Adjusting Gel/Serum Texture: Reducing Stickiness and Improving Absorption

Question

I am developing two gel/serum formulas: a nourishing formula and a BHA gel formula. I have added Vitamin B3 and B5 to the BHA formula. The formulas are as follows:

Nourishing Formula Ingredients:
- Vitamin B5 3%
- Vitamin B3 5%
- n-acetyl glucosamine 5%
- Arbutin 2%
- Pro Polymer 1% (Gel texture agent)
- Licorice Extract 1%
- Phenoxyethanol SA 1%
- Water q.s.
BHA Gel Formula Ingredients (with user's additions):
- Water q.s.
- Salicylic Acid EZ™ 10% (equivalent to Active Salicylic Acid 2%)
- Pro Polymer 1%
- Phenoxyethanol SA 1%
- Vitamin B3 [user added]
- Vitamin B5 [user added]

The main issue is that the gel texture of both formulas feels sticky, does not dry or absorb well into the skin, and feels like it just coats the surface. How can I improve the texture to make it lighter and more easily absorbed for both the nourishing formula and the BHA formula?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Hello,

Regarding your questions, the staff has provided the following advice:

Adding Arbutin to the nourishing formula: This can be done.
Using the BHA gel formula first, followed by the nourishing formula: This can be done. It is recommended to wait approximately 10-15 minutes between applying the two formulas.
Preparation method for both formulas: Since the formulas are mostly water-based, mix all water-soluble ingredients together first. Once well combined, then add Pro Polymer and blend or stir until a gel texture is obtained.

Regarding the issue of the gel texture being sticky, not drying or absorbing well, and feeling like it just coats the skin, as well as the addition of Vitamin B3 and B5 to the BHA formula, the staff has provided further recommendations:

For the nourishing formula: If you want a lighter texture, you can replace 10% of the water with 10% Caprylyl Methicone. If you have already mixed the formula, you can add 10% Caprylyl Methicone directly into the finished mixture. If it still feels sticky, you can further adjust the texture by adding 10% Silicone Gel.
For the BHA gel formula: The feeling of coating the skin is partly due to the nature of Salicylic Acid, which works on the skin surface and does not fully absorb into the skin. However, the texture of the formula can still be adjusted. You can use the same methods as for the formula above, which is using Caprylyl Methicone and/or Silicone Gel, or you may consider using other emollients to improve the texture. The addition of Vitamin B3 and B5 to the BHA formula is part of the formula you tried, and the texture adjustment advice above can be applied to this modified BHA formula.

Hope this information is helpful.