decanted for 4 h and
21 min; at the end of the settlement time, the supernatant clay particles
was quickly syphoned out to a beaker; (4) the supernatant material
obtained from decantation was pipetted onto glass slides. It was used
the just amount of sample to cover each slide; (5) the glass slides were
allowed to dry at room temperature overnight. After dried the slides
were ready for the XRD analysis. For both samples, natural and dried at
120 °C for 24 h, 3 oriented mounts (natural, glycolated, and heated)
were prepared to be analyzed by XRD.
2.2.2. Chemical analysis
Elemental chemical analysis was performed by X-ray fluorescence
spectrometry (XRF) on a Rigaku RIX2000 (Japan) sequential spectro-
meter equipped with Rh X-ray Tube. Loss on ignition (LOI) was de-
termined in accordance with ASTM D7348–08 method (ASTM, 2008).
2.2.3. Thermal analysis, particle size distribution and surface area
Thermo gravimetric analysis of Melo Bentonite was performed on a
Netzsch STA 449F3 (Germany) thermo balance from ambient tem-
perature until 800 °C using a heating rate of 10 °C∙min−1 under N2 at-
mosphere. Particle size distribution was performed on a CILAS, 1180
Liquid laser dispersion granulometer (France) while the specific surface
area was obtained by the BET (Brunauer, Emmet & Teller) method by
multimolecular nitrogen adsorption-desorption experiments on a
Quantachrome, NOVA 1000e instrument (USA). The samples were
outgassed for 24 h at 350 °C. Sample preparation and analysis followed
the procedures and cares recommended by Brazilian Technical
Standards NBR 8289 (Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas: ABNT
NBR 8289, 1983), NBR 8291 (Associação Brasileira de Normas
Técnicas: ABNT NBR 8291, 1983) and NBR 8292 (Associação Brasileira
de Normas Técnicas: ABNT NBR 8292, 1983).
42
Applied Clay Science 175 (2019) 40–46
2.2.4. Microbiological evaluation
The microbiological evaluation of Melo Bentonite clay (BEM) was
carried out with natural clay and after the process of decontamination
with dry heat, using a stove at 120 °C for 24 h. The test was done using
2.3. Evaluation of the suspensory capacity of Melo Bentonite
2.3.1. Preparing the calamine/bentonite suspensions
In order to evaluate the suspensory capacity of BEM, a suspension
containing calamine was prepared. The aim of this preparation was to
assess the influence of BEM on the sedimentation rate and on the vo-
lume of sediment formed in the calamine suspension. BE was used as
standard.
The calamine suspension was prepared as it follows: the zinc oxide
and calamine were weighed and the mixture was stirred until homo-
geneous; glycerin was added to this initial mixture; the methylparaben
was weighed by adding hot water under stirring for its solubilization;
Subsequently, dispersions of BE at 5% and BEM at 5%, previously
prepared, were added into the calamine suspensions. The proportions of
each component used in the preparation of the calamine/bentonite
suspensions are described on Table 1.
2.3.2. Physical-chemical evaluation of bentonite/calamine suspensions with
bentonite clay
2.3.2.1. Sedimentation rate analysis. The sedimentation rate analysis
was performed, measuring 25 mL of the suspension and adding 25 mL
of distilled water in 50 mL beaker. Subsequently, it was shaken
vigorously for 5 min on a magnetic stirrer and the whole contents
were poured into a 50 mL beaker with a diameter of 2.5 cm. The
sedimentation volume was read for 60 min. In the first 10 min the
readings were performed every minute, between minutes 10 and 40 the
readings were performed every 3 min and in the remaining 20 min the
readings were taken every 5 min. The sedimentation rate was calculated
according to Eq. (1) (Sinko, 2010).
Final sediment volume (mL)
Sedimentation rate (V . S.) =
Total time (min) (1)
2.3.2.2. Determination of viscosity. The viscosity of calamine
suspensions BE and BEM was determined in a Brookfield Viscometer,
at rotations 20, 50 and 100 rpm in ascending and descending mode with
spindle S63. The test was done in triplicate.
2.3.2.3. pH determination. The pH determination of calamine
suspensions was carried out by dispersing the suspension in distilled
water (10%, m/v) at 25 °C in a potentiometer (Digimed), calibrated
with solutions pH 4.0 and 7.0 (Davis, 1977). The test was done in
triplicate.
3. Results and discussion
3.1. Characterization of clay samples
The XRD results of the oriented slides (fraction < 2 μm) showed the
expected behavior for Ca-Smectites, Fig. 2(a) and (b). At natural (un-
treated) the (001) peak was around 1.5 nm. After solvation with ethy-
lene glycol the smectite expanded to 1.6–1.7 nm. When heated at 550 °C
the (001) peak shifted to ~1.0 nm. It was also possible to verify the
presence of quartz (SiO2). The decontamination method did not affect
the XRD patterns.
The Si, Al, Fe Mg and Ca were the elements constituting the major
amount of Melo Bentonite (Table 2).
In the field of cosmetics, the application of clays is directly related
to their chemical and mineralogical composition. According to
Carretero and Pozo (2010), high amounts of Si mean that the clay
J. da Silva Favero, et al. Applied Clay Science 175 (2019) 40–46

