Formulating an Aloe Vera Gel

Based on the previous expert's advice, using fresh aloe vera gel directly from the plant is not recommended for cosmetic formulations due to microbial contamination risks. For a stable and safe product, please use cosmetic-grade aloe vera ingredients.

To create a skin gel using cosmetic-grade aloe vera, you will need the following components:

• Cosmetic-Grade Aloe Vera Base: Use a product like Aloe Vera Extract or Aloe Vera Gel (Lite/Heavy) reconstituted or used as directed in distilled water to form your base instead of fresh gel.
• Gelling Agent (Carbomer): Carbomer is suitable for creating a clear gel. Use typically 0.1% to 1.0% of the total formula, depending on desired thickness. Disperse in the water phase and neutralize with a base (like Triethanolamine or Sodium Hydroxide solution) to form the gel.
• Solubilizer: To incorporate oils without making the gel sticky or causing separation, you need a solubilizer such as Polysorbate 20 or PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil. Mix your chosen light oil with the solubilizer before adding to the gel base. The amount of oil incorporated will be limited (typically 1-5%).
• Light Oils: Choose fast-absorbing oils like Squalane or Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride.
• Preservative: A broad-spectrum preservative is essential for water-based products. Options suitable for skin include Liquid Germall Plus, Germaben II, or Phenoxyethanol (often combined with Ethylhexylglycerin). Follow the supplier's recommended usage rate and pH range.

General Process:

1. Prepare your water/cosmetic-grade aloe vera solution.
2. Disperse Carbomer in the solution and neutralize to form the gel.
3. Mix oil with a solubilizer separately.
4. Slowly add the oil/solubilizer mixture to the gel while stirring.
5. Add the preservative and adjust pH if necessary.

Always test your formulation in small batches first.