Questions about Sugar Gel Formulation: Preservation, Water Limit, Usage, and Ingredient Alternatives

Question

I am working on a formulation using Sugar Gel. I have the following questions:

1. Do I need to add a preservative to the formula, given that it contains 4% water?
2. What is the maximum percentage of water that can be added to this formula?
3. Is the usage method similar to a cleansing oil (apply to dry face/hands, massage, add water, massage, then wash with cleanser)?

Additionally, I would like to know if I can replace Fractionated Coconut Oil with light Mineral Oil and add Butylene Glycol to the formula.

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Formulation Questions Answered

Here are the answers to your questions regarding the formulation:

Preservative: Yes, a preservative is needed because the formula contains water (4%). You can use a low concentration, such as 0.2% of Phenoxyethanol SA. Mix it with the water phase before combining with other ingredients.
Maximum Water Percentage: The maximum amount of water you can add to this formula is limited by the Sugar Gel. The total water content should not exceed 10% of the formula to maintain stability and prevent separation.
Usage: Yes, this formula is used similarly to a cleansing oil. Apply it to dry skin with dry hands, massage, then add water to emulsify and continue massaging, and finally rinse off with a cleanser.

You can indeed replace Fractionated Coconut Oil with light Mineral Oil and add Butylene Glycol to the formula.