Ingredients and Method for DIY Gel Sheet Mask

Ingredients for DIY Gel Sheet Mask

To make your own gel sheet mask, the main ingredients you will need are:

1. Gelling Agent: This is the most crucial ingredient that forms the gel structure. There are various types available, each with different properties and usage instructions. Popular gelling agents suitable for gel sheet masks include:

   • AnyGel™: A gelling agent with good resistance to acid, alkali, and electrolytes. It provides a non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly and is easy to use by simply mixing with water.
   • Reshape Gel™: Creates a high-viscosity gel that spreads easily and is non-sticky. It has good shape retention (Memory-Gel) and is resistant to acid-alkali and electrolytes. However, it requires initial heating to dissolve.
   • Aristoflex AVC: A gelling agent that provides a clear gel texture and can help emulsify a small amount of oil. It is easily soluble in water.
   • Sepimax Zen: A thickener/stabilizer with very high tolerance to salt and a wide pH range. It is easy to use by sprinkling the powder into water and mixing.
   • Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC): A non-ionic gelling agent suitable for formulas containing electrolytes. It requires heat to dissolve well and is best dissolved at pH 8-9, stable from pH 3-9.
   • CarboQuick™: A pre-dispersed Carbomer gel that is convenient to use as it doesn't require pH adjustment to form a gel, but its pH range is limited to 6-7.

   Choose one type of gelling agent based on your needs and the desired properties.

2. Aqueous Base: Use primarily Distilled Water for purity. You can also use Hydrosol to add beneficial properties from plants.

3. Humectants: These help the mask retain moisture and draw water into the skin, such as:

   • Glycerin
   • Hyaluronic Acid

4. Active Ingredients: Add specific properties to your mask as desired, such as plant extracts, vitamins like Vitamin C, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), or other beneficial ingredients for the skin.

5. Preservative: If you plan to store the mask for future use, it is essential to include a preservative in an appropriate amount to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Basic Steps for Making (may vary depending on the gelling agent):

1. Prepare the water phase by mixing distilled water or hydrosol with water-soluble humectants and active ingredients.
2. Gradually add the gelling agent to the water phase according to the recommended usage rate for that specific gelling agent.
3. Mix or blend until the gelling agent is dissolved and the gel texture is formed (some types may require heat or pH adjustment as per instructions).
4. Add any other active ingredients that were not added earlier (if any) and the preservative. Mix well.
5. Soak a sheet mask material in the gel or pour the gel into a mold designed for gel sheet masks.

It is recommended to carefully study the information and usage instructions for each specific gelling agent before using it to achieve the desired gel texture and stability.