Gel Formulation Questions Answered

Here are the answers to your questions regarding your gel formulation:

Pro Polymer and Oil Content

Pro Polymer can be used in formulations containing both water and oil phases. While there isn't a specific maximum percentage of oil stated, the inclusion of oil-soluble ingredients like MSH White (6%) should be manageable. However, the presence of electrolytes (like those from Safe B3, Acetyl Glucosamine, and Tranexamic Acid in your formula) can reduce the viscosity provided by Pro Polymer, potentially requiring a slightly higher concentration of Pro Polymer than in an electrolyte-free formula to achieve the desired gel thickness. The description does not indicate that this level of oil content will cause cloudiness or foaming, but proper mixing is crucial for stability.

Dissolving Sym-White with MSH White

Yes, you can dissolve Sym-White (Phenylethyl Resorcinol) in MSH White. Both ingredients are oil-soluble and require heat for dissolution. MSH White requires heating to 80°C, while Sym-White dissolves in oil or alcohol at temperatures of 60°C or higher. Heating the MSH White to 80°C will be sufficient to dissolve the Sym-White as well.

Inclusion of Reservoir-Tech and Phospholipid

Yes, both Reservoir-Tech and Phospholipid can be included in your formula at the specified percentages. Reservoir-Tech is suitable for both water-soluble and some oil-soluble active ingredients and helps with sustained release and reducing potential irritation. Phospholipid can carry both water and oil-soluble ingredients, enhances skin penetration, and provides moisturizing and irritation-reducing benefits. Both are compatible with formulations containing both water and oil phases.

Ethoxydiglycol vs. Phospholipid for Penetration

Both Ethoxydiglycol and Phospholipid are listed as penetration enhancers. However, based on the product descriptions, Phospholipid appears to offer more significant enhancement of skin penetration by forming liposomes that improve absorption into the epidermis and dermis layers. Ethoxydiglycol primarily acts as a solvent and carrier.

Mixing Steps for the Formula

Here are the recommended steps for mixing your gel formulation:

1. In a main container, add the required amount of DI Water.
2. Add Phospholipid to the water and blend thoroughly at a speed of at least 1000 rpm for a minimum of 15 minutes to ensure proper dispersion. Ensure the water is at room temperature (below 40°C).
3. Slowly sprinkle Pro Polymer onto the surface of the Phospholipid dispersion while stirring gently with a low-speed mixer. Allow the Pro Polymer to hydrate fully until a smooth gel forms. Avoid high shear mixing during this step.
4. In a separate small container, dissolve Safe B3, Acetyl Glucosamine, and Tranexamic Acid in a small portion of the DI Water taken from the main amount.
5. Add the solution of water-soluble actives from step 4 to the gel mixture in the main container. Stir gently to combine.
6. In another small container, combine MSH White and Sym-White. Heat this mixture to 80°C and stir until both ingredients are completely dissolved. Allow this oil mixture to cool down to room temperature.
7. Slowly add the cooled MSH White/Sym-White mixture from step 6 to the gel mixture in the main container while stirring continuously.
8. Add Reservoir-Tech to the mixture and stir to ensure it is well dispersed.
9. Finally, add Mild Preserve Eco and stir until uniformly distributed.
10. Check the pH of the final product and adjust it to the range of 4-5 for optimal stability of Sym-White.

This procedure ensures that each ingredient is incorporated correctly based on its solubility and required mixing conditions.