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Crystal Clear Gel

Pure, smooth gel base — versatile, lightweight, and perfect for clean beauty formulations

Description

Carbopol Gel Base is a crystal-clear, smooth, and highly stable gel foundation used in cosmetic and skincare formulations. It is made using Carbomer (Carbopol 940) to create a luxurious, non-sticky, fast-absorbing gel suitable for hydrating gels, serums, aloe gels, after-sun gels, treatment gels, and under-eye gels. This base offers easy customisation with botanical extracts, vitamins, actives, essential oils, and fragrances—making it ideal for professional formulators, skincare brands, and DIY creators.



Formulation (100% Batch)

Phase

Ingredient

Function

%

A

Distilled Water

Diluent / Solvent

88%


Glycerine / Propanediol

Humectant

3%


Carbopol 940 / Carbomer

Gelling Agent

1%


Sodium Gluconate/EDTA Disodium

Chelating Agent

0.10%

B

Triethanolamine (TEA)

Neutralising Agent / pH Adjuster

0.70–1% (as required)

C

Extracts / Actives / EOs / Fragrance / Colour

Cosmetic Additives

Up to 7%


Preservative (Phenoxyethanol, Optiphen, etc.)

Antimicrobial Protection

0.80–1%





Total: 100%


Method of Preparation

Phase A – Hydration & Dispersion

  1. Take distilled water in a clean beaker.

  2. Slowly sprinkle Carbopol (Carbomer) into water under stirring. Avoid clumping.

  3. Add Glycerine or Propanediol and mix gently.

  4. Optional: Add Sodium gluconate/EDTA for enhanced stability.

  5. Allow mixture to stand for 15–20 mins to ensure full hydration of Carbopol.

Phase B – Neutralisation

  1. Prepare Triethanolamine (TEA) solution (diluted in water if needed).

  2. Add slowly into Phase A under gentle stirring.

  3. As pH increases to 5.5–6.5, the mixture thickens into a clear gel.

Do not over-neutralise, as pH above 7 may destabilise or thin the gel.

Phase C – Customisation

  1. Add cosmetic actives, botanical extracts, proteins, essential oils, fragrance, colourants, and preservative (combined up to 7%).

  2. Mix gently to avoid bubbles.

  3. Check and adjust pH between 5.5–6.5.

  4. Allow to settle before packaging.


Key Benefits

  • Clear, smooth, non-sticky gel texture

  • Excellent thickening, stabilising, and suspending ability

  • Customisable with water-soluble actives and additives

  • Fast absorbing, lightweight, skin-friendly

  • Ideal for premium cosmetic and skincare formulations


Customisation Suggestions for Skin Concerns

Skin Concern

Suggested Additives

Benefit

Oily / Acne Skin

Niacinamide, Tea Tree, Zinc PCA, Salicylic Acid

Oil control, anti-acne

Dry / Dehydrated Skin

Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Aloe, Sodium PCA

Deep hydration

Sensitive Skin

Centella, Oat Extract, Calendula, Allantoin

Soothing, barrier repair

Mature / Ageing Skin

Peptides, Vitamin C SAP/MAP, Collagen, CoQ10

Firming, anti-ageing

Pigmentation

Alpha Arbutin, Licorice, Vitamin C, Bearberry

Brightening, tone correction

Cooling / Repair

Aloe, Cucumber, Menthol, Peppermint Hydrosol

Refreshing, after-sun relief


Storage & Shelf Life

  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight

  • Keep container sealed to prevent contamination

  • Shelf life: 24 months under optimal conditions


Additional Notes

  • Only suitable for water-based formulations

  • Avoid excess electrolytes (may reduce gel texture)

  • Works best with pH-sensitive actives between pH 5–6.5

  • Achieves excellent clarity when fully hydrated

 

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