Options for Dissolving Wild Yam Extract in Clear Water Gel

Based on the properties of Wild Yam Extract (Diosgenin 95%), which is soluble in ethanol and surfactants, there are several non-oil options you can use to dissolve or disperse it in a clear water-based gel formulation:

1. Ethyl Alcohol: Since the extract is soluble in ethanol, using Ethyl Alcohol (99.9%) is a direct method to dissolve the powder before incorporating it into your water gel base. Ensure you use a sufficient amount of alcohol to fully dissolve the extract, and then carefully add this solution to your gel base while stirring.

2. Solubilizers (e.g., Ultra Solve™, Flora Solve™ Clear): These products are designed to help incorporate oil-soluble or difficult-to-dissolve ingredients into water-based systems, often creating clear solutions or micro-emulsions. Ultra Solve™ is noted as being highly effective for various oils and difficult-to-dissolve blends. You would typically mix the Wild Yam Extract powder with the solubilizer first until dispersed or dissolved, and then add this mixture to your water gel base.

3. Hydroxypropyl Beta Cyclodextrin: This ingredient is specifically used to encapsulate hydrophobic (water-repelling) ingredients, improving their solubility and compatibility in water-based formulas. It can help disperse the Diosgenin component of the extract in the water gel, potentially leading to a clearer and more stable dispersion.

When incorporating the dissolved or dispersed extract into your gel, remember that Wild Yam Extract (Diosgenin 95%) can withstand heat up to 60°C for no more than 10 minutes. This might be helpful if gentle warming is needed to aid dissolution or dispersion with your chosen solvent or solubilizer before adding to the final gel base.

Choose the option that best fits your formulation goals and desired clarity. Using a solubilizer or cyclodextrin might be preferred if you want to minimize or avoid alcohol content in your final product.