Gelling Agents for Vitamin Pushing Gel

To create a gel treatment suitable for use with a vitamin pushing machine, you need a gelling agent that provides a suitable texture and is compatible with the active ingredients (vitamins) and the machine. Here are a few options:

• AnyGel™: This is a good option for a water-based gel. It is resistant to acid, alkali, and electrolytes, which is beneficial if your vitamin solution contains these. It also provides a non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly.
• Xanthan Gum: A natural gelling agent that creates a clear gel. It can tolerate electrolytes and is versatile.
• Aristoflex AVC: Another agent that creates a clear gel in water formulas and can help stabilize some oil components if needed.
• Carbomer Ultrez 30: This type of Carbomer is resistant to electrolytes and works well in a wide pH range (4-12), providing high clarity.
• Carbomer 940: A common gelling agent, but be aware that it does not tolerate electrolytes or highly acidic conditions (pH below 5). It requires neutralization with an alkali to form a gel.

When choosing, consider the pH of your vitamin solution and whether it contains electrolytes, as some gelling agents are more tolerant than others.

Basic Gel Formula Structure

A simple gel formula can be structured as follows:

1. Water Phase (up to 100%): Purified water is the main component.
2. Gelling Agent (0.1-2.5% depending on the agent and desired viscosity): Add your chosen gelling agent to the water phase and mix until a gel forms according to the specific instructions for the gelling agent.
3. Active Ingredients (Vitamins, etc. - percentage varies): Add your desired vitamins or other active ingredients. Ensure they are compatible with the gel base and pH.
4. Preservative (percentage varies based on product): Essential to prevent microbial growth. Choose a preservative compatible with your formula's pH and ingredients.
5. pH Adjuster (as needed): If using a gelling agent like Carbomer 940, you will need an alkali (like Triethanolamine) to neutralize it and form the gel. You may also need to adjust the final pH of the gel to be suitable for skin and the stability of your active ingredients.

General Method

1. Prepare the water phase and disperse or dissolve the gelling agent according to its specific instructions (some need high-speed mixing, others just stirring; some need neutralization).
2. Once the gel base has formed, slowly add your active ingredients, mixing gently until uniform.
3. Add the preservative and mix well.
4. Check and adjust the pH if necessary to the desired range (typically slightly acidic to neutral for skin, around pH 5.0-6.5, but check the stability requirements of your vitamins).
5. Package the gel.

Always follow the specific usage rate and mixing instructions provided for the gelling agent you choose. It is recommended to start with a small batch to test the texture and compatibility.