BASIC GEL FORMULA WITH HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE (Speedy Version)

In the previous post about how to make the Basic Gel with HEC, I showed you that you can make it with just 4 main ingredients. It is easy to make, especially for beginners. However, the whole manufacturing process is long.

In this post, I will show you how to speed up the gelling process of HEC to just a few minutes. If you want to understand HEC a little bit more, please read it in our ingredient section here.

HOW TO SPEED UP THE GELLING TIME OF HEC

To speed up the gelling time, all you need to do is adjust the pH of your mixture. You need 2 pH adjusters, one to increase the pH and one to decrease the pH. Absolutely easy.

FORMULA

If you have made skincare products in the past, you would have noticed the term "qs". For those who have never made a skincare product, "qs" is an abbreviation for Quantum satis / sufficit and it means 'add as much of this ingredient as is needed to achieve the desired result, but not more.’ This is mostly used to adjust pH, where you will add acid or base until you reach a certain pH, and the amount may vary from batch to batch. It is also used for base formulations (such as water) where the preservative or fragrance is unknown, since it depends on which preservatives or fragrances are used.

Basic Gel Formula (Speedy Version)

This is a simple, basic formula with just 4 main ingredients, with a twist. Absolutely easy for someone who is new in formulation.

Basic Gel Formula (Speedy Version)

Procedure

Step 1

First, clean your work area, tools and container with rubbing alcohol. Wear a disposable gloves and face mask.

Step 2

Start by weighing Phase A (glycerine and gum) in a container and mix well.

Step 3

Then, weigh Phase B (distilled water) and add slowly to Phase A.

Stir until Hydroxyethylcellulose is dispersed.

Step 4

Check the pH and at this point, the pH is approximately around 6-6.5. Adjust the pH to 8.5 or higher by using arginine or sodium hydroxide solution. Continue to stir. It takes only a few minutes for gel to form instead of 50 minutes.

Step 5

Then, check the pH again and adjust to be between 5 – 5.5 by using a citric acid solution.

Step 6

Finally, add preservative to your mixture and mix well. Check the pH again. Adjust if necessary.

Step 7

Pour your mixture into a suitable container.

Don't forget to look out for our next post on how to expand this basic gel formula to include more skin-loving ingredients.

Happy learning!

SUPPLIERS

First and foremost, let me be very clear that the supplier’s list provided here is a courtesy to you, so that it is easier for you to find the ingredients and make the product. I am not associated with them, nor do I benefit in any way if you purchase from any of the companies listed. Please feel free to find ingredients elsewhere if you like. The ingredients that I have used since I started my formulation journey were purchased by me, and a few were given to me by my close formulator friends.