Reducing Stickiness in High-Extract, Low-Water Serums

It's common for serums with high concentrations of extracts and low water content, especially those containing significant amounts of humectants like glycerin (as in your example of Pitera 90% + Glycerin Gel 10%), to feel sticky or tacky on the skin. This is because the high level of dissolved solids and humectants can create a film that feels adhesive.

To reduce this stickiness and improve the sensory feel of your serum, you can incorporate ingredients known as sensory modifiers or detackifiers. These ingredients help to provide slip, reduce drag, and create a smoother, less tacky finish.

Based on the available ingredients, WaterSil™ 8/12 is a highly suitable option for reducing tackiness specifically in water-based gel formulations like the one you described (Pitera, being a ferment filtrate, is aqueous). WaterSil™ 8/12 is a blend of PEG-Dimethicones designed to effectively reduce the sticky feel in clear, water-based gels by providing a lubricious film.

• Recommended Ingredient: WaterSil™ 8/12
• How it works: It is specifically designed to reduce tackiness in water-based gels, improving slip and providing a smooth feel.
• Usage Rate: Typically used at 0.1-3%.
• Mixing: Add to the water phase (40-60°C) with gentle stirring.

Other types of ingredients like silicone gels (e.g., Silicone Gel Medium Matte, Silicone Gel 5041) or silicone powders (e.g., SiliSilk™ range) can also provide a smooth, non-sticky feel, often with a matte or silky finish. However, these are typically dispersed in oil or silicone phases and their compatibility would depend on the specific nature of your extract/glycerin gel base. Esters or hydrocarbon alternatives like CocoSilk™ or LipidSoft™ D5 are also oil-soluble options that can improve slip and feel.

For your specific formulation with a high percentage of Pitera and Glycerin Gel, WaterSil™ 8/12 is likely the most direct solution for addressing the water-based tackiness.

• Note: Always test compatibility and sensory feel in your specific formulation.*