Moisturizing Gel Mask Formulation: Texture, Color, Odor, and Mixing Questions

Question

I am formulating a gel mask focused on moisturizing, soothing, relaxing, and gentle exfoliation. My revised formula includes:

Aloe Vera Gel (Heavy): 82.5%
Pure-EGCG: 1%
Natural Moisturizing Amino Acids: 3%
Tomato Extract: 10%
BaicaVital: 3%
Tea Tree Oil: 0.5%

I have the following questions:

Can I achieve a clear red gel texture and color similar to a specific example image with this formula, particularly with 10% Tomato Extract? (Note: I previously considered using Encapsulated Salicylic Acid powder and understand it needs dispersion).
How can I effectively mask odors, specifically the smell of Flaxseed Oil (which was in my original formula)? Will 0.5% Tea Tree Oil be sufficient, or should I consider using Odor-Kill (ID 2071)?
Is it necessary to add additional preservatives, given that the Aloe Vera Gel base already contains preservatives?
How should I mix the Pure-EGCG powder into the formula to ensure it disperses properly and avoids clumps, especially when mixing by hand?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Subject: Moisturizing Gel Mask Formulation

Regarding your gel mask formulation focused on moisturizing, soothing, relaxing, and gentle exfoliation, here is a summary based on your revised formula and the staff's responses:

Your revised formula includes:

Aloe Vera Gel (Heavy): 82.5% (ID 188)
Pure-EGCG: 1% (ID 2156)
Natural Moisturizing Amino Acids: 3% (ID 214)
Tomato Extract: 10% (ID 1065)
BaicaVital: 3% (ID 1086)
Tea Tree Oil: 0.5% (ID 210)

Here are the answers to your questions:

Texture and Color: Achieving a clear red gel similar to your example image is possible, but using 10% Tomato Extract will likely result in a darker color, potentially too dark for daytime use. The staff also noted that Encapsulated Salicylic Acid (from your original formula) should be the powder type and dispersed, although you removed this in the revised formula.
Masking Smell: 0.5% Tea Tree Oil may help mask the smell of Flaxseed Oil (which was in your original formula but removed in the revised one). If needed, 0.5% Odor-Kill (ID 2071) can be used, but it will also reduce the scent of Tea Tree Oil and any added fragrance. (Note: Flaxseed Oil is not in your revised formula, so this point might be less relevant now, but it addresses your original question).
Preservatives: The Aloe Vera Gel base already contains preservatives, so you do not need to add more.

Regarding your question about mixing Pure-EGCG powder:

Yes, you can mix the powder by hand stirring. However, you should add it slowly, little by little, and stir for a considerable amount of time until no powder clumps are visible.

Relevant Product IDs: 188, 2156, 214, 1065, 1086, 210, 2071.