AcnePLEX™ Compatibility with Thickeners and X-Foam Usage
Question
Based on the information that AcnePLEX™ is developed to be positively charged for better skin adhesion and long-lasting effect, but has limitations in compatibility with formulas containing negatively charged cream makers or gel makers, requiring the use of non-ionic gel makers (such as HEC, HPMC) in viscous cream or gel formulas: 1. Can AcnePLEX™ be used with a base consisting of LC Cream Maker (Sorbitan Stearate and Sucrose Cocoate) + Xanthan Gum? 2. If using AcnePLEX™ at a concentration of 4%, what percentage of X-Foam should be added to prevent the formation of white foam when spread on the skin?
Answer
Based on the information provided and the nature of the ingredients:
Compatibility with LC Cream Maker + Xanthan Gum:
- AcnePLEX™ is positively charged and incompatible with negatively charged thickeners/gel makers.
- Xanthan Gum is an anionic (negatively charged) polysaccharide.
- LC Cream Maker (Sorbitan Stearate and Sucrose Cocoate) is typically a non-ionic emulsifier.
- Due to the anionic nature of Xanthan Gum, using it in a base with positively charged AcnePLEX™ is likely to cause incompatibility issues (e.g., precipitation, loss of viscosity). This aligns with the caution provided about negatively charged gel makers.
- Therefore, a base using LC Cream Maker + Xanthan Gum is not recommended for use with AcnePLEX™. You should use non-ionic thickeners as suggested (like HEC, HPMC).
Usage of X-Foam:
- The typical recommended usage percentage for X-Foam to prevent foaming caused by ingredients like AcnePLEX™ is 1% of the total formula. This concentration is generally sufficient regardless of the specific percentage of AcnePLEX™ used (such as 4%).
In conclusion, avoid using Xanthan Gum with AcnePLEX™ and use X-Foam at 1% in your formula.