[missmorganlang]

Whenever I used HEC in my water based formulas (serums, cleansers…etc) I will take a portion of the water (usually about 10-15% of total water) and heat it to 60C on a hot stir plate. When the water gets to about 50C I’ll add all the HEC to it.  When it hits 60C the HEC absorbs like lighting into the water and forms a jelly type substance.  Depending on your HEC/water ratio the jelly will be thicker or thinner.  After I’m done formulating everything, I’ll add that HEC jelly back into the formula while I’m mixing (high shear mixer like Silvers) after everything else (mix for about 4-5 minutes) and before any surfactants.  My typical HEC usage is between 0.2% and 0.7%.   Your 1.5% seems super high.

[missmorganlang]

Try using Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) as your gelling agent.  Use at between .2% to .5%.  Prehydrate it using about 10-20% of the total amount of your water at 60C and then add it back into the mix right before you blend.