Formulation Guidance for 50% Oil, 40% Alcohol Base

For a formulation containing a high percentage of oil (50%) and alcohol (40%), selecting suitable ingredients for emulsification/solubilization and thickening/gelling is crucial for stability and texture.

1. Emulsifier or Solubilizer

Given the high oil and alcohol content, a solubilizer or an emulsifier capable of handling both phases is needed. Consider these options:

• C12-15 Pareth-12: This is a non-ionic O/W emulsifier and solubilizer that can dissolve in both water and oil. Its properties make it a good candidate for solubilizing the oil phase within a system containing significant alcohol and the remaining water.
• Oil Blender™ (Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate): While primarily a water-in-oil emulsifier and oil blender, it can be useful for ensuring the oil phase is well-integrated, especially in formulations with low water content. It requires heat for mixing.

Choosing the best option depends on the desired final product type (emulsion or clear solution) and extensive testing is recommended due to the challenging nature of the base.

2. Thickener or Gelling Agent

To create a cream or gel texture in a system with high alcohol, specific gelling agents are required. Traditional water-based thickeners may not perform well with high alcohol content.

Consider these gelling agents known for their tolerance or suitability in alcohol-containing systems:

• Carbomer U21 (Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer): This Carbomer type is specifically noted for its ability to create clear gels in formulations with a high proportion of ethyl alcohol. It does not require heat but needs neutralization (e.g., with AMP) to form a gel.
• Carbomer 974 (Carbomer): Suitable for creating gels in formulas with low water content and containing glycols or other solvents like alcohol. It also requires neutralization.
• Aristoflex AVC (Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer): This can form a gel in water and help stabilize some oil (up to 15-20%). While it might contribute to thickening the water phase, its ability to handle 50% oil needs careful evaluation.
• ThixoGel™ (Polyurethane-62): A water gelling agent with good resistance to electrolytes and a wide pH range. It creates a thixotropic gel texture. Compatibility with 40% alcohol should be tested.
• AnyGel™ (Dehydroxanthan Gum): Another water gelling agent resistant to electrolytes, providing a non-greasy gel texture. Like ThixoGel™, its performance at 40% alcohol needs verification.

For a high alcohol content, Carbomer U21 or Carbomer 974 are likely the most suitable choices for creating a stable gel or thickened cream texture. The usage rate for thickeners will depend on the desired viscosity.

Formulating with high oil and alcohol requires careful selection and testing of ingredients to ensure stability and achieve the desired texture.