Managing odor and stickiness in clear peptide serums

Question

I noticed that when adding WaterSil™ 8/12 (Water Gel Detackifier) at 3.0% to a water gel-based serum, it produces a quite strong chemical and rubber-like scent. The serum contains many peptides, and the goal of using the detackifier is to make the formula less sticky. Is there a clear alternative I could use that detackifies the serum but does not have such a strong scent? Alternatively, should I use something like Odor-Kill™? Would it be effective in this case?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

The chemical or "rubber-like" scent you are experiencing with WaterSil™ 8/12 (Water Gel Detackifier) at a 3.0% concentration is likely due to the high concentration of ethoxylated silicones in the blend. While effective at reducing tack, these materials can sometimes exhibit a characteristic odor when used at their maximum recommended dosage.

Using Odor-Kill™ to Resolve the Scent

Yes, Odor-Kill™ is an excellent solution for this specific issue.

How it works: It is a modified maltodextrin designed to trap and neutralize chemical and ingredient odors within a formula without affecting the product's clarity.
Suitability: Since your serum is water-based and clear, Odor-Kill™ is ideal because it is highly water-soluble and remains transparent in solution.
Dosage: Use at 0.3% - 0.5%. Simply dissolve it into the water phase or add it at the final step.
Note: It will also neutralize any added fragrance, so it is best used in fragrance-free formulations or before adding a scent (though it may still reduce the fragrance's intensity).

Clear Alternatives for Detackification

If you prefer to replace the ingredient causing the odor, you can consider these clear, low-odor alternatives that provide a similar "slip" and reduce the stickiness of peptides and thickeners:

WaterLube™ Soft: This is a high-performance lubricant and detackifier that provides a very smooth, silky feel in water-based gels. It is crystal clear and has a very low odor profile compared to silicones.
WaterLube™ Slip: Similar to the Soft version but designed for maximum glide. It effectively breaks the "tack" of high-viscosity gels and peptides.
SiliGel Aqua: A water-dispersible silicone elastomer that provides a premium, powdery-smooth finish. It is excellent for masking the stickiness of active ingredients like peptides while maintaining formula clarity.

Recommendation:
Try adding Odor-Kill™ at 0.5% to your current formula first, as it is a cost-effective way to salvage your existing design. If the scent persists or you want a different skin feel, switching to WaterLube™ Soft would be the best alternative for a clear, odorless, and non-tacky serum.