Converting Gel Formula to Cream Texture
Question
How to convert the following gel formula to a cream texture?
AcnePLEX™ 5%
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose 1%
Mild Preserved Eco 1%
X-Foam 0.5%
Water to 100%
Specifically, what ingredients should be used to create the cream texture?
Answer
To change from a gel texture to a cream texture, it's not just a direct swap of the gelling agent for a cream thickener. This is because most creams are emulsions, which consist of a stable mixture of water and oil phases.
To make a cream, you need to use an emulsifier to help the water and oil phases mix together stably. You often also use cream thickeners or Fatty Alcohols such as Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, or Cetearyl Alcohol to help increase viscosity and stability of the cream texture.
Therefore, if you want to change the original gel formula into a cream, you will need to add an oil phase and select a suitable emulsifier. It's not just about removing Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose and replacing it directly with a cream thickener.