Improving Aloe Vera Gel Texture and Reducing Stickiness

Question

I made an aloe vera gel using `Pro Polymer` as the gelling agent. After adding `Glycerin` and `Butylene Glycol`, the gel became sticky/tacky.

I want to know how to reduce this stickiness and improve the skin feel.

Can `Ethoxydiglycol` be used to reduce the stickiness?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Improving Skin Feel and Reducing Stickiness in Aloe Vera Gel

The sticky feeling you experienced in your homemade aloe vera gel, especially after increasing glycerin, is common. This is primarily due to the high concentration of humectants like glycerin and butylene glycol, which attract moisture and can feel tacky on the skin, particularly in gel formulations. Additionally, the gelling agent Pro Polymer, while effective for creating gel structure, can sometimes leave a slight sticky feel initially.

To achieve a smoother, less sticky, and more pleasant skin feel, similar to commercial products, consider the following adjustments:

Reduce Humectants: Lowering the percentage of glycerin and butylene glycol in your formula is the most direct way to reduce stickiness. As you observed, increasing glycerin increased the tackiness.
Incorporate Emollients: Adding emollients specifically designed to improve skin feel can significantly help. Silicones like Cyclopentasiloxane (Cyclomethicone) or Silicone Gel are excellent choices. They provide a silky, smooth, non-greasy feel and improve spreadability, counteracting the stickiness from humectants and gelling agents. Start by adding a small percentage (e.g., 5-10%) and adjust as needed.
Consider an Alternative Gelling Agent: While Pro Polymer works, some gelling agents offer a better skin feel. Reshape Gel is an example that provides a non-sticky texture and a unique "memory gel" property. If you are open to experimenting with different gelling agents, this could be a good option.

Regarding your question about Ethoxydiglycol, its primary function is as a solvent and carrier to help other ingredients penetrate the skin. While it can influence texture, it is not typically used as an emollient to reduce stickiness in the way silicones or other emollients are. It would not be the primary solution for the tackiness issue you described.

By reducing the humectant load and adding a suitable emollient like Cyclopentasiloxane or Silicone Gel, you should be able to significantly improve the skin feel of your aloe vera gel, making it less sticky and more comfortable to use.