Solving Pilling Issues and Mixing Guidelines for Silicone Gel (Cyclopentasiloxane Base)

The Silicone Gel (Thick & Smooth, Cyclopentasiloxane Base) is a silicone elastomer designed primarily to improve the texture, spreadability, and "silky" feel of cosmetic products. Here are the answers to your specific concerns:

1. Can it be used pure and mixed with extracts?

• Using it pure: While it can be used at 100%, it is not recommended as a standalone skincare treatment. It functions as a film-former and texture enhancer. Using it alone often leads to "pilling" or "flaking" (เป็นขุย) because the silicone film does not absorb into the skin and can rub off easily if applied too thickly or on dry skin.
• Adding extracts: This silicone gel is silicone-soluble. Most common botanical extracts are water-soluble. If you try to mix water-based extracts directly into this gel, they will not blend and will separate. You can only mix oil-soluble extracts into this base directly.

2. Do you need to mix it with a Base Gel or Base Cream?

Yes, it is highly recommended to mix it into a formula rather than using it alone:

• Mixing with Base Cream: This is the best option. You can blend this silicone gel into a cream or lotion (emulsion) to give the final product a smoother, matte, and premium feel. It helps reduce the greasiness of oils in the cream.
• Mixing with Base Gel: If the "Base Gel" is water-based (like a standard carbomer gel), this silicone gel will not mix with it easily. You would need an emulsifier to join them.
• Creating a "Silicone Serum": If you want a silicone-based serum, you should mix it with other silicones like Cyclomethicone or Isododecane to adjust the viscosity and make it easier to spread, which helps reduce pilling.

Recommendations to solve the "Pilling" (Flaking) issue:

1. Reduce the concentration: Use it at 5-20% within a cream or lotion formula instead of 100%.
2. Check Compatibility: Ensure you aren't layering it over water-based products that haven't fully dried, or under heavy oil-based products that might disrupt the silicone film.
3. Solubility: If you must add water-based ingredients, you must use an emulsifier (such as a Water-in-Silicone emulsifier) to create a stable emulsion.

In summary, for the best results and to avoid flaking, you should mix this gel into a Base Cream or use it as part of a complete formulation containing both oil/silicone and water phases.