Shaving Gel Formula with Polyglide™

Asked by: suriyawut_bird On: February 28, 2017 Product Type: Cosmetics Answered

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:
      1. Heat the water to around 80°C and dissolve Polyglide™ in it.
      2. Once Polyglide™ is dissolved and the water cools slightly (or is still warm), add CarboQuick™ and stir until a uniform gel is formed.
      3. 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:
      1. Heat the small amount of water to around 80°C and dissolve Polyglide™ in it.
      2. Let the Polyglide™ solution cool slightly.
      3. Combine the Hyaluronic Acid Gel Base, the dissolved Polyglide™ solution, and the preservative. Mix thoroughly until uniform.
      4. Add any optional ingredients like fragrance or extracts and mix well.

Remember to always use appropriate safety measures when making cosmetic formulations.

Answer Update
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.