Questions about Formulating with Aloe Vera Gel Lite Base (Moisturizers, Fragrance, Preservation, pH)

Question

I am using Aloe Vera Gel Lite as a base for very dry skin that dislikes stickiness. I have a few questions:

1. How can I add moisturizing ingredients to the base to increase hydration without making the product sticky?
2. Can fragrance be added to this base?
3. The base contains Phenoxyethanol as a preservative. Is this sufficient if I add other ingredients, or do I need to add more preservative?
4. What is the approximate pH of the Aloe Vera Gel Lite base?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Recommendations for Using Aloe Vera Gel Lite Base

Using Aloe Vera Gel Lite as a base for very dry skin that dislikes stickiness is a good approach due to its light, non-greasy feel. Here are the answers to your questions:

1. Adding Moisturizing Ingredients for Hydration Without Stickiness

To enhance the moisturizing properties without adding stickiness, focus on water-soluble humectants and light, water-soluble emollients. Some liquid options you could consider adding include:

Humectants: Ingredients like TransMoist, HumecMax, MOIST24, MOIST72, Diglycerin, Sorbitol Solution 70%, and WaterSoft are excellent choices. They draw moisture into the skin without feeling heavy or greasy.
Water-Soluble Emollients: Jojoba Ester (Water-Soluble) can provide a smooth feel without the oiliness of traditional emollients.

Start with low percentages (e.g., 1-5%) and adjust based on the desired feel and hydration level. You can combine a couple of these ingredients for a synergistic effect.

2. Can Fragrance be Added?

While technically you can add fragrance, it is generally not recommended, especially for very dry and sensitive skin. Fragrances offer no benefit to the skin and can potentially cause irritation or sensitization, which could worsen the condition of dry skin.

3. Is the Existing Preservative Sufficient?

The Aloe Vera Gel Lite base contains Phenoxyethanol as a preservative. Whether it is sufficient depends on the percentage of the base used in your final formulation. If the Aloe Vera Gel Lite base constitutes more than 80% of your total formula, the existing preservative system is likely sufficient. However, if you are adding a significant amount of other ingredients (making the base less than 80% of the total), it is advisable to add a small amount (around 0.1-0.3%) of an additional preservative to ensure the stability and safety of the final product.