Gel Formulation Issue: Liquidity with Pro Polymer™ Due to Electrolytes

Asked by: rmtyl2 On: January 13, 2018 Product Type: Cosmetics Answered

Question

I am trying to formulate a gel for anti-wrinkle, moisturizing, skin brightening, and oil control. I used Pro Polymer™ as the gelling agent. My formula includes ingredients such as Zinc PCA and DMAE.

The resulting formula became quite liquid.

  • Why did this happen?
  • What gelling agent should I use instead to achieve a stable gel texture?

Answer

Regarding the gel formula you provided for anti-wrinkle, moisturizing, whitening, and oil control:

You mentioned that the formula became quite liquid when using Pro Polymer™. This is likely because several ingredients in your formula, such as Zinc PCA and DMAE, are electrolytes. Electrolytes can interfere with the gelling ability of Pro Polymer™.

As suggested by the staff, we recommend switching the gelling agent to AnyGel (Dehydroxanthan Gum). AnyGel is more stable in formulations containing high levels of electrolytes.

Please use AnyGel at a concentration of 1-1.5% in your formula.

The mixing method for AnyGel will be different from Pro Polymer™. Typically, AnyGel is dispersed in the water phase and allowed to hydrate before adding other ingredients. Please refer to the product page for AnyGel for detailed mixing instructions.

Tags

Electrolyte Tolerance Gel Gel Formation Ingredient Interaction Viscosity