Alternatives for Silky Texture Without High Cost Silicone Gel
Question
What are the alternatives to Silicone Gel (Ultra Clear, Super Silky) for achieving a silky texture in a formulation, especially considering the high cost of the original ingredient?
Answer
Achieving a Silky Texture Without High Cost Silicone Gel
You're looking to achieve a silky texture in your formulation but find the cost of Silicone Gel (Ultra Clear, Super Silky) to be high. While Silicone Gel (Ultra Clear, Super Silky) has a unique texture that is difficult to replicate exactly, especially the fibrous/fluffy feel, there are other ingredients that can help you achieve a soft and silky feel in your product.
As mentioned by the staff, if the specific fibrous texture is the primary goal, reducing the amount of Silicone Gel (Ultra Clear, Super Silky) is an option, though this will lessen the intensity of that texture.
However, if the main goal is a general soft, smooth, and silky skin feel, consider these alternatives:
- Silicone Gel (Thick & Smooth, Cyclopentasiloxane Base): This is another silicone gel option that provides a soft, smooth, and light touch with a pleasant feel. Unlike the Ultra Clear version, it is opaque and has high viscosity without a balling effect. It can be used at 1-100% in oil or emulsion formulas.
- SiliSilk™ 1.5Micron (Silky Touch, Soft-Focus): This is a very fine silicone powder designed to give products a special soft and smooth appearance and feel. It's ideal for makeup and skincare creams. It can be used at 1-10% and needs to be dispersed in silicone oil (like Cyclomethicone) first if the formula doesn't already contain silicone.
- SiliSilk™ 5L (37% Blur, 88% Transmit, 45% Sebum, 45% Silicone): Another SiliSilk™ powder option that helps increase softness and smoothness without significantly thickening the formula. It's suitable for liquid makeup. Like SiliSilk™ 1.5Micron, it's a powder used at 1-10% and requires pre-dispersion in silicone if the formula lacks it.
These alternatives can help you achieve a desirable silky feel, offering different characteristics and potentially better cost-effectiveness compared to using a high percentage of Silicone Gel (Ultra Clear, Super Silky). You may need to experiment with usage rates and combinations to find the best result for your specific formulation.
