Solubility of Boswellia Serrata Extract in Glycols and Mixing in Formulas

Asked by: j_polchai On: June 29, 2016 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

1. Besides dissolving in Propylene Glycol, can Boswellia Serrata Extract also dissolve in other glycols like Ethoxydiglycol? If it can dissolve, is the quantity/ratio of Ethoxydiglycol used 6 times the amount of the extract, similar to Propylene Glycol?

2. If the extract is dissolved, can it be mixed into a formula that uses Hyaluronic Acid as a base?

Answer

Solubility of Boswellia Serrata Extract

Regarding the solubility of Boswellia Serrata extract in glycols other than Propylene Glycol, such as Ethoxydiglycol:

Yes, it is possible to dissolve Boswellia Serrata extract in other glycols like Ethoxydiglycol and Butylene Glycol. However, the manufacturer only specifies solubility in Propylene Glycol. It is expected that the solubility in other glycols might be lower than in Propylene Glycol. The recommended ratio of 6 parts glycol to 1 part extract is specifically for Propylene Glycol; the appropriate ratio for other glycols is not provided.

Mixing with Hyaluronic Acid Base

No, the dissolved Boswellia Serrata extract cannot be mixed into a formula that uses Hyaluronic Acid as a base. It must be mixed into a cream base or a base containing a polymer.

If you wish to create a gel formula, here is an example structure:

  1. Water: Remaining percentage
  2. Other water-soluble ingredients: As per desired percentage
  3. Pro Polymer: 1%
  4. Propylene Glycol: 6%
  5. Boswellia Serrata Extract: 1%

Steps:

  1. Combine ingredients 1, 2, and 3 and blend until a gel is formed.
  2. Combine ingredients 4 and 5 and mix until clear. Applying slight heat (around 50°C) can help it dissolve and become clear faster and mix more easily.
  3. Add the mixture from step 2 into the gel base from step 1 and blend or stir until fully combined.

For a cream base formula, follow the same principle: prepare the cream base first, and then add the dissolved Boswellia Serrata Extract into the cream base.