Home Cosmetic Science Talk Formulating Advanced Questions Visible white cast in creams

  • Visible white cast in creams

    Posted by Dr_Manish_Kumar on July 3, 2025 at 8:56 am

    When I conduct formulation trials for creams, I notice that Glyceryl Monostearate (GMS), Cetostearyl Alcohol (CSA), and Emulsifying Wax tend to leave a visible white cast on the skin upon gentle rubbing, and they are not fully absorbed.

    To address this, I replaced these solid emulsifiers with Tween 80 and PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate (both liquid emulsifiers). This change eliminated the white cast and improved absorption, but the resulting cream has a viscous liquid texture rather than a semi-solid, creamy consistency.

    What ingredients can I add to achieve a semi-solid, creamy texture without reintroducing the white cast issue?

    Dr_Manish_Kumar replied 3 weeks, 1 day ago 2 Members · 3 Replies
  • 3 Replies
  • Graillotion

    Member
    July 3, 2025 at 2:56 pm

    Assume you are talking about ‘soaping’. If so… dimethicone will typically fix that concern in a snap.

    Soaping has multiple sources….and there are many potential fixes/helpers. But dimethicone is typically the best.

    Make sure you are not using too much emulsifier, as this is one of the root causes. I’ll try and find an old thread on the topic for you to read. Had you used the search bar…you would have found numerous conversations of the topic. 😉

    • Dr_Manish_Kumar

      Professional Chemist / Formulator
      July 4, 2025 at 11:18 am

      Thanks for suggestion..I will try Dimethicone..once again thanks for prompt reply

  • Graillotion

    Member
    July 3, 2025 at 3:00 pm

    Take a read on this old thread.

    Thinking outside the box on soaping. - Chemists Corner

    I have even heard (cannot confirm…as I automatically put dimethicone in everything), that using Triethyl citrate as part of your emollient package…will even help with this issue, all the while, enhancing the product.

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