Achieving a Non-Sticky Feel in a High-Glycerin Moisturizer

The moisturizer formula you described, which contains 15% glycerin yet feels non-sticky and breaks into water droplets, achieves this unique texture primarily through the use of a specific type of emulsion and key silicone ingredients.

While glycerin is an excellent humectant that draws moisture to the skin, it can feel sticky, especially at higher concentrations like 15%. To counteract this stickiness and provide a pleasant feel, formulators often use silicones.

In this formula, the presence of Dimethicone and Polymethylsilsesquioxane contributes significantly to the smooth, silky, and non-greasy feel on the skin. Dimethicone provides slip and a conditioning effect, while Polymethylsilsesquioxane can offer a matte finish and further enhance the texture.

The key to the non-sticky feel and the water-breaking effect is likely the use of a Water-in-Silicone (W/S) emulsion system. Ingredients like PEG-10 Dimethicone (or the mentioned Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer) act as emulsifiers that allow a large amount of the water phase (containing the glycerin) to be dispersed within a continuous silicone phase. This structure provides the initial smooth, silicone-like feel upon application.

When the product is rubbed onto the skin, the emulsion breaks, releasing the internal water phase. This is what causes the sensation of tiny water droplets appearing on the skin and provides a burst of hydration, which then absorbs without leaving a sticky residue, thanks to the silicone external phase.

Therefore, the combination of a high concentration of silicones, including a W/S emulsifier, is the technique used to create a moisturizing product with significant humectant content (glycerin) that still feels lightweight, non-sticky, and delivers a unique water-breaking sensation.