Natural and Minimally Processed Thickeners, Gelling Agents, and Emulsifiers

Here are some options for creating cosmetic formulations with natural or minimally processed ingredients, including emulsifiers, gelling agents, and thickeners:

Emulsifiers

• Soy Lecithin: Available in liquid form, Soy Lecithin is a natural emulsifier derived from soybeans, suitable for water-in-oil emulsions like lip balms and creams. It helps bind water and oil but does not significantly thicken the formula on its own.
• Phosphatidylcholine: A key component of Soy Lecithin, available in concentrated forms, also acts as an emulsifier.
• LeciCream™: A natural emulsifier/cream maker made from special grade Hydrogenated Lecithin, offering high emulsifying efficiency, particularly suitable for heavier creams.
• Emulsifying Beeswax: This is a natural emulsifier that also provides thickening properties for creams and can be used in balms and ointments.
• Sucrose Cream Maker™: A 100% natural-based, nonionic O/W emulsifier derived from sucrose esters, known for creating lightweight, non-oily textures and stable emulsions.

Gelling Agents and Thickeners

• Xanthan Gum: Produced naturally by fermentation, Xanthan Gum is an anionic thickener used to increase viscosity and create gel textures in various formulations like gels, serums, creams, and lotions.
• ClayThick™ (Magnesium Aluminum Silicate): A high-purity natural clay mineral that acts as a thickener and improves the stability of oil-in-water formulations. It provides a good texture, dries quickly, and reduces stickiness.
• Trihydroxystearin: Derived from castor oil, this ingredient provides thixotropic thickening, useful for thickening oils and silicones, and is often used in makeup formulations.
• Acacia Gum (Gum Arabic): A natural gum from the Acacia tree, used as a thickener and gelling agent in cosmetics.
• Potassium Alginate: Derived from seaweed, Potassium Alginate is used to increase viscosity and create gel textures in various products.
• CornThick™ (Corn Starch Modified): A modified corn starch that acts as a gel maker for water, providing a semi-transparent gel texture. It is described as being of natural origin.
• Pre-Gelatinized Starch: A cold-water soluble modified starch that can be used for thickening.

These options provide a range of choices for formulating products with a focus on natural or minimally processed ingredients for achieving desired textures and stability.