Balm Gel Formulation with Oil-Fix™ O

You are making a balm gel with Menthol, Borneol, Camphor, and Oil Fix O, and found that adding 5% Oil Fix O did not result in a gel, remaining liquid. You asked about letting it sit after adding and the correct step to add it.

Based on the product information for Oil-Fix™ O (Oil Gelling, Silica Dimethyl Silylate), here is the guidance:

• When to add Oil-Fix™ O: Oil-Fix™ O should be dispersed into formulations containing oils, silicones, or hydrocarbons. In your balm gel, Menthol, Borneol, and Camphor are typically dissolved in an oil base. Therefore, Oil-Fix™ O should be added to your oil phase after the solid ingredients have been dissolved. It is crucial to add it gradually while continuously mixing to ensure the powder is well dispersed throughout the oil.

• Do you need to let it sit? The product description doesn't explicitly state a resting period, but powder gelling agents generally require time to hydrate and build the gel structure within the oil. Simply "sprinkling" may not be enough for the powder to fully disperse and interact with the oil to form a complete gel.

Possible reasons for not gelling:

• Insufficient Dispersion: If the Oil-Fix™ O powder is not thoroughly dispersed in the oil phase, it cannot form the gel structure effectively.
• Concentration: While 5% is within the recommended range (0.5-10%), the required concentration can vary depending on the specific type of oil used in your formulation. Some oils may require a higher percentage of Oil-Fix™ O to achieve the desired gel consistency.
• Time and Mixing: Some gelling agents need adequate time and mixing to fully develop their gel structure. Try mixing thoroughly and observe the mixture over some time. You might also consider slightly increasing the percentage of Oil-Fix™ O in your next attempt if dispersion is confirmed to be good.

In summary, add Oil-Fix™ O to your oil phase after dissolving your solid ingredients, ensuring it is well dispersed with continuous mixing. If it remains liquid, check your dispersion method and consider slightly increasing the concentration or allowing more time for the gel to form.