Formulating a Non-Sticky DMAE + Vitamin B5 Gel

Regarding the DMAE Toner formulation, a preservative is definitely needed because DMAE itself does not have antimicrobial properties like BHA or AHA.

Adding Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) to the formula can help enhance the effectiveness of DMAE. However, please note that both DMAE and Vitamin B5 can contribute to a sticky feeling in the product.

To create a product from DMAE and Vitamin B5 and help reduce stickiness, a gel texture is recommended. You can use Pro Polymer (Acrylate Crosspolymer) as a thickener. Due to the presence of DMAE which can soften the gel, you might need to use Pro Polymer at a slightly higher concentration, around 3%. To further improve the texture and reduce stickiness, incorporating silicones like Cyclomethicone and SiliSilk is suggested.

Here is a sample gel formulation combining DMAE and Vitamin B5, designed to minimize stickiness:

Ingredients:

• Distilled Water: 60%
• DMAE Biartrate Liquid (provides 4% active DMAE): 20%
• Vitamin B5 (Panthenol): 3%
• Pro Polymer (Acrylate Crosspolymer): 3%
• Cyclomethicone: 10%
• SiliSilk: 3%
• Preservative: 1%

Method:

1. Disperse Pro Polymer in the Distilled Water and mix until fully hydrated.
2. Neutralize the mixture to form a gel (follow Pro Polymer's neutralization instructions).
3. Add DMAE Biartrate Liquid and Vitamin B5. Mix until homogeneous.
4. Add Cyclomethicone and SiliSilk. Mix well.
5. Add the Preservative and mix thoroughly.

This formulation aims to provide the benefits of DMAE and Vitamin B5 in a less sticky gel texture.