Fig. 2. XRD analysis: (a) Total Rock XRD patterns: natural (as received) x 120 °C/24 h (“d” values are given in Å); (b) Melo Bentonite XRD patterns of fine fraction
(< 2 μm) oriented slides: natural, glycolated and calcined. A comparison between air dried samples and dried at 120 °C/24 h (“d” values are given in Å).

should be used in the reconstruction of skin tissues, besides providing
tissue hydration and mitigation of possible skin inflammatory pro-
cesses. Al was the second element found in highest amount on the clays.
This metal is relevant in raw materials for cosmetics application since it
is well-known for its healing activity, pigment dispersion, hydration
and melanin adsorption. Clays having Si, Al, Fe, Ca, Ti and K contents
can be employed for bactericidal, regenerative and antiseptic action
contributing to cell renewal, impurity adsorption, invigoration of tis-
sues and activation of circulation (Carretero and Pozo, 2010).
The metals found in most of the BEM sample are metals that are

Table 2
Chemical composition for Melo Bentonite clay (oxide wt%).
Oxide SiO2 Al2O3 TiO2 Fe2O3 MnO MgO CaO Na2O K2O P2O5 LOI TOTAL

(%) (w/w) 67.73 15.95 0.10 2.27 0.15 4.52 2.12 – 0.16 – 7.41 100.41

43
J. da Silva Favero, et al.
permitted by European Parliament Regulation 1223/2009 and are
found largely in colouring used in cosmetics (Borowska and Brzóska,
2015). The use of color cosmetics is very popular daily and among these
products are applied to the mucous membrane such as of lipsticks and
lip gloss. In this situation is there the risk of their oral ingestion. The
clay in study did not show high toxicity metals Sb, As, Cd, Pb, Ni and Tl,
in your composition. These kind of metals are banned by the European
community and have established strict limits on their maximum con-
centration by the FDA and Canada. Facial and cosmetic masks for
ocular use may facilitate the absorption of metals through the skin, so
once again the importance of the chemical characterization of the clay
under study is highlighted once it has a high potential of use in the
composition of facial masks. Studies show that the metals found in
cosmetics, resulting from the raw materials used in their preparation
can accumulate in the skin and be absorbed by the skin. Some cases of
topical and systemic effects are related in the literature because of the
use of cosmetics containing havy metals, including allergic reactions
(Travassos et al., 2011) and unfavorable effects, including internal or-
gans damage (Hg and Pb) (Dickenson et al., 2013).
Al, a metal found in the BEM, has the ability to penetrate through
the skin reaching the blood circulation and accumulating in different
organs exerting toxic effects (CDC, 2012; Lin et al., 2012). However, the
absorption of these metals by the skin is less than that by oral ingestion
of these metals. This metal as a function of continuous exposure may
accumulate in the bones causing osteomalacia and in the brain con-
tributing to the development of Alzheimer's disease (Exley and Vickers,
2014).
There is no regulation that establishes an acceptable minimum
quantity of Al in cosmetic products as the performance of deodorant
and antiperspirant products. There is a concern with the associated use
of products containing aluminum or other heavy metals of the same
category as aluminum in its composition, since this associated can
generate a cumulative effect of these components on blood and tissues.
BEM TGA curves (Fig. 3) showed weight loss in the temperature
range between 100 °C and 250 °C of the order of 3.91%, suggesting that
this loss was due to release of water molecules trapped at the clay
surface.
In this study the maximum temperature used was 120 °C, so the
observed results from thermal analysis of water loss corresponded to
adsorbed water loosely bound on particle surfaces (Mielenz et al.,
1953).
The particle size diameter of BEM (Table 3) was lower than 10 μm,
while the average particle size for clay II was 24.1 μm. Knowledge of
particle size distribution features of the raw materials is essential for the
Fig. 3. TGA and DTG analysis of Melo Bentonite.
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Applied Clay Science 175 (2019) 40–46
Table 3
Melo Bentonite particle diameters.
D10% (μm) D50% (μm) D90% (μm) Daverage (μm)
3.0 20.22 45.53 22.60
right pre-formulation steps of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.
Based on the literature (Poensin et al., 2003) the powder particle size
distribution applicability can vary. Finer powders have higher skin
adhesion and provide better softness when applied on skin. One ex-
ample showing that particle size influences powder properties is the
research published by Poensin et al. (2003), which demonstrated that
products for topical application containing in their composition clay of
average particle size around 74 μm provided promising results related
to augmented blood flow toward the treated skin region. The analyzed
clays showed particle size between 3.6 and 24.1 μm. This reduced
particle size range suggests the application of clays in cosmetics. Ac-
cording to literature, particles smaller than 63 μm may have anti-in-
flammatory effects and may assist in the skin hydration, retaining
moisture due to the high skin adhesiveness (Dário et al., 2014).
In regards to surface area evaluation, it was observed for BEM the
value of 13.905 m2∙g−1. From the point of view of cosmetology, powder
absorption properties are required for the retention of skin oiliness, thus
contributing to drying and healing capacity (Carretero and Pozo, 2009).
The adsorption capacity of skin exudates may be related to the porosity
of the particles. Minerals with large surface area have porous or rough
particles that adhere to the skin forming a film that provides mechan-
ical protection and is able to retain skin oils (Carretero and Pozo, 2010).
3.2. Microbiological evaluation
Table 4 shows the microbiological results obtained for BEM ac-
cording to the initial bioburden, before and after the decontamination
process, as well as the parameters accepted by the Brazilian cosmetics
legislation, Resolution 481/99 (Brazil, 1999), that are the same ac-
cepted by the British Pharmacopeia (British Pharmacopeia, 2008).
Before the decontamination, the sample was in compliance with the
specifications for the parameters of mesophilic bacteria, molds and
yeasts and fecal coliforms, but it showed growth of a pathogenic bac-
terium, Klebsiella spp.
Klebsiella spp. is a bacterium from the Enterobacteriaceae family
(EARSS, 2008; Souli et al., 2008) and is considered an important pa-
thogen involved in different infections, mainly in the hospital
J. da Silva Favero, et al. Applied Clay Science 175 (2019) 40–46

