News Letter

Today’s skincare market is seeing a steady rise in serums packed with high levels of water-soluble actives such as niacinamide, vitamin derivatives, and hyaluronic acid. While these formulas deliver enhanced efficacy, they often come with sensory challenges—stickiness, drag, and a heavy after-feel.

What if you could keep the actives high, but make the feel light, smooth, and fresh?
Meet SFGEL-AQUA, a water-dispersible, silicone-free elastomer designed to do just that.

Why SFGEL-AQUA?

1) Water-Dispersible Elastomer for Easy Formulation
Despite its high oil content, SFGEL-AQUA disperses directly into the water phase without requiring a separate oil phase. No heating or additional oil-phase preparation is needed, making it ideal for cold-process formulations and simplifying the development of a wide range of skincare products.

2) Better Sensory Feel, Even with High Active Loads
High levels of water-soluble actives can often lead to stickiness and drag during application. SFGEL-AQUA helps minimize these unwanted sensations, delivering a smoother, more effortless glide. It maintains a fresh, hydrated feel while creating an even structure on the skin for improved playtime and a clean, refreshing finish.

3) A Natural, Healthy-Looking Glow
SFGEL-AQUA combines oils and natural polymers to create a uniform moisturizing film that leaves skin feeling soft and comfortable even after drying. By smoothing the skin surface and enhancing natural light reflection, it creates a subtle, healthy-looking glow—without the greasy shine.

Evaluation

- Stickiness Reduction
When SFGEL-AQUA was added to a serum with a high concentration of actives, it significantly reduced stickiness after application, delivering a cleaner and more comfortable skin feel.

- Smooth Spreading
SFGEL-AQUA forms a uniform film on the skin, reducing drag during application and providing a smooth, even glide.

Recommended Applications

- High Active Serum
- Ampoule
- Water-Based Essence
- Silicone-Free Formulations

[Technical Q&A] Researchers Ask, Sunjin Answers

We’ve put together practical formulation tips based on the questions we hear most often from formulators.

Q1. What is the recommended use level of SFGEL-AQUA?
A: For typical water-based essences and serums, we recommend a use level of 3–5%.

Q2. Is SFGEL-AQUA suitable for cold processing?
A: Yes. SFGEL-AQUA is cold-process compatible. It also remains highly stable with minimal changes in appearance, even when heated above 80°C.

Q3. When should SFGEL-AQUA be added during formulation?
A: : It can be added at any stage of the water phase. For more uniform dispersion, however, we recommend pre-dispersing it in the water phase before proceeding with the formulation.

Q4. Can SFGEL-AQUA be used with other thickeners?
A: Yes. Compatibility tests with commonly used water-phase thickeners, including Carbomer and Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, showed stable viscosity under both room-temperature and high-temperature storage conditions.

Q5. Can SFGEL-AQUA be used in silicone-free formulations?
A: Absolutely. As a silicone-free elastomer, SFGEL-AQUA delivers a smooth glide and fresh finish without silicone, making it ideal for a wide range of skincare formulations, including serums and essences.

Keep the Actives High. Keep the Feel Light.

SFGEL-AQUA maintains the fresh hydration of a serum while reducing stickiness and delivering a smooth, effortless glide—taking the sensory experience to the next level.

For more detailed formulation guidelines and application examples, please feel free to contact us.