Ingredients to Turn Oil into Gel Texture

There are several types of ingredients that can be used to turn oil into a gel texture. Each type provides a different gel texture depending on the type of oil used and the desired gel properties.

Commonly used ingredients include:

• Sugar Gel: Provides a soft and clear oil gel texture. Requires approximately 10% water in the formula and cannot be used with silicone. It is suitable for gel formulations requiring a small amount of water and can be used in lip products.
• Oil Thick™ Transparent: Creates a clear, solid, high-viscosity oil gel texture. It is easy to use and can be used with all types of oils, including emollients. It gives a clear, non-cloudy white gel texture. Heat is required for mixing (around 90°C).
• Oil Thick™ Thixotropic: An oil gelling agent that provides a thixotropic gel texture (thick when still, but becomes more fluid when shear force is applied, such as spreading). It acts as an emulsion stabilizer and is suitable for formulas requiring a special gel texture. Heat is required for mixing (75-105°C depending on the oil type).
• Oil-Fix™ O: A Silica designed to thicken/gel oils or glycols. It can create an oil gel texture and is suitable for all polar oils and glycols. It helps reduce tackiness, foaming, provides a matte finish, and prevents formula separation.
• Oil-Fix™ Eco: A Silica that can thicken/gel oils, silicones, and water. It is suitable for formulas needing oil or silicone thickening to suspend particles. It does not enhance waterproof properties.

The choice of ingredient depends on the desired gel texture, clarity, hardness, compatibility with other ingredients in the formula (such as water or silicone), and the mixing method.