Mixing Instructions for Aloe Vera + Vitamin Gel

Question

Could you please provide the mixing steps for the Aloe Vera + Vitamin gel formula listed on MySkinRecipes?

The formula is as follows:

1. Aloe Vera Extract 3%
2. VitaminB5 3%
3. VitaminB3 3%
4. AnyGel 1%
5. Mild Preserve Eco 1%
6. water 73%

I have already ordered the ingredients and have two questions:

1. Is the listed water percentage (73%) correct?
2. What are the mixing steps? I read that AnyGel must be mixed with water first to form a gel, and then other ingredients and the preservative are added last. Is this correct? How does this differ from Pro Polymer? Would using Pro Polymer be easier for a beginner?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Mixing Instructions for Aloe Vera + Vitamin Gel

Thank you for your question about the Aloe Vera + Vitamin gel formulation.

Regarding your questions:

Water Percentage: The percentages listed in the formula (3% Aloe Vera Extract + 3% Vitamin B5 + 3% Vitamin B3 + 1% AnyGel + 1% Mild Preserve Eco + 73% Water) add up to 84%. For a typical formulation, the total percentage should be 100%. The water percentage should likely be 89% to make the total 100%.
Mixing Steps: Your understanding that AnyGel should be mixed with water first and the preservative last is generally correct for this type of formulation. Here are the recommended steps:
1. Measure the correct amount of water (89%).
2. Slowly add AnyGel (Dehydroxanthan Gum) to the water while stirring continuously. It is important to disperse the powder well to prevent clumping. Continue stirring until a homogeneous gel is formed. This step may require some time and effort.
3. Add Aloe Vera Extract, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to the gel base. Mix well until all ingredients are fully dissolved and evenly distributed.
4. Add Mild Preserve Eco (Ethylhexylglycerin Caprylyl Glycol) and mix until homogeneous.

Regarding the comparison with Pro Polymer (Acrylate Crosspolymer):
Pro Polymer is a different type of gelling agent that often thickens upon neutralization (adjusting the pH), which is a different mechanism than AnyGel which thickens by hydrating in water. Both have their own mixing considerations. AnyGel requires careful dispersion to avoid clumps, while Pro Polymer might require pH adjustment. Neither is necessarily "much" easier for a beginner; it depends on the specific product and technique. The method described for AnyGel is a common and effective way to work with this type of gum.