Formulation Advice for Anti-Pollution Gel

Regarding your questions about the anti-pollution gel formulation with Ectoine, Mild Preserved Eco™, and Pro Polymer™:

Pro Polymer™ Concentration

• The recommended usage rate for Pro Polymer™ to achieve a general gel texture is 0.8%.
• For a low-viscosity gel that is easily pumpable with a vacuum pump bottle, you may need to use a lower concentration than 0.8%.
• It is best to perform testing to determine the exact percentage needed to achieve your desired viscosity for the specific pump mechanism you are using.
• Keep in mind that high concentrations (>3%) of Pro Polymer™ can result in a very thick, pudding-like texture.

Additional Actives or Additives

Your current formulation includes Ectoine, which is an excellent active ingredient with proven anti-pollution benefits, as well as moisturizing and protective properties. The recommended usage rate for Ectoine is typically 0.5-2.0%, with 2.0% being recommended for optimal performance. Your current concentration of 5% is higher than the typical recommendation.

To enhance the anti-pollution benefits and overall performance of your gel, you could consider adding:

• Antioxidants: Ingredients like Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid or derivatives), Ferulic Acid, or botanical extracts rich in antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals generated by pollution.
• Soothing Agents: Pollution can cause skin irritation. Adding ingredients like Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Allantoin, or Bisabolol can help calm and soothe the skin.
• Hydrators: While Ectoine offers hydration, incorporating other humectants like Hyaluronic Acid or Glycerin can boost the moisture content and improve skin comfort.
• Film-Forming Polymers: Ingredients like Allianz OPT™ can create a lightweight, breathable film on the skin surface, which can physically help to prevent pollutant particles from adhering to the skin.

Always ensure compatibility when adding new ingredients and adjust your formulation base (including the Pro Polymer™ concentration) as needed.