Reducing Cost in Silicone Gel-Based Dry Perfume Gel

You are looking to reduce the cost of your dry perfume gel formulation which uses Silicone Gel (Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer) as the primary base mixed with fragrance oil, while maintaining a non-sticky, smooth feel.

Silicone Gel (Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer) is valued for its unique dry-silky, non-greasy feel and its ability to thicken silicone fluids and oils, providing a pleasant texture and finish. Its specific structure makes it difficult to replace entirely with cheaper alternatives that offer the exact same sensory profile.

As discussed, finding a direct, significantly cheaper substitute that perfectly replicates the feel and thickening power of Silicone Gel is challenging. However, one approach to potentially extend the base and modify the texture involves using a combination of Cyclomethicone and SiliSilk (Silicone Powder).

• Cyclomethicone: This is a volatile silicone fluid that provides a dry, silky feel and helps with product spreadability.
• SiliSilk (Silicone Powder): This silicone powder can absorb oils and contribute a smooth, powdery feel. When dispersed in silicone fluids like Cyclomethicone, it can help increase viscosity and create a gel-like consistency.

Mixing Cyclomethicone with SiliSilk can create a thickened silicone base that offers some of the desired slip and non-greasy properties. However, achieving a texture very close to pure Silicone Gel may require a substantial amount of SiliSilk, and the combined cost might not lead to a significant reduction compared to using Silicone Gel alone, as noted previously.

To potentially lower the overall cost while aiming for a similar feel, you could consider using a blend where a portion of the Silicone Gel is replaced or extended with a mixture of Cyclomethicone and SiliSilk. This would allow you to use less of the more expensive Silicone Gel.

Experimentation with different ratios of Silicone Gel, Cyclomethicone, and SiliSilk in your formulation is necessary to find the optimal balance between cost reduction and maintaining the desired smooth, non-sticky texture for your dry perfume gel. Be prepared for the possibility that the final texture and appearance may change to some extent when altering the base composition.