Gel Formers for Easy Water Solubility in Gel Scrubs

When choosing a gel former that is "easily soluble in water" for a gel scrub, it's helpful to consider how the gel former disperses or dissolves and what conditions it requires. Some gel formers simply need to be blended into water, while others might require heat or pH adjustment.

Based on ease of dispersion in water and general suitability for gel formulations, here are a few options:

• CarboQuick™: This is a pre-dispersed Carbomer gel, making it very easy to use. You simply add it to water and mix to get a gel texture without needing to dissolve powder or adjust pH (within its working range of pH 6-7). This is one of the easiest options for quick gel formation.
• Sepimax Zen: This powder dissolves in water and is easy to mix by sprinkling over the liquid and blending. A key advantage of Sepimax Zen is its high tolerance to salts and a wide pH range, which can be beneficial in scrub formulations that might contain salts or ingredients affecting pH.
• Aristoflex AVC: This is a powder that is soluble in water and can provide a clear gel texture. It is generally easy to incorporate into the water phase.
• Carbomer 940 (EasyDisperse™): The EasyDisperse™ grade is designed to swell easily and quickly in water with blending. However, it requires the addition of an alkali (like Triethanolamine or Sodium Hydroxide) to neutralize and form the gel. It is also sensitive to electrolytes and acidity (pH below 5).
• SepGEL 305: This can be mixed into the water phase and is easy to use, but it does not tolerate electrolytes.
• CreamMaker EG™: Suitable for cold process formulations, it can be added to the water phase and is easy to use.

In contrast, some gel formers like Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) typically require heating the water to around 70°C for proper dissolution and gel formation, as mentioned in the previous reply. This makes them less "easily soluble" if you are looking for a cold process or simple blending method.

Ultimately, the best gel former for your gel scrub will depend on the specific ingredients in your formula, including the type of exfoliating particles, the desired texture, and the overall pH of the final product. It is often recommended to test different gel formers with your specific formula to see which provides the desired texture and stability.