Gentle Lotion Thickeners for Sensitive or Wounded Skin

Based on your experience with Sodium Polyacrylate causing stinging on a new tattoo, it's understandable to look for gentler alternatives. While Sodium Polyacrylate is a common and generally safe thickener, it's possible it caused irritation on compromised skin like a fresh tattoo, or the issue might be related to the overall pH or combination of ingredients in your formula.

You mentioned trying Butter Cream Maker. This is an emulsifier designed to create a butter-like texture in creams and lotions. It can be a good option for creating rich, nourishing formulations.

For sensitive or wounded skin, such as a new tattoo, you need thickeners or emulsifiers that are known for their mildness and compatibility with the skin barrier. Here are some alternatives you could consider, based on their properties:

• Sepimax Zen: This is a polymer-based thickener that is very stable and can create a pleasant texture. It is often used in formulations for sensitive skin due to its mild nature and ability to work across a wide pH range.
• Sucrose Cream Maker™: This is a natural, non-ionic emulsifier derived from sugar. It is known for being very gentle and suitable for sensitive skin formulations, helping to create stable and moisturizing emulsions.
• LeciCream™: Another natural emulsifier derived from lecithin. It helps create smooth, nourishing creams and is considered very skin-friendly and gentle.
• Skin Barrier Cream Base (Emulsifier Free): While not a single thickener, this is a base designed specifically for repairing and supporting the skin barrier. It's emulsifier-free, which can be beneficial for highly sensitive or damaged skin, relying on specific lipids to form a protective layer.
• Soft Cream Maker™: This is a versatile emulsifier that can create soft, pleasant cream textures. Depending on the specific product details, it might be suitable for sensitive skin formulations.
• Light Lotion Maker and Milk Lotion Maker™: These emulsifiers are designed for lighter textures, which might be preferred for some applications on sensitive skin, provided the emulsifier itself is gentle.

When formulating for sensitive or wounded skin, besides the thickener/emulsifier, also consider:

• pH Level: Ensure your final product's pH is skin-compatible (typically around 4.5-5.5).
• Other Ingredients: Review all ingredients for potential irritants. Even natural extracts can sometimes cause reactions.
• Concentration: Use ingredients at the lowest effective concentration.

Always test any new formulation on a small, inconspicuous area of skin before applying it widely, especially on a new tattoo or wounded area.