Kelcogel CG-HA Gellan Gum, 10 g

Kelcogel CG-HA Gellan Gum is a cosmetic-grade gellan gum obtained by fermentation, which works in a formulation as a thickener and stabiliser. In the water phase, even at a very low usage rate, it forms so-called fluid gels that keep dispersed particles evenly distributed throughout the whole volume of the product. At a higher usage rate it forms soft, elastic gels for adjusting texture or for creating cosmetic films.

It is most often used for stabilising emulsions and suspensions in shampoos, lotions, creams or sun care products. The finished gel tolerates a wide pH range and the presence of anionic, amphoteric and non-ionic surfactants, so it can be used in both leave-on and rinse-off products.

Key benefits

• Fluid gels at a low usage rate – from as little as 0.025–0.1%, a structure forms that pours like a liquid yet prevents dispersed particles from settling.
• Soft elastic gels – at a higher concentration it forms flexible, opaque gels for adjusting texture or for insoluble cosmetic films.
• Heat stability – the gels set and melt only at 70–90 °C, so they do not melt at normal temperatures.
• Wide pH range – the recommended pH range of the formulation is 3.5–10.
• Compatibility with surfactants – it works in the presence of anionic, amphoteric and non-ionic surfactants, so it is suitable for shampoos and shower gels.
• Adjustable strength – the strength of the gel is controlled by the amount of gum and the concentration of ions in the system, not just by the usage rate.
• Combinability – it can be combined with most other rheology modifiers to fine-tune viscosity and texture.

Preparing the gel

The powder is sprinkled into deionised water while stirring continuously so that it disperses evenly and does not form lumps. The dispersion is then heated to 70–90 °C. After heating, ions are added; both monovalent and divalent ions can be used: potassium, sodium, calcium or magnesium. The gel sets as it cools. A low concentration gives a fluid gel, a higher concentration gives a soft elastic gel.

The manufacturer’s model procedure assumes deionised water. If you use a different water, check the resulting gel strength on a test sample.

Use in a formulation

It belongs in the water phase. In emulsions it is hydrated before emulsification and, once cooled, helps to prevent phase separation, which is used in lotions, creams and sun care products. In shampoos and shower gels it keeps solid particles in suspension and is compatible with common cleansing surfactants. In toothpastes it acts as a thickener and stabiliser.

Indicative usage rate: fluid gels for stabilising suspensions 0.025–0.1%, a gel structure forms from as little as 0.05%. Higher usage rates lead to soft elastic gels, and the resulting texture should be tested in your specific recipe.

Suitable for products such as

• Shampoos and hair care – stabilising suspensions and adjusting texture in the presence of surfactants.
• Lotions and creams – emulsion stabilisation.
• Sun care products – keeping dispersed ingredients evenly distributed.
• Shower and bath products – suspending solid particles.
• Toothpastes – thickener and stabiliser in dental products.
• Cosmetic films – forming films that do not dissolve once formed.

Good to know

Gels made with Kelcogel CG-HA are opaque. They are not suitable for a clear serum or a clear gel; for those, choose a different type of thickener.

Because the strength depends on ions, any addition of salts, electrolytes or ionic active ingredients after the gel is prepared may change the texture. Add such ingredients already at the test sample stage and check stability in the finished formulation.

A water-based gel requires preservation like any product with a high water content. It is advisable to check the compatibility of the specific preservative.

The raw material contains no materials of animal origin, is GMO-free and has kosher and halal approval.

Frequently asked questions