Table 4
Microbiological results for BEM.
Assay Specificationb Result1 Result2

Mesophile bacteria Maximum 5,0 × 103 CFUa/g 1,3 × 102 CFUa/g 1,2 × 101 CFUa/g
Molds and yeasts < 1,0 × 101 CFUa/g < 1,0 × 101 CFUa/g
Fecal coliforms Absence in 1 g Absence in 1 g Absence in 1 g
Total coliforms Absence in 1 g Absence in 1 g Absence in 1 g
Escherichia coli – Absence in 1 g Absence in 1 g
Pseudômonas aeruginosa Absence in 1 g Absence in 1 g Absence in 1 g
Staphylococcus aureus Absence in 1 g Absence in 1 g Absence in 1 g

Note: Presence of Klebsiella spp. Growth before decontamination.

CFU = Colony forming units.
a
Estimated value.
b
Resolution n° 481/1999.
1
Before decontamination.
2
After decontamination.

made the appliance of a decontamination method imperative before the

application of BEM clay in cosmetics. It was verified that the dry heat
method used was effective since there was no growth of the bacterium
in the microbiological test performed after its application (Table 4),
demonstrating that the method can also be applied for the elimination
of pathogenic bacteria such as Klebsiella spp. found in the sample.

3.3. Physical-chemical evaluation of calamine suspensions containing

suspending agents

In the evaluation of the suspensory activity, a sedimentation rate of

Fig. 4. Rheograms of calamine suspension.
environment, in intensive care units (ICUs), where it affects im-
munocompromised patients, which are subject to numerous risk factors,
such as administration of large amounts of antibiotics, chronic diseases,
invasive procedures and immunosuppressive treatments. It is a bac-
terium that over the years has created resistance to several antibiotics
such as aminoglycosides and carbapenems, given this reality and dif-
ferent mechanisms of resistance acquired by the bacteria, several re-
search groups have followed the distribution and susceptibility profile
of the genus Klebsiella spp. with the aim of monitoring possible out-
breaks and assembling the sensitivity profile in the different regions
(Albrich et al., 1999; EARSS, 2008). Therefore, the decontamination of
these samples must follow a critical step in the process of suitability of
clays for cosmetology use, assuring the number of samples and test
done with the samples are in accordance to what is recommended in the
law.
After the decontamination with dry heat, the reduction of meso-
philic bacteria levels was observed and the remaining parameters kept
the same obtained in the sample without decontamination (Table 4).
There were no pathogens, fecal and total coliforms, and the sample was
totally in accordance with the requirements of the Brazilian cosmetics
legislation (Brazil, 1999) and the British pharmacopeia (British
Pharmacopeia, 2008).
The dry heat method was used in previous work (Favero et al.,
2016), being effective in the decontamination of clays containing me-
sophilic bacteria, molds and yeasts above the specifications already
mentioned. The presence of the pathogenic bacterium Klebsiella spp.
0.63 mL/min was obtained for the suspension of calamine containing
BE and 0.73 mL/min for the suspension of calamine containing BEM.
Considering that in this experiment the height of the sediment formed
at the same time was measured and that the relation between sedi-
mentation rate and time is inversely proportional, the obtained results
showed that BEM presented a superior suspending activity to the one of
BE, since the sedimentation rate was higher, thus demonstrating the
ability of this clay to keep more particles in suspension. Consequently,
BEM presented a suspensor activity superior to BE, since its speed of
sedimentation was higher, which means, the particles remain in sus-
pension for a longer time.
In Fig. 4, it is found the rheogram of calamine suspension samples
containing BE and BEM. The sample tested with BEM had a lower
viscosity than BE. Therefore, considering the tested formulation and the
test standards used, BE presented better results in relation to the in-
