RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Chemistry that begins with the brief.
NISHKA's R&D team has over 20 years of silicone polymer chemistry expertise. Every product in our speciality silicone portfolio was developed, tested, and validated by this team — and the same expertise is available to formulators working on custom projects.
OUR APPROACH
Developed for application, not catalogue.
Every Nishka silicone was designed around a specific formulation problem — not reverse-engineered from a commodity offering. The R&D team starts from the formulator's brief: what sensory outcome is required, what processing constraints apply, what regulatory environment the product will be sold into.
The result is a portfolio developed to application. Each product has a defined role in specific formulation types, documented in the Technical Data Sheet with use levels, compatibility guidance, and typical performance outcomes. The R&D team that developed the product is available to formulators throughout the qualification process.
EXPERTISE AREAS
Where our chemistry is deepest.
Silicone fluid chemistry
Dimethicone grades from 5 cSt to 300,000 cSt. Volatile silicones and cyclic alternatives. Phenyl silicones for refractive index engineering. Alkyl-modified silicones for oil compatibility. Each grade characterised by viscosity, volatility, and sensory response.
Sensory blend development
Proprietary sensory performance blends formulated for specific skin and hair feel — silky, light, dry, skin-like. Each blend is validated in representative formulation matrices before commercialisation, with documented sensory descriptors and use level guidance.
Elastomer and gel chemistry
Dimethicone crosspolymers and elastomer blends in cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone carriers. Developed for oil control, soft-focus blurring, and active ingredient delivery in skincare and color cosmetics.
Resin and film former development
Polymethylsilsesquioxane and trimethylsiloxysilicate resins for water resistance, matte finish, and long-wear performance. Film formers validated in waterproof mascara, lip color, and sunscreen applications.
Silicone surfactant synthesis
PEG-modified silicones for emulsion stabilisation — HLB developed for water-in-oil and oil-in-water systems. Compatibility tested across anionic, cationic, and non-ionic surfactant systems.
Regulatory chemistry
REACH compliance, SVHC declarations, D4/D5 alternatives, FDA 21 CFR positions. The R&D team tracks regulatory changes in EU, UK, and US markets and proactively advises formulators on compliance pathways for silicone ingredients.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
From concept to validated product.
Application brief
The development process begins with a formulation brief — target application, required sensory profile, viscosity range, regulatory market, and any known constraints. The R&D team reviews and confirms the feasibility of the specification.
Chemistry design
The team develops the silicone architecture — selecting the appropriate backbone chemistry, functional groups, viscosity, and carrier system. Where novel chemistry is required, synthesis parameters are defined and documented.
Lab sample development
Initial samples are synthesised at laboratory scale. Performance is evaluated against specification: viscosity, refractive index, specific gravity, appearance, and application-specific sensory performance.
Formulation validation
The sample is trialled in representative formulation matrices relevant to the target application. Compatibility, stability, and sensory performance are documented in a written report.
Specification lock and TDS
Once the sample is validated, the product specification is locked: acceptance criteria for each quality parameter, test methods, and shelf life conditions. The Technical Data Sheet is authored and issued.
Manufacturing transfer and scale-up
The validated formulation and process parameters are transferred to the manufacturing team. A pilot batch validates scale-up before production quantities are released.
FORMULATOR COLLABORATION
Direct access to R&D from day one.
Technical enquiries at Nishka go directly to the R&D team — not a sales layer. Sample requests, compatibility questions, use level guidance, regulatory queries: handled by the chemists who developed the product. For custom development projects, the lead R&D chemist is your point of contact throughout the brief-to-production cycle.