Hand Sanitizer Gel Formulation: Gelling Agent, Preservative, and Fragrance

Asked by: phatcharapha24 On: December 28, 2016 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

I am developing a hand sanitizer gel formulation with the following composition:

  • Water: 33%
  • Ethyl Alcohol: 60%
  • Glycerin: 5%
  • Gelling agent: 2%
  • Preservative: ?
  • Green Powder Dye: Small amount

I have the following questions regarding this formula:

  1. Which gelling agent is suitable for this formula, and is 2% the correct usage percentage?
  2. Is a preservative needed in this formula, given the high alcohol content?
  3. If I want to add fragrance, should I mix it with Flora Solve™ Clear first before adding it to the gel?

Answer

Regarding your hand sanitizer formula and questions, here is a summary based on the staff's reply:

Your proposed formula:

  • Water: 33%
  • Ethyl Alcohol: 60%
  • Glycerin: 5%
  • Gelling agent: 2% (Question)
  • Preservative: (Question)
  • Green Powder Dye: Small amount

Here are the answers to your questions:

  1. Gelling agent (สารสร้างเนื้อเจล): The staff recommends using Pro Polymer at 1% instead of 2% in this type of formula.
  2. Preservative (สารกันเสีย): With a high concentration of alcohol in the formula, a preservative is not necessary.
  3. Fragrance (น้ำหอม): The staff suggests trying to mix the fragrance directly into the formula first, as the high alcohol content may be sufficient to dissolve it. If you encounter separation or cloudiness, you can then use Flora Solve or Flora Solve Clear to help incorporate the fragrance.

Additionally, the staff recommends using Ethyl Alcohol (99.9%, 200 Proof, Perfumer's Grade) for a milder odor, which is suitable for fragrance mixing.

I hope this clarifies the points for your hand sanitizer formulation.