Clear Gel Serum Formulation with Silicone for Soft Texture

Question

For a clear gel serum formulation aiming for a soft, smooth feel with lingering softness on the skin, using ingredients like SiliWater™, Silicone Quick-Cond (PEG-12 Dimethicone), and Cyclomethicone / Cyclopentasiloxane: Which of these ingredients is most suitable for achieving a smooth feel while keeping the serum clear? Specifically considering Silicone Quick-Cond at a 1% concentration, is this a good starting point? Can these ingredients, which are skin conditioning agents, be used to replace Pro Polymer™ Silk (Polyquaternium-37), which is used as a thickener to create the gel structure?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Regarding your serum formula and questions:

For a soft, smooth feel with lingering softness in a clear serum: Among the three ingredients you listed (SiliWater™, Silicone Quick-Cond, Cyclomethicone / Cyclopentasiloxane), Silicone Quick-Cond (PEG-12 Dimethicone) is the most suitable choice for achieving a smooth feel while keeping the serum clear. The 1% concentration you proposed is a good starting point. SiliWater™ (Dimethicone Copolyol) is also water-soluble but may provide less slip. Cyclomethicone / Cyclopentasiloxane is not water-soluble and would make a water-based gel cloudy or separate.
Replacing Pro Polymer™ Silk: The three ingredients you mentioned (SiliWater™, Silicone Quick-Cond, Cyclomethicone / Cyclopentasiloxane) are skin conditioning agents, not gel thickeners. They cannot replace Pro Polymer™ Silk (Polyquaternium-37), which is essential for creating the gel structure of your serum. Pro Polymer™ Silk is needed to thicken the formula. The staff mentioned that the odor of Pro Polymer™ Silk at 1% should not be excessively strong and can potentially be masked.

Therefore, to achieve a clear serum with a gel texture and a smooth, lingering feel, you should use Pro Polymer™ Silk as the thickener and add Silicone Quick-Cond at around 1% for the desired skin feel.