Water-Based Lubricant Gel Formulation with Stretchy Texture

Question

I want to create a general-use lubricant gel with a stretchy texture.

I was considering using ingredients like:

Snail Resin สร้างเนื้อสเนล/เนื้อยืด (for medium stretchiness)
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
Preservative (Mild Preserved Eco)
Trihydroxystearin

I might also add aroma. Could you provide a suitable formulation?

Answer 1

Water-Based Lubricant Gel Formulation

This formula provides a simple, clear, and lubricating gel suitable for general use. Water-based gels are non-greasy, easy to clean, and provide good slip.

Ingredient	Percentage (%)	Function
Deionized Water	Up to 100%	Base
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC)	0.5 - 2%	Gelling Agent, Thickener
Glycerin	5 - 10%	Humectant, Lubricant
Propylene Glycol	3 - 5%	Humectant, Solvent
Mild Preserved Eco™	1%	Preservative
Aloe Vera Extract	1 - 5%	Soothing, Moisturizing

Instructions:

Disperse Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) into the water phase while stirring until fully hydrated and a uniform gel forms. Heating slightly can help dispersion but is not always necessary depending on the HEC grade.
Add Glycerin and Propylene Glycol to the gel base and mix well.
Add Aloe Vera Extract and mix until fully incorporated.
Add Mild Preserved Eco™ and mix thoroughly.
Check the pH and adjust if necessary (typically gels are formulated in a slightly acidic to neutral range, e.g., pH 5.5-7.0).

Ingredient Notes:

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC): A non-ionic polymer used to thicken the water phase and create the gel structure. Different grades offer varying viscosity.
Glycerin & Propylene Glycol: These are humectants that help attract and retain moisture, providing slip and preventing the gel from drying out quickly during use.
Mild Preserved Eco™: A broad-spectrum preservative blend (typically Ethylhexylglycerin and Caprylyl Glycol) to protect the water-based formula from microbial growth.
Aloe Vera Extract: Included for its known soothing and moisturizing properties.

This formula provides a good starting point. You can adjust the percentage of HEC to achieve your desired gel thickness.

Answer 2

As of May 17, 2026, the information regarding ingredient availability and specifications has been updated.

For Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC), multiple viscosity grades are now available to suit different formulation needs, including options with viscosities of 2000 mPa·s, 2800 mPa·s, and 4500 mPa·s. This allows formulators to select the precise thickness required for their gel products.

The preservative system, Mild Preserved Eco™, remains a key option for broad-spectrum protection in water-based gels. Its recommended usage rate is flexible, ranging from 0.5% to 2.0%, with a typical use level of 1.0%. It is effective within a wide pH range of 4.0 to 9.0.

The Aloe Vera Extract (extraction ratio 10:1 FullAssay™) continues to be a valuable soothing agent. For optimal shelf life, it should be stored refrigerated and protected from light.