Oleogel Base Formulation with Dextrin Palmitate
Question
Hello, I want to make an oleogel using Dextrin Palmitate as the gelling agent and a mixture of Mineral Oil + Glycerin. I also want to include BHT to prevent the oil from going rancid.
I would like to know the required percentage for each ingredient.
I need a gel with an oil base, without other active ingredients, for use in future research where I will add extracts.
Answer
Oleogel Base Formulation
To create an oleogel base using Dextrin Palmitate (Oil Thick™ Hard), Mineral Oil, and BHT, you can follow this general guideline. This formulation focuses on creating a stable oil gel structure suitable for adding other ingredients later.
Recommended Starting Formulation:
- Oil Thick™ Hard (Dextrin Palmitate): 5-10%
- This is the gelling agent responsible for thickening the oil phase. Use a higher percentage within this range for a firmer gel.
- BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene): 0.01-0.1% (e.g., 0.05%)
- This acts as an antioxidant to prevent the oil from going rancid.
- Mineral Oil: Add to make up 100%
- This is the primary oil phase that is being gelled.
Procedure:
- Combine the Mineral Oil and BHT in a heat-resistant container.
- Heat the mixture to 80-90°C, stirring until the BHT is dissolved.
- Add the Oil Thick™ Hard (Dextrin Palmitate) to the heated oil mixture.
- Stir continuously at this temperature until the Dextrin Palmitate powder is completely dissolved and the mixture is homogeneous.
- Remove from heat and continue stirring gently while the mixture cools. The gel will form as it cools.
Regarding Glycerin:
Glycerin is a water-soluble ingredient and is typically used in the water phase of formulations. While it can sometimes be incorporated into systems containing oil (like emulsions), it is not a primary component for forming a simple oleogel (oil gel) structure with Dextrin Palmitate. Adding Glycerin to this oil-based gel might affect its clarity or stability.
If your research extracts are water-soluble or require Glycerin as a solvent, you might consider adding Glycerin along with your extracts later, or exploring a different formulation type (like an emulsion-gel) if a significant water phase is needed. For a simple oil gel base, it is generally recommended to omit Glycerin from the base formulation.
You can adjust the percentage of Oil Thick™ Hard (Dextrin Palmitate) within the recommended range to achieve your desired gel consistency. Always perform small-scale tests first.
