Substituting Versagel ME 750 in a Wax-Free Muscle Relief Gel Balm
คำถาม
Can this product be used instead of Versagel ME 750 to create a muscle relief gel balm? The formulation includes:
MentholCamphorEucalyptusPeppermintWintergreen oil
Is it possible for the texture to set at room temperature without using any wax?
คำตอบ
Yes, you can use Maxagel™ EP (e.q. 3x Versagel, High-Compatibility) as a replacement for Versagel ME 750 in your muscle relief gel balm formula.
Comparison and Suitability
- Viscosity: Maxagel™ EP has a significantly higher viscosity (approximately 3 times higher) than Versagel M750. This means you can achieve a thick, balm-like texture using a smaller amount of the base compared to Versagel.
- Compatibility: It is highly compatible with both polar and non-polar oils. Since your active ingredients (Menthol, Camphor, Eucalyptus Oil, Peppermint Oil, and Wintergreen Oil/Methyl Salicylate) are all oil-soluble, they will blend perfectly with this base.
- Texture: Maxagel™ EP is already a clear oil gel. It will maintain its gel structure at room temperature.
Formula Considerations
- Setting without Wax: You can definitely create a gel balm without using wax. The Maxagel™ EP base provides the structure. However, the final hardness depends on the ratio:
- If you use a high percentage of Maxagel™ EP (e.g., 70-90%) and a lower percentage of liquid oils/actives, you will get a thick, stable gel balm.
- If you add a very large amount of liquid oils (like Wintergreen oil), the gel will become softer and more fluid.
- Mixing: Since Menthol and Camphor are solids, you should first dissolve them in the liquid oils (Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Wintergreen oil) until completely liquefied before mixing them into the Maxagel™ EP base. You may use gentle heat (about 50-60°C) to speed up the dissolution and mixing process.
Recommended Ingredients
To complete your formula, you can use these ingredients:
- Menthol (Crystals)
- Camphor
- Eucalyptus Oil
- Peppermint Oil
- Methyl Salicylate (Wintergreen Oil equivalent for muscle relief)
Using Maxagel™ EP will result in a clear, smooth, and luxurious-feeling gel that spreads easily and is less greasy than traditional petrolatum-based balms.
การตอบกลับติดตาม
คำถาม:
When using Maxagel™ EP as a base for a muscle relief gel balm, is it necessary to include the following ingredients to adjust the texture, control the delivery of active ingredients deeper into the muscles, and reduce post-application stickiness?
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (CCT)Squalane oilIsopropyl Myristate (IPM)Ethylhexyl PalmitateCyclopentasiloxane
If so, how should the formulation be adjusted?
คำตอบ:
Yes, using additional oils and esters is highly recommended to improve both the performance and the sensory feel of your muscle relief gel balm when using Maxagel™ EP (e.q. 3x Versagel, High-Compatibility) as a base.
Here is how each ingredient helps:
1. Enhancing Penetration (Deep Muscle Relief)
To ensure that active ingredients like Menthol and Camphor reach the muscles effectively, you need "penetration enhancers":
- Isopropyl Myristate (IPM): This is the most important addition for your purpose. It significantly reduces the greasiness of the gel and acts as a carrier to help the active ingredients penetrate the skin barrier more deeply and quickly.
- Fractionated Coconut Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride): This is an excellent carrier oil. It is thin, stable, and helps the actives spread evenly without feeling heavy.
2. Adjusting Texture and Reducing Stickiness
Maxagel™ EP is a high-viscosity gel. On its own, it can feel quite thick and potentially "tacky" or sticky.
- Cyclopentasiloxane (Cyclomethicone): Adding this volatile silicone will make the gel feel much lighter. It helps the product spread easily over large muscle areas and then evaporates, leaving a silky, non-greasy finish.
- Ethylhexyl Palmitate: This ester provides a "dry-slip" feel, further reducing the heavy oiliness of the base.
- Squalane (Olive): While not strictly necessary for a muscle balm, it adds a premium skin-feel and prevents the skin from drying out if the balm is used frequently.
3. Formulation Strategy
Since you want the texture to set at room temperature without wax:
- The Base: Use Maxagel™ EP at approximately 60-80% of the formula.
