Difference and Usage of Cyclomethicone and Silicone Base Gel in Formulations
Asked by: arawin.w
On: March 31, 2015
Product Type:
Cosmetics
Question
Could you please explain the difference between Cyclomethicone and Silicone Base Gel and how they are used in a cosmetic formulation, specifically in a structure where the water phase (A) is added to the silicone/Warp Cream phase (B)? Do I need to use both, or can one replace the other, especially if Warp Cream Maker already provides thickness?
Answer
Regarding your question about Cyclomethicone and Silicone Base Gel:
- Silicone Base Gel is essentially Cyclomethicone that has been thickened into a gel consistency.
- Both ingredients provide a similar smooth, soft feel on the skin and evaporate relatively quickly.
- The main difference in usage lies in texture. Silicone Base Gel is used when you need to increase the thickness or viscosity of your formulation.
- In your specific formula structure where you add the water phase (A) to the silicone/Warp Cream phase (B), Silicone Base Gel might not be strictly necessary if the Warp Cream Maker already provides sufficient thickness.
- If you find the texture is not thick enough, you can use Silicone Base Gel to replace a portion of the Cyclomethicone in phase B to achieve the desired consistency. You don't necessarily need to use both together unless you are specifically adjusting the thickness.