Lotion Absorption Issue with SepiGEL 305: Leaves Watery Residue

Asked by: porawan On: May 14, 2020 Product Type: Cosmetics Answered

Question

I purchased SepiGEL 305 to experiment with making skin lotion. After finishing, the cream texture is nice, but the lotion doesn't absorb into the skin and leaves a watery residue. I would like to know if I need to add anything else. The ingredients are as follows: Water 86%, Glycerin 2%, PG 2%, SepiGEL 305 0.6%, Oil 10%, Preservative 0.5%.

Answer

It's great that you achieved a nice texture with SepiGEL 305! The issue with the lotion not absorbing and leaving a watery residue can happen. This is often related to the balance between the emulsifier/thickener (SepiGEL 305) and the oil phase, or the type of oil used.

Here are a couple of things you could try:

  1. Slightly Increase SepiGEL 305: While 0.6% can work, it's on the lower side for emulsifying 10% oil. Increasing SepiGEL 305 slightly (e.g., to 0.8% or 1%) can help improve the stability of the emulsion and the structure of the cream, which might lead to better absorption and less residue.
  2. Consider the Type of Oil: Some oils are heavier and absorb more slowly than others. If you are using a heavy oil, try switching to a lighter, faster-absorbing oil (like Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Myristate, or light esters). Adding a small amount of a good emollient ester can also improve spreadability and reduce the feeling of residue.

Experiment with these adjustments in small batches to see what works best for your desired feel.

Tags

Lotion Oil Skin Absorption Texture Thickener