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

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?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted 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.