SiliSolve Plus™ Usage and Formula Stickiness Issue

Question

I have a formula for a product and I used SiliSolve Plus™ at 1%. The staff confirmed this percentage is correct. However, when applied, the product feels sticky and leaves a coating on the skin. My formula includes Cyclomethicone at 20%, Ethoxydiglycol at 10%, and Propylene Glycol at 10%. Why is the texture sticky, and how can I fix it?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Hello,

Regarding your questions about SiliSolve Plus™ usage and the sticky feeling:

SiliSolve Plus™ Usage Rate: The 1% usage rate for SiliSolve Plus™ in your formula is appropriate and correct, as confirmed by the staff. SiliSolve Plus™ is an emulsifier designed to help combine the water phase with the oil/silicone phase (which includes ingredients like Cyclomethicone) in your formulation, preventing separation. The recommended usage rate of 0.5-2% (with 1% being sufficient for most formulas) is a general guideline based on the overall composition, not just the percentage of a single oil ingredient.
Sticky/Coating Feeling: The sticky feeling and the sensation of a coating on the skin are likely due to the high percentage of Cyclomethicone (20%) and potentially the high combined percentage of Ethoxydiglycol (10%) and Propylene Glycol (10%). As advised by the staff:
- Reducing Cyclomethicone to a lower percentage, such as 5-10%, will significantly help to reduce the slippery/heavy feel and improve absorption, making the texture much more pleasant.
- Reducing the total amount of Ethoxydiglycol and Propylene Glycol (and ideally choosing only one of them) to a combined 5-10% will also help improve the texture and reduce stickiness.

By adjusting the percentages of Cyclomethicone and the glycols as suggested, you should be able to achieve a less sticky and faster-absorbing product while still maintaining stability with 1% SiliSolve Plus™.

Thank you.