Raw materials for pet care cosmetics

Use of raw materials in pet care products

Chemical raw materials for the production of pet care cosmetics are used in a wide range of products, such as:

• Shampoos,
• Bath liquids,
• Conditioners,
• Paw cleaning preparations,
• Coat care products,
• Skin hygiene products.

The production of pet care products is based on the creation of formulations tailored to different types of hair, sensitive skin and the specific needs of domestic and farm animals. In these recipes, the raw materials are responsible for effective but gentle cleansing, easy rinsing, improving coat condition, reducing static and ensuring comfort of use for both the animal and its owner.

Key types of raw materials used in animal care

• Surfactants,
• Emulsifiers and solubilisers,
• Emollients and humectants,
• Rheology modifiers,
• Functional additives.

Surfactants – gentle but effective cleansing

Surfactants are the basis of animal cleaning products such as shampoos and bath liquids. Their task is to effectively remove dirt, sebum and unpleasant odours from the coat and skin, while remaining gentle. Amphoteric and non-ionic surfactants, which have low irritation potential, are particularly valued in animal care. An example of such raw materials available on the PCC Group website is ROKAmina® K30B, often used in mild cleaning formulations intended for frequent use. Non-ionic alkoxylated fatty acids, such as ROKAcet HR40, are also used as a supplement to improve cleaning efficiency.

Emulsifiers and solubilisers – stable and homogeneous formulation

Emulsifiers and solubilisers enable the combination of aqueous and oil-based ingredients, which is crucial in the production of shampoos, conditioners and care products containing oils or fragrance additives. Thanks to them, the cosmetic product remains homogeneous and stable during storage and use. Raw materials from the group of ethoxylated alcohols, such as ROKAnol® T25, as well as alkoxylated fatty acids, e.g. ROKAcet KO300G, are used in this role, which additionally support the dissolution of auxiliary substances and improve the transparency of the formulation.

Emollients and humectants – skin and coat care

Emollients and humectants are responsible for improving the condition of animals’ skin and the appearance of their coat. Emollients form a protective layer, smooth the hair and reduce its brittleness, while humectants help maintain the proper level of moisture. For example, ROKAnol® LN75/50, a lanolin derivative, can act as an emollient, improving skin elasticity and coat softness.

Rheology modifiers – consistency control and application comfort

Rheology modifiers allow cosmetics to be given the right viscosity and structure, which has a direct impact on ease of use. In pet care products, it is important that the preparation is easy to dispense, spreads well and does not run off the coat. Selected alkoxylated alcohols from the ROKAnol®, EXOsoft PO30 and ROKAmina®K30B series are used for this purpose.

Functional additives – functional and sensory properties

Functional additives complement the action of the basic ingredients of the formulation. They are responsible for improving the spreadability of the cosmetic, ease of rinsing, reducing static in the coat and ensuring a pleasant sensation during application. This group includes, among others, raw materials that improve foaming properties.

Legal regulations for raw materials used in animal care products

The production of raw materials is based on compliance with European regulations on chemicals, in particular REACH and CLP classification rules, which allows for the control of their physicochemical and toxicological properties. In addition, good quality raw materials are produced in accordance with good manufacturing practices (GMP) and their evaluation does not include animal testing, in accordance with applicable EU regulations.