64 TEXTURES


of gels structured with the optimized synergistic complex. Panellists consistently report an immediate


‘water-release’ sensation during application. The gel breaks cleanly, releasing a burst of freshness that spreads smoothly across the skin. When benchmarked against a carbomer gel, the SIG-structured gel is described as non-stringy, non-tacky, fresh and lightweight, easy to spread with controlled glide. Importantly, these attributes are accompanied by high translucency and a well- defined firmness, which together convey a sense of precision during application. In other words, the sensorial profile is almost


identical to high-performance synthetic gels, while maintaining the advantages of a naturally derived polymer system.


Formulation versatility and processing benefits Beyond performance and sensory attributes, practical processing considerations play an important role in ingredient adoption. The modified polysaccharide complex disperses


directly in water without requiring pre-mixes or specialized hydration procedures. This simplifies manufacturing and reduces formulation steps. The material can be processed both cold and hot, and it integrates easily with commonly used preservative systems, humectants, and co-solvents. With this single gelling platform, formulators


can create transparent aqueous serums, fresh hydrogels, fluid gel-cream emulsions, highly viscous gels or even hydrogel patches or masks. Such versatility supports portfolio simplification, allowing brands to maintain a consistent sensorial identity across multiple product formats while relying on a single gelling technology.


Sustainability and regulatory alignment Performance alone is no longer sufficient for a new cosmetic raw material. Sustainability and regulatory acceptance have become equally important considerations. The optimized SIG approach relies exclusively


on polysaccharides of natural origin, produced through a solvent-free manufacturing process designed to minimize environmental impact. The resulting material is readily biodegradable and compatible with major natural certification frameworks used in the cosmetics industry. Standard safety evaluations—including irritation, sensitization, and mutagenicity assessments—indicate no safety concerns under normal conditions of cosmetic use. For global brands operating across multiple regulatory environments, this combination of natural sourcing, clean processing, and robust safety data simplifies ingredient approval and integration into international product lines.


Applications across modern skin care formats The practical benefits of this technology extend across a wide range of high-value applications. In gel serums, the engineered SIG network creates a chassis that feels firm in the bottle yet


PERSONAL CARE MAGAZINE May 2026


Sensorial evaluation Optimized SIG Gellant ■ Synthetic Competitor (Carbomer) ■


Shine Stickiness Oiliness


10 8 6 4 2 0


Penetrating Translucent


Firmness


Stringy


Slippery Freshness


Figure 3: Sensorial profile of a gel thickener by the optimized SIG versus a key sensorial benchmark, a carbomer


breaks instantly during application, delivering freshness without stickiness even in humectant- rich systems. In weightless gel-creams, the gel provides


structure and cohesion to the aqueous phase, allowing emulsifier levels to be minimized while maintaining long-term stability and a cushiony finish. In emulsion, the gel provides structure and


stability to overall system, while providing a unique sensorial signature. In toners and essences, extremely low


concentrations introduce a subtle viscosity that prevents dripping while maintaining the desired watery character. In suncare emulsions, the system contributes


both to emulsion stability and to the suspension of mineral or organic UV filters, supporting elegant spreading and improved sensory perception.


Rethinking the natural versus synthetic divide Perhaps the most interesting milestone of this innovation lies in how it reframes the long-standing debate between natural and synthetic ingredients. For many years, the industry treated these two


categories as fundamentally opposed: natural polymers for sustainability claims, synthetic polymers for high performance and superior sensory attributes. Advances in optimized polymer-polymer interaction design suggest that this differentiation may no longer be necessary. By focusing on network architecture rather than simply ingredient origin, it becomes possible


to create materials that retain the advantages of renewable polysaccharides while approaching the rheological and sensorial characteristics that once made carbomers the gold standard. This shift opens a much broader formulation


space for laboratories seeking to reduce reliance on synthetic polymers without compromising consumer experience.


Conclusion The optimization of synergistic interaction gel technology represents a significant advance in the design of natural thickening systems for personal care applications. By engineering interactions between carefully


selected and modified polysaccharides, it becomes possible to construct a robust hydrogel network capable of delivering high thickening efficiency, electrolyte tolerance, emulsion stabilization, and a quick-break sensorial profile comparable to synthetic benchmarks. This approach illustrates how precise and


technical design at the polymer interaction level can overcome the historical limitations associated with natural gums, thanks to the unique expertise of PolymerExpert, which is part of Solabia Group, a pioneer in the development of natural polymers. This technology, commercialized as ViscoPure®,


offers formulators a new pathway to reconcile high sensory performance with naturally derived materials. Such innovations broaden the formulation toolbox available to cosmetic scientists seeking sustainable yet high-performing texture solutions.


Thickness


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