Choosing a Natural, Cold-Process Thixotropic Agent for Facial Oil Gel
คำถาม
I am formulating a facial skincare oil gel using 30% natural oils, with coconut oil as the main oil at 10%. I require a thixotropic agent that meets three critical criteria:
- Provides a light texture.
- Requires no heat (cold process).
- Must be natural/vegan compatible.
I am currently considering options like Diisopropyl Sebacate Gel but need recommendations for suitable natural thixotropic agents.
- Please advise on the best suitable agent(s).
- Explain the trade-offs, especially regarding the heat requirement for natural options.
- Compare the recommended natural option (such as Dextrin Palmitate) against Diisopropyl Sebacate Gel in terms of process, compatibility, and final texture.
คำตอบ
The customer is looking for a thixotropic agent for an oil gel that is natural/vegan, provides a light texture, and requires no heat (cold process).
It is important to note that achieving all three requirements simultaneously—especially Natural/Vegan and No Heat—is challenging for oil gellants, as most natural oil gellants (like Dextrin Palmitate) require heat to dissolve and form a stable gel structure.
Here is a recommendation based on prioritizing the requirements, along with a comparison to Diisopropyl Sebacate Gel.
Recommended Thixotropic Agents
Option 1: Prioritizing Natural/Vegan (Requires Heat)
The most suitable natural/vegan option is Oil Thick™ Thixotropic (INCI: Dextrin Palmitate).
- Product ID: 35353
- Compatibility: Natural/Vegan compatible (derived from vegetable sources).
- Texture: Provides a thixotropic gel texture that feels light and breaks easily upon application.
- Process: Requires heat (75-105°C) to dissolve completely into the oil phase (including coconut oil). This is the main trade-off for choosing a natural gellant.
- Usage Rate: Use at a rate of 2-5% for a thick liquid/light gel texture, or 6-10% for a firmer gel.
Option 2: Prioritizing No Heat/Cold Process (Synthetic)
If the no-heat requirement is critical, the best option is the one the customer is already considering: Diisopropyl Sebacate Gel (Thixotropic).
- Product ID: 30791
- Compatibility: Not natural/vegan (it is a synthetic polymer pre-dispersed in an emollient).
- Texture: Provides an excellent, light, thixotropic gel texture that is easy to spread.
- Process: No heat required. It is a pre-gelled base, so you simply mix it with your 30% natural oils (including coconut oil) at room temperature.
Comparison: Diisopropyl Sebacate Gel vs. Dextrin Palmitate
| Feature | Diisopropyl Sebacate Gel (ID 30791) | Oil Thick™ Thixotropic (Dextrin Palmitate) (ID 35353) |
|---|---|---|
| INCI Name | Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer (in Diisopropyl Sebacate) | Dextrin Palmitate |
| Natural/Vegan | No (Synthetic Polymer) | Yes (Plant-derived) |
| Heat Required | No (Cold Process) | Yes (75-105°C) |
| Ease of Use | Very easy (pre-gelled base, just mix) | Requires heating and cooling cycle |
| Texture | Light, thixotropic, excellent spreadability | Light, thixotropic, good body |
How to Choose
- If Natural/Vegan is the absolute priority: Choose Oil Thick™ Thixotropic (Dextrin Palmitate). You must be willing to incorporate a heating step (75-105°C) into your formulation process to ensure the gellant fully dissolves and creates a stable gel.
- If No Heat/Cold Process is the absolute priority: Choose Diisopropyl Sebacate Gel (Thixotropic). This will simplify the process significantly, but you must accept that the gelling agent is synthetic.
For a facial oil gel with a light texture, both options are excellent thixotropic agents, but the choice depends entirely on which requirement (Natural/Vegan or No Heat) the customer is willing to compromise on.
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Diisopropyl Sebacate Gel (Thixotropic)
