Achieving Clarity in Alcohol Gel Formulation
Question
I want to make the gel clearer. I used Alcohol 75%, MEHEC (1.2%), and Triethanolamine 99 (0.8%). The resulting alcohol gel is cloudy, unlike when using Pro Polymer, which yields a clear gel. Are there any ingredients that can make the gel clear?
Answer
The cloudiness in your alcohol gel made with MEHEC (Methyl Ethyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose) is likely due to the compatibility issue between MEHEC and the high concentration of alcohol (75%). Cellulose ether thickeners like MEHEC can sometimes cause turbidity in high alcoholic solutions.
In contrast, Acrylate Crosspolymer thickeners (like the "Pro Polymer" you mentioned) are designed to be highly compatible with alcohol and produce clear gels. They work by swelling and thickening when neutralized with a base like Triethanolamine.
Therefore, to achieve a clear alcohol gel, the recommended approach is to switch your thickener from MEHEC to an Acrylate Crosspolymer type thickener. This type of thickener, when properly neutralized with Triethanolamine, will help you achieve the clear gel texture you desire.
Relevant ingredients:
- Alcohol 75%
- MEHEC (Methyl Ethyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose) - can cause cloudiness
- Triethanolamine 99 - neutralizer for Acrylate thickeners
- Pro Polymer (Acrylate Crosspolymer) - known to give clear gels
Related Products Mentioned
Triethanolamine 99%
