Formulating a Non-Greasy, Easily Absorbed Massage Product

Thank you for your question regarding formulating a skin massage product with Fractionated Coconut Oil. You're looking for a texture that absorbs easily and isn't sticky, and you found that Carbopol didn't work well.

Carbopol is a gelling agent primarily used to thicken the water phase of a formulation. It doesn't function as an emulsifier, which is necessary to combine oil and water into a stable cream or lotion. This is likely why you experienced a sticky texture when trying to incorporate the oil with Carbopol.

Cream vs. Serum Texture

For a massage product that is easily absorbed and non-greasy, a lighter texture is generally preferred. While serums are typically the lightest, a well-formulated lightweight lotion (a type of cream) can also provide good glide for massage while absorbing well without feeling heavy or sticky. The choice between a very light lotion and a serum-like emulsion depends on the specific feel and absorption speed you desire.

Suitable Emulsifiers and Texture Enhancers

To successfully combine your Fractionated Coconut Oil with a water phase and achieve a non-greasy, easily absorbed texture, you need an effective emulsifier. Here are some ingredients that can help:

• Light Lotion Maker: This is a high-performance emulsifier designed to create light textures and can bind a significant amount of oil. It's suitable for creating lotions that feel non-sticky and absorb well.
• Milk Lotion Maker™: Another emulsifier that creates a liquid, easy-to-spread texture similar to a milky lotion. It's suitable for formulations with a higher oil content.
• Olivem 1000: A natural-derived, PEG-free emulsifier that can create stable emulsions. When used at lower concentrations (around 3-4%), it can produce lighter textures suitable for lotions or serum-like products. It also offers a non-soapy feel.
• Sucrose Cream Maker™: This natural-based emulsifier is known for creating lightweight, non-oily textures with a silky feel, improving glide and absorption.

In addition to an emulsifier, you can incorporate emollients that enhance the skin feel and reduce greasiness:

• LipidSoft™ B: This emollient is known for its ability to improve spreadability, dry quickly, and provide a smooth, light touch without feeling greasy or clogging pores. It can be a great addition to the oil phase to improve the overall feel of the massage product.

By selecting an appropriate emulsifier from the options above and potentially incorporating an emollient like LipidSoft™ B, you can create a stable emulsion with your Fractionated Coconut Oil that is easily absorbed and provides a pleasant, non-sticky feel for massage.

The specific concentration of the emulsifier and the ratio of oil to water will significantly impact the final texture and absorption. You may need to experiment with different percentages to achieve your desired consistency and feel.