Ingredient for Water-Based Peel-Off Gel Mask
Question
What ingredient should be added to a water-based gel face mask formulation so that it dries, hardens, and becomes peelable?
Answer
Ingredient for Water-Based Peel-Off Gel Mask
For a water-based gel face mask that dries and forms a peelable film, the key ingredient is Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).
PVA acts as a film-forming agent. When applied to the skin and dried, it creates a thin film that can be peeled off.
Polyvinyl alcohol comes in various grades, differing in viscosity and hydrolysis level, which affect the film properties. For a peel-off face mask, medium viscosity grades are recommended, such as:
- Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA 217) 20-26mpa.s. Partial Hydrolysis
- Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA 117) 22-30mpa.s. Fully Hydrolysis
Lower viscosity grades (like PVA 205) result in a softer, more flexible film, suitable for long-lasting skin coatings. Higher viscosity grades (like PVA 120, PVA 224, PVA 126) produce a harder film, more suitable for hair styling or mascara.
The typical usage rate for Polyvinyl alcohol in peel-off mask formulations is 1-20%. To incorporate it, first disperse the PVA powder in water at room temperature, then gradually heat while stirring continuously until it fully dissolves to prevent clumping.
