Shaving Gel Formula with Polyglide™
Question
Shaving Gel Formulation with Polyglide™
I would like to create a shaving gel and incorporate Polyglide™ as an ingredient to provide lubrication and a smooth feel for the razor blade when used on the skin. Could you provide example formulas for a shaving gel using Polyglide™?
I understand from a previous suggestion that Polyglide™ can be used in any cream to provide a coating and slip on the skin for shaving.
Please provide detailed formula examples and instructions.
Answer
Shaving Gel Formula
Based on your request and the previous suggestion, Polyglide™ is an excellent ingredient for a shaving gel as it provides a smooth surface for the razor and helps reduce skin irritation.
To create a shaving gel, you will need a gel base and Polyglide™. Here are two options for the gel base:
Option 1: Using CarboQuick™ as the gel maker
- CarboQuick™ is a pre-dispersed carbomer gel that easily creates a clear gel texture. It also contains a preservative.
- Formula Example:
- Water: ~86.5%
- Polyglide™: 3.5%
- CarboQuick™: 10%
- Optional: Fragrance, soothing extracts (e.g., Aloe Vera)
- Instructions:
- Heat the water to around 80°C and dissolve Polyglide™ in it.
- Once Polyglide™ is dissolved and the water cools slightly (or is still warm), add CarboQuick™ and stir until a uniform gel is formed.
- Add any optional ingredients like fragrance or extracts and mix well.
Option 2: Using Hyaluronic Acid Gel Base
- Hyaluronic Acid Gel Base is a ready-to-use base that provides moisture. It is preservative-free, so you MUST add a preservative.
- Formula Example:
- Hyaluronic Acid Gel Base: ~90%
- Water: ~6.5% (for dissolving Polyglide™)
- Polyglide™: 3.5%
- Preservative: ~1% (Check usage rate for your chosen preservative)
- Optional: Fragrance, soothing extracts (e.g., Aloe Vera)
- Instructions:
- Heat the small amount of water to around 80°C and dissolve Polyglide™ in it.
- Let the Polyglide™ solution cool slightly.
- Combine the Hyaluronic Acid Gel Base, the dissolved Polyglide™ solution, and the preservative. Mix thoroughly until uniform.
- Add any optional ingredients like fragrance or extracts and mix well.
Remember to always use appropriate safety measures when making cosmetic formulations.
Updated Review: May 2026
This section was added after reviewing the original answer against current product availability and formulation knowledge at the stated point in time.
Update as of 2026-05-24
The original concept is still usable: Polyglide™ / PEG-14M can be used in a shaving gel or shaving cream to improve slip and help the razor glide more smoothly on wet skin. A practical starting level remains around 3.5%, within the current catalog use range.
For processing, hydrate Polyglide™ carefully in the water phase; heating to about 70–80°C can help dissolution, especially if pre-mixed with a glycol already present in the formula. After heating, cool the Polyglide™ phase before adding heat-sensitive ingredients, fragrance, preservatives, or a finished gel base.
If using CarboQuick™ as the gel-structuring component, keep the final pH around 6–7 and recheck viscosity after all ingredients are added and again after full hydration. Do not assume that CarboQuick™ alone preserves the final shaving gel after dilution or modification.
If using Hyaluronic Acid Gel Base, note that the current catalog describes it as preservative-free; a modified water-based shaving gel made from it needs a suitable preservative system and final-formula microbial validation. For shaving use, keep the formula mild and test sting, redness, razor glide, rinse-off, residue, and blade clogging before use or sale.
General references: Barel, Paye & Maibach, Handbook of Cosmetic Science and Technology, 4th ed.; Sutton, Cosmetic Microbiology: A Practical Approach, 2nd ed.