Achieving Light, Non-Sticky Cream Texture
Question
I am trying to create a cream with a light, fluffy, soft, non-sticky, yogurt-like texture.
My current formulation uses:
- High oil phase (20%)
- Sepiplus 400
This results in a sticky texture.
How can I achieve the desired texture? What alternative ingredients or methods should I consider?
Also, how do mixing time and equipment (like an egg beater vs. a cosmetic mixer/homogenizer) affect the final texture?
Answer
Achieving a Yogurt-Like Cream Texture
To get a cream texture that is fluffy, soft, light, and non-sticky, similar to yogurt but not as liquid, you need to carefully select your emulsifiers and texture modifiers.
Your experience with a high oil phase (20%) and Sepiplus 400 resulting in stickiness is common. High oil content often leads to a heavier, potentially sticky feel. Reducing the oil phase is a good step towards a lighter texture.
Key Ingredients for a Light, Fluffy Texture
Emulsifiers: Choose emulsifiers known for creating light, soft textures. Options like Light Cream Maker, Soft Cream Maker, or CreamMaker EG can help form a stable emulsion with a pleasant feel.
Thickeners/Stabilizers: Ingredients such as Sepimax Zen or Sepinov EMT10 can help build viscosity and contribute to a fluffy, gel-like or creamy texture, depending on the concentration used.
Texture Modifiers: Incorporating ingredients like Silicone Gel (Medium Matte, Dimethicone Base) can significantly improve the feel of the cream, making it smoother, lighter, and less sticky, enhancing the desired fluffy and soft touch.
Formulation Approach
Instead of a high oil percentage, consider a lower oil phase (e.g., 10-15%). Combine this with a suitable light-texture emulsifier. Then, use a thickener like Sepimax Zen or Sepinov EMT10 to achieve the desired body and fluffiness. Adding a small percentage of Silicone Gel can further refine the texture, making it feel less heavy and sticky.
Experimentation is key to finding the exact ratio that gives you the desired yogurt-like consistency. Start with recommended usage rates for each ingredient and adjust gradually.
Mixing Time and Equipment
The time required for mixing depends on the batch size and the specific ingredients used. You need to mix until the emulsion is fully formed and the texture is uniform.
For small batches, an egg beater might work to some extent, but it may not provide sufficient shear for a stable emulsion or consistent texture, especially for larger volumes. A dedicated cosmetic mixer or homogenizer is recommended for better results and stability.
By selecting the right combination of emulsifier, thickener, and texture modifier and adjusting the oil phase, you can achieve the light, fluffy, non-sticky cream texture you are looking for.
Related Products Mentioned
Light Cream Maker™
Soft Cream Maker™
Sepimax Zen
Sepinov EMT10