Lecigel

Description

INCI: Sodium Acrylates Copolymer (and) Lecithin
Recommended concentration: 0.1-2%
As a stabilizer: 0.2% and above, as a thickener: 0.5% and above, as an emulsifier: 0.5% and above
Recommended pH: 4-10

Lecigel™ is an optimized combination of polymers and lecithin designed as an easy-to-use solution – a gelling-emulsifying agent for creating highly sensory textures with a unique signature: a light and soft feel on the skin with an extraordinary refreshing sensation! It is very versatile, suitable for cold and hot processes, and can be used as a gelling agent, emulsifier, end-of-process viscosity regulator or stabilizer . Lecigel™ has been shown to stimulate positive emotions and offer a real moment of pleasure, while studies have also shown that Lecigel™ formulas reduce skin temperature due to their refreshing gel-cream texture!

Working with Lecigel:

• A Lecigel™ gel is well-made when its surface is smooth and shiny, without any powder particles.
• Hot/cold, oil phase or water phase, end of formula, direct or indirect process.
• Water gel: Sprinkle Lecigel™ into the water phase while stirring. The faster the stirring, the faster the gel development.
• Gel cream and emulsion: Can be added to the water phase, to the oil phase and also at the end of the formula (if Lecigel™ is not the only emulsifier).
• An emulsion can be made using a direct process (the oil phase is introduced into the water phase) or an indirect process (the water phase is introduced into the oil phase).

Incompatible: Caprylhydroxamicacid – significant change in odor during aging

Cetrimoniumchloride – formation of white lumps

Tips & Tricks

• To improve the final stability, it is desirable to introduce potentially destabilizing agents (such as electrolytes, ethanol…) after the gelling agent has fully developed.
• The percentage can be greatly increased if Lecigel™ is used at extreme pH or if there is the addition of destabilizing agents such as electrolytes or alcohol. In this specific case, it is mandatory to adapt the production process of Lecigel™ with the addition in two steps (before and after the destabilizing ingredients).
• In case of oxidation of the formula, it is recommended to add a chelating agent and/or antioxidant.
• Lecigel™ is not sensitive to rotational speed, but the use of high-speed tools (rotor-stator homogenizer) can be complicated when Lecigel™ is used at its maximum % usage, due to its very high viscosity.
• To optimize the cooling effect of Lecigel™, choose a Lecigel™ amount around 1.5% – Limit glycols and glycerin to 10% – Limit the amount of oil phase to 15% – Limit the amount of fatty acids or fatty alcohols as much as possible – Butters or volatile oils do not affect the cooling effect – Lecigel™ is compatible with alcohol, menthol and menthyl lactate, it is technically possible to combine these cooling agents, but the skin tolerance will change. Lecigel™ can emulsify menthol itself.