Reducing Stickiness in Water-Based Gel/Serum Formulations

It's common for water-based gels thickened with ingredients like Xanthan Gum or certain polymers to feel a bit sticky or tacky on the skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is due to the nature of the gel network they form.

To address the stickiness and improve the slip and feel of your serum, you can incorporate ingredients specifically designed to modify the texture of water-based formulations.

Here are a few options you can consider adding to your water-based serum:

• WaterSil™ 8/12 (Water Gel Detackifier): This ingredient is specifically designed to reduce the tackiness in clear, water-based gels. It's a blend of water-soluble silicones that provides a silky-smooth sensation and effortless glide without affecting the clarity of the gel. It can be used at a rate of 0.1-3%.
• WaterSoft™ (PEG/PPG-17/6 copolymer): This is a water-soluble emollient that helps make the skin feel soft and smooth in water-based formulas. It's a good alternative if you want to avoid traditional silicones or oils. It can be used at 1-10%.
• WaterLube™ Slip: This ingredient was developed to tackle the sticky feeling in water gel formulations and improve smoothness while maintaining a clear gel texture. It helps improve the skin feel and touch of water-based formulas. The recommended usage rate is 0.1-5.0%.
• AllSlip-P™ (Slip Powder): This is a powder designed to provide a soft and smooth feel on the skin, often used as a silicone alternative. While it's a powder, it can be dispersed in water-based formulas to improve the slip. The suggested usage rate is 3-10%.

Regarding the suggestion to try Carbomer, it is indeed another type of gelling agent. Some formulators find that Carbomer-based gels (like Carbomer 940 or Carbomer Ultrez 30) can have a less sticky feel compared to Xanthan Gum or certain other polymers, although this can vary depending on the specific Carbomer type, concentration, and other ingredients in the formula. If you haven't tried Carbomer yet, it might be worth experimenting with as an alternative thickener.

Potential Side Effects:

Generally, the ingredients mentioned (WaterSil™ 8/12, WaterSoft™, WaterLube™ Slip, AllSlip-P™, and Carbomers) are widely used in cosmetic formulations and are considered safe at recommended usage levels. However, as with any cosmetic ingredient, individual sensitivity or allergic reactions are possible, though uncommon.

• WaterSil™ 8/12, WaterSoft™, WaterLube™ Slip: These are designed to be gentle and improve skin feel. They are less likely to cause irritation in most individuals when used within recommended guidelines.
• AllSlip-P™: As a powder, ensuring it is well dispersed in the formula is important for optimal feel and to avoid any grittiness.
• Carbomers: Carbomers are generally well-tolerated. However, formulating with Carbomers requires careful pH adjustment with an alkali to form the gel. Ensuring the final pH of your serum is suitable for skin application is important to avoid potential irritation.

To minimize any potential for adverse reactions, always:

• Use ingredients within their recommended usage rates.
• Ensure proper mixing and formulation techniques.
• Perform patch testing on a small area of skin before using the product extensively, especially if you have sensitive skin.

By incorporating one or a combination of the texture modifiers like WaterSil™ 8/12, WaterSoft™, WaterLube™ Slip, or AllSlip-P™, or by experimenting with Carbomer as your primary thickener, you should be able to significantly improve the feel of your water-based serum and reduce the sticky sensation.