- The Active Phase: Dissolve your Menthol Crystals, Camphor, Eucalyptus Oil, Peppermint Oil, and Methyl Salicylate (Wintergreen) into a mixture of IPM and CCT.
- The Texture Phase: Add Cyclopentasiloxane to the oil mixture.
- Mixing: Gradually add the oil/active mixture into the Maxagel™ EP base while stirring. You may use gentle heat (50-60°C) to ensure a perfectly clear and homogeneous gel.
By combining these ingredients, you will achieve a professional-grade muscle gel that is clear, non-sticky, spreads easily, and delivers the cooling/warming actives deep into the tissue.
Note: If the final result is too thin, increase the percentage of Maxagel™ EP. If it is too thick or sticky, increase the percentage of IPM or Cyclopentasiloxane.
คำถาม:
I would like to ask for the recommended proportions of Maxagel™ EP, texture modifiers, and active ingredients for creating a muscle relief balm. I want the balm to have a firm texture that remains stable at room temperature without the use of wax.
Please provide the ratios for the following components:
- Gel Base:
Maxagel™ EP - Texture & Penetration Enhancers:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (CCT),Squalane oil,Isopropyl Myristate (IPM),Ethylhexyl Palmitate,Cyclopentasiloxane - Active Ingredients:
Menthol,Camphor,Eucalyptus,Peppermint,Wintergreen oil(Methyl Salicylate)
คำตอบ:
To create a firm muscle relief gel balm using Maxagel™ EP (e.q. 3x Versagel, High-Compatibility) that sets at room temperature without wax, you should maintain a high percentage of the gel base. Adding the esters and silicones you mentioned is highly recommended to improve penetration and remove the "tacky" feel of the high-viscosity base.
Recommended Formulation (Firm Gel Balm)
| Ingredient | Percentage (%) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Maxagel™ EP (e.q. 3x Versagel, High-Compatibility) | 60 - 70% | Gel Base / Structure |
| Isopropyl Myristate (IPM) | 10 - 15% | Penetration Enhancer & Reduces Stickiness |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (CCT) | 5 - 10% | Carrier Oil / Texture Adjustment |
| Cyclopentasiloxane | 3 - 5% | Light feel / Improves spreadability |
| Active Phase (Menthol, Camphor, Essential Oils) | 10 - 15% | Pain relief / Cooling / Warming |
| Total | 100% |
Why these additions are necessary:
- Penetration (IPM & CCT): Maxagel™ EP is a polymer-based gel that creates a film on the skin. Without penetration enhancers like Isopropyl Myristate (IPM), the active ingredients (Menthol, Camphor, Wintergreen) may stay on the surface. IPM helps "drive" these actives deeper into the muscle tissue.
- Texture & Stickiness: High-viscosity gels can feel heavy or sticky. Cyclopentasiloxane and Ethylhexyl Palmitate provide a "dry-slip" effect, making the balm feel professional and smooth rather than greasy.
- Firmness: By keeping the Maxagel™ EP at 60% or higher, the balm will remain a thick, stable gel at room temperature. If you find the texture too soft, increase the Maxagel™ EP and decrease the CCT.
Mixing Instructions:
- Prepare the Oil Phase: Mix the Isopropyl Myristate (IPM), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (CCT), and Cyclopentasiloxane together.
- Dissolve Actives: Add your Menthol crystals and Camphor to the oil phase. Stir until completely dissolved. Then add the Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Wintergreen oils.
- Combine: Gradually pour the oil/active mixture into the Maxagel™ EP base while stirring.
- Homogenize: Use gentle heat (approx. 50-60°C) while stirring to ensure the mixture is perfectly clear and uniform. Once cooled to room temperature, it will set into a firm gel balm.
Using this method, you will achieve a clear, high-performance muscle balm that is easy to apply and highly effective.
ผลิตภัณฑ์ที่เกี่ยวข้องที่กล่าวถึง
Camphor
Methyl Salicylate
Menthol Crystal (L-menthol)
Maxagel™ EP (e.q. 3x Versagel, High-Compatiblity)
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Fractionated Coconut Oil Gel
Isopropyl Myristate (Deodorized)
