How to Make Cream with a Thick, Butter-like Texture

A very thick cream texture that doesn't spill when the jar is inverted, often referred to as a "butter texture," can be achieved by selecting appropriate emulsifiers and thickeners and using them at higher concentrations.

Generally, cream is an emulsion, which is a mixture of water and oil phases held together by an emulsifier.

• Types of Emulsions: Common emulsion types in cosmetics are Oil-in-Water (O/W) and Water-in-Oil (W/O).

  • O/W (Oil-in-Water): This is the most common type, where water is the continuous phase and oil droplets are dispersed within it. The texture is light, absorbs easily, and is non-greasy.
  • W/O (Water-in-Oil): In this type, oil is the continuous phase with water droplets dispersed within it. The texture is richer, heavier, and provides better skin coverage. It's often used in creams for very dry skin, night creams, or waterproof products. Achieving a butter-like texture often involves using a W/O system or incorporating oil gellants.

• Thickeners / Gel Makers: These are key ingredients that increase the viscosity of the cream. They can be categorized by the phase they thicken:

  • Water-phase Thickeners: Increase the viscosity of the water phase, such as CreamThick™. Using these in appropriate amounts helps the cream become more stable and viscous.
  • Oil-phase Thickeners / Oil Gellants: Increase the viscosity of the oil phase or turn oil into a gel or semi-solid, such as Oil Thick™ Hard. These play a significant role in creating a thick, heavy, and butter-like or balm-like texture.

In summary: Creating a cream with a thick, butter-like texture relies on the combined action of:

1. Emulsifiers: Especially Water-in-Oil (W/O) types like Water-in-Oil Max™ or Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, which provide a richer, thicker texture and good skin coverage.
2. Oil-phase Thickeners (Oil Gellants): Such as Oil Thick™ Hard, to increase the viscosity and stability of the oil phase, making the cream more solid and less likely to flow.
3. Water-phase Thickeners: Such as CreamThick™, to help adjust the viscosity of the water phase and enhance emulsion stability.
4. Concentration: Increasing the amount of these emulsifiers and thickeners in the formula will result in a thicker cream texture as desired.

However, as the staff mentioned, the thickness of the cream is primarily about the texture and does not directly impact the efficacy of the active ingredients. If the cream is excessively thick, it might be difficult to absorb into the skin, which could reduce its effectiveness.