Lotion Absorption Issue with SepiGEL 305: Leaves Watery Residue

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

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.

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