Lotion Texture with Pro Polymer and Achieving Clarity in Oil Formulations

Question

I have questions about my lotion formulation:

1. The lotion texture is thick and bouncy, like yogurt, and doesn't regain its shape when the bottle is tilted (it seems to clump in the middle). I used `Pro Polymer (Gel Maker)`. Why is this happening? I want a smooth texture similar to Vaseline. What should I do to achieve this?
2. If my formula contains oil, can I make the cream texture clear like a gel? What ingredient should I use to make it clear?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Hello,

Regarding your questions and the results of your lotion formulation attempts, our team has reviewed the information and would like to provide further advice as follows:

1. Texture of the resulting lotion (thick, bouncy, doesn't regain shape)

The texture you described, which is thick, bouncy, and doesn't regain its shape like yogurt, is a typical characteristic of gels or creams formulated with Pro Polymer™ (Gel Maker). If you desire a different, smoother texture, such as one similar to Vaseline (which is generally petroleum jelly, not a typical lotion/cream texture, but we understand you might mean a smooth, non-bouncy texture), you will need to choose a different type of cream maker (Emulsifier) instead.

Other cream makers available from our store that provide different textures include:

Light Cream Maker™: Gives a light cream texture.
Rich Cream Maker™: Gives a rich cream texture.
Luxury Cream Maker™: Recommended for the texture you desire if you prefer a cold process.
Soft Cream Maker™: Recommended for the texture you desire if you prefer a hot process.

You can choose to use these alternative cream makers to achieve your desired texture.

2. Making the cream clear despite containing oil

Regarding your question about whether a cream formulation containing oil can be made clear like a gel, and what ingredient could help achieve this clarity:

The answer is it is not possible. Products like lotions, creams, or gels that contain oil in their formulation will always appear white and opaque. This is because they are emulsions, a mixture of water and oil phases, which inherently results in a cloudy white appearance. Achieving a clear texture is only possible in other product forms that do not involve emulsifying oil into a water base.

We hope this information is helpful for your lotion formulation development.