crease of viscosity in the calamine suspension.
Calamine suspensions containing BE and BEM presented non-
Newtonian behavior, with variation of viscosity as a function of the
applied voltage, with no linear relationship between these values
(Viseras et al., 2006). The samples under study show a pseudoplastic
flow (Fig. 2), which is characterized by the decrease of apparent visc-
osity as the shear stress increases. This type of behavior is desired in
pharmaceutical formulations. High apparent viscosity at low shear
stresses is necessary to prevent the mobility of the dispersed phase. In
addition, when stirred, they must exhibit free flow with low viscosity
and under high shear stresses, as long as these changes are reversible
after some resting time, delaying coalescence or caking (Guaratini
et al., 2006).
The results of the pH determination averages for the calamine sus-
pension tested within BEM indicated a value close to neutrality
(7.72 ± 0.005), being lower than the pH of the suspension containing
BE, which was more basic (8.17 ± 0.026).
The pH of the samples presented a value above the adequate for
cosmetic products (5.5–6.5). The pH of the skin surface in the facial
region (5.5–6.5) depends on external and internal factors and normal
pH values may increase or decrease after applying topical products,
returning to baseline in a few minutes (Modabberi et al., 2015). In face

45
J. da Silva Favero, et al.
of the above, the pH found in the addition of BEM was better when
compared to BE, under the conditions tested. It should be pointed out
that these pH values were obtained when the clays were incorporated in
water, making relevant studies to evaluate if these raw materials will be
able to alter the pH of a cosmetic vehicle such as gels, emulsions, among
others.
Alterations in pH values may occur due to chemical modifications of
the formulation components, for this reason their determination to-
gether with the evaluation of the product stability becomes extremely
relevant. During the storage of cosmetic products, oxidation reactions
may occur, which generate chemical changes in the formula compo-
nents. The rate at which these reactions occur may not be the same for
the different substances present in the cosmetic product, thereby, oxi-
dations may occur even before the antioxidant action of the formulation
begins (Weiss-Angeli et al., 2008).
4. Conclusion
On the basis of the obtained results it was possible to conclude, from
physical-chemical characterization, that the samples features were
compatible with those of clay. The major reflections of all samples were
typical smectite and quartz. The presence of Si, Al and Mg as most
abundant elements was evidenced smectite and quartz).
The microbiological load of BEM was within the specifications of
the legislation, but with the presence of a pathogenic bacterium. Thus,
for application in cosmetic products a decontamination process is
suggested prior to use.
The evaluation of suspensory capacity and increase in viscosity in-
dicated that BEM did not promote better results when compared to BE,
clay already used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors. However,
regarding pH, BEM presented a better result when compared to BE.
From the results obtained, it is possible to see that the application of
Melo Bentonite clay in cosmetic products has the same performance
that the BE for the testes performed in this work. Additional, but not
less important, tests such as the assessment of cytotoxicity and the skin
hydration capacity of the clay under study should be performed to as-
sess the safety and efficacy of this clay in the skin.
Acknowledgements
Authors are beholden to the University of Caxias do Sul (UCS), to
Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) and to the Research
Support Foundation of the Rio Grande do Sul State (FAPERGS) for fi-
nancial support.
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