Achieving Clarity in Lip Balm with Oil Stick Gellants
Question
I am trying to formulate a clear lip balm using Oil Stick™ Medium (Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide). My current formula includes a water phase with ingredients such as Water, Glycerin, Vitamin B3, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol SA, and Fragrance, along with Shea Butter and Beeswax. However, the finished product is not clear.
Could you please explain why my formula is not clear and how I can modify it to achieve a clear lip balm texture using Oil Stick™ Medium and potentially Oil Stick™ Hard?
Answer
Based on the information provided in the replies, the reason your lip balm formula is not clear is due to the ingredients you are using.
Here's why:
- Water Phase Ingredients: The "Oil Stick Medium" (Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide) you are using is not compatible with water. Your formula includes a "water part" with ingredients like Water, Glycerin, Vitamin B3, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol SA, and Fragrance. These water-based ingredients prevent the formula from becoming clear when using Oil Stick Medium.
- Waxes and Butters: Ingredients like Shea Butter and Beeswax, while oil-soluble, tend to make the final product opaque rather than clear.
To achieve a clear lip balm, you need to:
- Remove all ingredients from the "water part".
- Remove Shea Butter and Beeswax.
- Formulate using only oil-based ingredients that are compatible with the gelling agents (Oil Stick Medium and Oil Stick Hard) and contribute to clarity.
- As suggested by the staff, using "Oil Stick Medium" together with "Oil Stick Hard" (Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide) can help achieve a clear texture in an oil-only formula.
Please refer to the example formula on the product page for "Oil Stick Hard" for guidance on suitable oil-based ingredients and ratios for a clear stick formula.