Recommended Gelling Agents for Clear Massage Gel

For creating a clear facial massage gel that provides good playtime for use with a device and is then wiped off, gelling agents that offer good slip, a non-sticky feel, and stability during massage are generally preferred. Based on the product information found, several options are suitable for making a clear facial massage gel:

• ThixoGel™: This gelling agent has thixotropic properties, meaning the gel is viscous when at rest but becomes more fluid and easy to spread when massaged or subjected to shear force. This property is excellent for facial massage gels as it provides initial body and then allows for smooth gliding during the massage, resulting in good playtime. It can form a clear gel.
• Reshape Gel™: This gelling agent provides a non-sticky gel texture that spreads easily, even at high viscosity. It gives a feeling of good absorption. The non-sticky and easy-spreading properties contribute well to the playtime during massage. It can form a clear gel when used with water.
• CarboQuick™: This is a pre-dispersed carbomer that is easy to dissolve in water and forms a clear gel. Carbomers are known for providing good viscosity and slip, which are fundamental properties for massage gels to ensure good playtime.
• Aristoflex AVC: A gelling agent that can provide a clear gel texture in water-based formulas. It offers a pleasant skin feel and is easy to spread, making it suitable for gels or serums and effective as a thickener in massage gels.
• Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC): A non-ionic gelling agent that forms clear gels well. It provides good slip, which aids in massage, and is tolerant to electrolytes, making it suitable for formulas containing other electrolyte ingredients.
• Sepimax Zen: A thickener highly tolerant to salt and pH variations. It forms clear, highly stable gels with a good skin feel and easy spreadability, suitable for gels requiring high clarity and stability.

When choosing, consider the desired clarity, the skin feel after massage (even though it will be wiped off), and other ingredients in your formula that might affect gel stability, such as electrolytes or the formula's pH.