Formulators! What do you think of this curl gel formula?

Tagged: AcrylatesCopolymer, AloeVeraExtract, AntiFrizzSolution, BeautyFormulationReview, ccurlyhair, CleanBeauty, CleanBeautyFormulator, CosmeticChemist, CosmeticFormulation, CosmeticScience, CurlDefinition, curls, curly, curlygel, CurlyHairCare, CurlyHairHydration, CurlyHairInnovation, CurlyHairProduct, CurlyHairProducts, CurlyHairRoutine, DefinedCurls, DisodiumEDTA, DIYHairCare, EcoFriendlyFormula, FeedbackRequest, FilmFormingPolymer, FormulationHelp, FormulatorsCommunity, FrizzControl, glycerin, HairCareInnovation, HairGelFormulation, HairLab, humectants, HydratingHairCare, hydroxyethylcellulose, INCIbasedFormulation, IndieHairBrand, LeaveInRoutine, LeaveInThenGel, LightHold, MoisturizingGel, NaturalCurls, NoCrunchGel, NoOils, NoSilicones, OilFreeFormula, panthenol, pHAdjustment, phenoxyethanol, Polyquaternium10, PreservativeSystem, ProfessionalFormulation, SodiumBenzoate, SoftHoldGel, sorbitol, VeganHairCare, WeightlessDefinition

Formulating

Formulators! What do you think of this curl gel formula?

Posted by hadylhgn on July 23, 2025 at 7:08 am
Hi,
I would really appreciate your expert feedback on this gel formula I developed for curly hair (types 2C to 4A).

It is intended to be used after a leave-in cream that already contains oils, which is why this gel is completely oil-free. My goal is to provide light hold, frizz control, and hydration without a greasy or crunchy effect.

The formula uses AquaStyle SH-100 (Acrylates Copolymer) as the main styling polymer, combined with moisturizing agents like Sorbitol, Glycerin, Aloe Vera Extract, and Panthenol. The texture is adjusted with Hydroxyethylcellulose, and the preservative system includes Phenoxyethanol and Sodium Benzoate.

However, if AquaStyle SH-100 is not available, I’m considering replacing it with more accessible options like VP/VA Copolymer or neutralized Carbomer, to maintain a light film and gel structure.

I would love to hear your thoughts on:

The balance between hydration and hold

The effectiveness and compatibility of the preservative system

Whether I should add Disodium EDTA to improve preservation and formula stability

Suitable alternatives to AquaStyle SH-100 that still provide soft curl definition without build-up

The overall performance and feel of the product on curly hair

Thank you in advance for your time and insights!

Formula – Curl Defining Gel (Oil-Free, Light Hold, Moisturizing)

Phase A

Aqua (Water) – q.s. to 100% – Solvent / Base

Polyquaternium-10 – 0.3% – Film-former, light conditioning, anti-frizz

Sorbitol – 2.0% – Humectant

Glycerin – 1.0% – Moisturizing humectant

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (10x concentrate) – 1.0% – Moisturizing, soothing

Panthenol – 1.0% – Pro-vitamin B5, shine and strength

Hydroxyethylcellulose – 0.4% – Thickener, gel texture stabilizer

Acrylates Copolymer (AquaStyle SH-100) – 4.0% – Film-forming polymer for curl definition

Phenoxyethanol – 0.6% – Preservative

Sodium Benzoate – 0.2% – Co-preservative

Parfum (Fragrance) – 0.3–0.5% – Optional, allergen-free

Citric Acid (20% solution) – q.s. to pH 5.2 – pH adjuster
- This discussion was modified 2 hours, 53 minutes ago by Perry44.
hadylhgn replied 8 hours, 8 minutes ago 1 Member · 0 Replies
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