Silicone for Water-Based Gels

Based on your description of mixing with water, you might be referring to a silicone product designed to disperse in water, such as SiliGel Aqua (Silicone Elastomer / Water Disperse) or WaterSil™ 8/12 (Water Gel Detackifier).

Here's how they work and the results you can expect:

• SiliGel Aqua (Silicone Elastomer / Water Disperse):

  • This product is a silicone elastomer that is pre-emulsified to disperse in water.
  • When mixed with water, it will turn milky white, resulting in a cloudy gel, not a clear one.
  • It mixes directly into the water phase.
  • Usage rate is typically 1-100%. The exact percentage depends on the desired texture and feel.

• WaterSil™ 8/12 (Water Gel Detackifier):

  • This product is specifically designed for clear, water-based gels to reduce tackiness and provide a silky feel.
  • It is a transparent liquid that dissolves in water.
  • It is stable in a pH range of 4-8, making it suitable for your pH 4 product.
  • It mixes into the water phase.
  • Usage rate is typically 0.1-3%. Use within this range to achieve the desired detackifying effect without impacting clarity.

• Silicone Gel (Ultra Clear, Super Silky): Note that this product is not suitable for mixing directly with water to form a gel, as it is soluble in oil and silicone, not water.

To create a stable, non-separating gel with Sodium Hyaluronate, you would typically hydrate the Sodium Hyaluronate in the water phase first to form the gel structure. Then, incorporate the water-dispersible silicone (like SiliGel Aqua or WaterSil™ 8/12) into this water phase with stirring until fully dispersed or dissolved.

For a clear gel using Sodium Hyaluronate, WaterSil™ 8/12 would be a more appropriate choice than SiliGel Aqua, as SiliGel Aqua results in a cloudy texture. Use WaterSil™ 8/12 at a percentage between 0.1-3% in your pH 4 formulation.

To ensure stability and prevent separation, proper formulation techniques, including adequate mixing and potentially using a co-emulsifier if needed (though SiliGel Aqua is pre-dispersed and WaterSil 8/12 is water-soluble), are important. The Sodium Hyaluronate itself acts as the primary gelling agent to provide viscosity and stability.