Thickening Liquid Soap/Shampoo with Any Gel or Tara Gel and Surfactants

Question

Previously, I used `Easy Thick` at 3% to create viscosity in my liquid soap/shampoo formula, which requires heat. I want to try a simpler cold process method. I saw that `Any Gel` is described as being able to thicken shampoos and liquid soaps, so I tried it.

I mixed `Any Gel` powder at 0.3% in water, and it became very thick, as I wanted a liquid consistency. However, after adding `Coco Betaine` and `SulFoam` and mixing, the formula became liquid like plain water and didn't thicken at all. I'm hesitant to add more `Any Gel` because I'm afraid it won't dissolve or will be difficult to dissolve.

Could you please advise on how to use `Any Gel` or `Tara Gel` to create viscosity in this formula? What percentage should I use, and what is the correct method?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Hello,

I understand the issue you encountered. It's common for the viscosity of a formula to decrease after adding surfactants, as some surfactants can affect the thickening mechanism of certain gelling agents like Any Gel (Dehydroxanthan Gum).

To use Any Gel or Tara Gel in your formula to achieve the desired liquid consistency, please follow these steps:

Usage Rate: As advised by the staff, the usage rate is approximately 0.5-1.0%. Since you want a liquid consistency, it's recommended to start with a lower percentage, such as 0.5%, and gradually increase if it's not thick enough.
Mixing Method: You should disperse the Any Gel or Tara Gel powder in the water phase (the total water amount in the formula) first. Slowly sprinkle the powder onto the surface of the water while continuously stirring or mixing to ensure the powder disperses and dissolves well. Avoid adding the powder in a lump, which makes it difficult to dissolve. Once the powder is dispersed and starts forming a gel (it may take some time to fully hydrate), then add the remaining ingredients, including the surfactants. This mixing method helps the gelling agent fully build its thickening network before being affected by the surfactants.
Using Heat: As the staff suggested, gently warming the water while dispersing and mixing the Any Gel or Tara Gel powder can significantly help the powder dissolve and hydrate faster. If you prefer not to use heat, ensure you stir/mix long enough for the powder to fully dissolve and hydrate before adding other ingredients.

Difference between Any Gel (Dehydroxanthan Gum) and Tara Gel (Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum) for use in other formulas (e.g., gels, serums):

Any Gel (Dehydroxanthan Gum):
- Pros: Provides clear gels, good stability.
- Cons: May be more sensitive to surfactants or salts in the formula, potentially reducing viscosity if used in high amounts or in formulas with high concentrations of such ingredients.
Tara Gel (Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum):
- Pros: More cost-effective.
- Cons: Results in slightly cloudy gels, not suitable for formulas requiring high clarity.

Both types are water-phase gelling agents and can be used in gel or serum formulas. The choice depends mainly on the desired clarity and cost of the formula.

I hope this information is helpful. Please feel free to ask if you have any further questions.