Slow-Drying Water-Based Lubricant Gel Formula

Thank you for your question. It sounds like your previous formula dried too quickly because the humectant levels weren't high enough to retain moisture effectively. To create a slow-drying, "wet-feel" water-based gel, we need to increase the concentration of humectants.

Here is a proposed formula:

• Phase A (Water Phase):

  • Water: 75%
  • Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC): 1.5% (adjust slightly for desired gel thickness)

• Phase B (Humectant Phase):

  • Glycerin: 10%
  • Propylene Glycol: 10%
  • X-Glycerin (Polyglycerin-10): 2%

• Phase C (Preservative Phase):

  • Ethylhexylglycerin: 0.75%
  • Caprylyl Glycol: 0.75%

Total: 100%

Ingredient Functions:

• Water: The base of the gel.
• Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC): Acts as the gelling agent to create the gel structure.
• Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, X-Glycerin: These are humectants that attract and hold moisture, significantly slowing down the drying time and providing a "wet" feel. X-Glycerin is particularly effective at moisture retention.
• Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol: These work together as a broad-spectrum preservative system to prevent microbial growth in the water-based formula.

Mixing Instructions:

1. In a heat-resistant container, add Water (Phase A). Slowly sprinkle the Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) powder into the water while stirring continuously to prevent clumping. Heat the mixture to around 70°C and continue stirring until the HEC is fully dissolved and a clear gel forms. Allow to cool completely.
2. In a separate container, mix the ingredients from Phase B (Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, X-Glycerin) until well combined.
3. Once the HEC gel (Phase A) has cooled, add the mixed humectant phase (Phase B) to it and stir thoroughly until homogeneous.
4. Add the ingredients from Phase C (Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol) to the gel mixture and stir until evenly distributed.

You can adjust the percentages of the humectants (Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, X-Glycerin) slightly to fine-tune the drying speed and feel. Increasing them will make the gel dry slower and feel more hydrating, while decreasing them will make it dry faster. Ensure the total percentage remains 100%.