Gelling agents are used as thickeners or often to stabilize emulsions by trapping small fat droplets in the water phase, thereby preventing their coalescence or general "creaming."
Sepimax Zen provides excellent stabilization and can hold fat droplets and even particles (e.g., earths, pigments, glitter, beads, etc.) in place, so to speak. Even the smallest amounts, such as 0.1%, increase the stability of an emulsion, although no noticeable consistency is achieved at this level. Furthermore, Sepimax Zen tolerates high amounts of electrolytes and acids, which are often problematic for gelling agents and emulsifiers and cause emulsions to become unstable quickly. It is therefore the ideal gelling agent for stabilizing challenging or extreme emulsions, even across a wide pH range. This is interesting, for example, for fruit acid creams or serums.
Sepimax Zen is a gelling agent of synthetic origin (only 3% natural content) that is nevertheless degradable and is not classified as microplastic. Its name is derived from its maximum electrolyte tolerance and the serenity it brings to formulating, because almost any recipe can succeed with it and a multitude of ingredients can be used without problems. It is even perfectly suited for formulations with a high alcohol content. This makes it effortless to produce disinfectant gels with alcohol.
Gels produced using Sepimax Zen are water-clear and have a high consistency; they feel rich at first, then very fresh and aqueous upon application, leaving behind a noticeable yet light, velvety film on the skin. In emulsions, they give the end product a certain body, which leads to a creamy, melting experience upon application and provides a long "play-time" on the skin. Sepimax Zen can therefore also be used together with other gelling agents to improve the product experience and give products a luxurious character.
It is possible to produce gels that are as firm as a paste (at an application concentration of around 1.5%), yet always with a certain "wobbly" character, and due to the good stabilizing effect, a few air bubbles will always remain trapped.
At a medium application concentration (around 1%), consistent yet flowable gels with a silky texture are created, perfect for serums, lotions, or exfoliating products (stabilizes exfoliating particles).
At low application concentrations (up to 0.5%), liquid gels are possible that are even sprayable while still providing good stability; interesting, for example, for spray-on lotions or for stabilizing fine glitter pigments in a gel.
Sepimax Zen possesses an excellent stabilizing effect in emulsions. Even 0.8% is sufficient to bind 15% oil entirely without an emulsifier (MCT oil/mineral oil), completely emulsifier-free.
It can also be used to thicken surfactant formulations. It also has a texturizing effect and improves foam density and stability. For this purpose, it can certainly be dosed somewhat higher (e.g., 1.5 – 2%).
Sepimax Zen has a slightly less emulsifying effect than Sepinov WEO but provides more tolerance towards critical ingredients. It is therefore sometimes sensible to combine several gelling agents to balance out pros and cons. Moreover, this allows for the creation of interesting, novel consistencies, textures, and product experiences.
Unlike other gelling agents, Sepimax Zen should not be dispersed in glycols or alcohol, but simply in the oil phase. However, it should not be heated for long with it, but rather added at the end to the liquid oil phase, which is then added to the water phase.
