Thickeners for Lotion

To increase the viscosity of your lotion, you can use various thickeners. Here are a few options that are suitable for lotions and relatively easy to incorporate:

• CreamThick™ (Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate):

  • This is a water-phase thickener that is easy to use and does not require heat. It works well in a pH range of 3-9 and is resistant to electrolytes. It gives a milky white, soft, and smooth texture.
  • How to use: Disperse in cold or room temperature water. If your formula requires heating, add CreamThick™ to the cold water phase first, then heat.
  • Usage rate: 0.5-5% (use at least 4% if it's the only thickener, or 0.5-3% when combined with others).

• Sepimax Zen (Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6):

  • A highly tolerant thickener and emulsion stabilizer that works well across a wide pH range and is resistant to salts. It creates a gel texture in the water phase.
  • How to use: Sprinkle the powder into the water phase and blend until a gel forms.
  • Usage rate: 0.5-2%.

• CreamMaker EG™ (Sodium Acrylate / Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer & Isohexadecane & Polysorbate 80):

  • This is a thickener and stabilizer that is very easy to use, suitable for cold process formulations. It can be added to the oil phase, water phase, or during emulsification. It provides a soft and light feel.
  • How to use: Disperse in water or oil.
  • Usage rate: 1-3% (recommended 1.5% for general lotions).

When adding a thickener, it's best to start with a lower recommended percentage and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired viscosity for your lotion.