Using Locust Bean Gum in Alcohol Hand Gel with Aloe Vera

Using Locust Bean Gum in formulations containing high levels of alcohol and electrolytes, such as alcohol hand gel with Aloe Vera extract, is generally not recommended.

• Electrolytes: Aloe Vera extract (like the Aloe Vera Extract product) is an electrolyte. Electrolytes can interfere with the gelling mechanism of many traditional polysaccharide gums, including Locust Bean Gum, causing a significant loss in viscosity or even precipitation.
• Alcohol: High concentrations of alcohol, typical in hand gels, can also negatively impact the stability and thickening ability of polysaccharide gums.

For alcohol hand gel formulations containing electrolytes like Aloe Vera, it is better to use gelling agents specifically designed for tolerance to both alcohol and electrolytes. Examples of such gelling agents include:

• Carbomer Ultrez 30
• Sepimax Zen
• Carbomer U20
• Carbomer 2020

These polymers are more robust in the presence of challenging ingredients like electrolytes and high alcohol content, helping to maintain the desired gel consistency.