As I mentioned in a previous entry in this series, Sepimax ZEN (INCI: Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6) is a pre-neutralized gellant we can use to incorporate things that other gels can't handle, like electrolytes and surfactants as well as lower pH ranges to incorporate ingredients like AHAs. It can also incorporate oils, so you can make a gelled serum or moisturizer.

Let's take a look at making a simple aloe & rose water gel with aloe vera using Sepimax ZEN. You could use this as a toner to apply, then wipe off, or as an oil-free moisturizing gel.

I love aloe vera at 10% in any kind of moisturizing gel as it offers some film forming and hydrating properties, two things that help moisturize our skin without oils. I'll add some rose water (rose hydrosol or rose floral water) at 10% to offer more hydrating power as well as a lovely fragrance. I'm a huge fan of allantoin as a film former at 0.5% in the slightly heated water phase to act as a barrier protectant and skin softener, and I think we should add panthenol at 2% to act as a humectant and help improve skin's hydration. and wound healer. (I'm using the liquid, but you could use the powder.)
ROSE & ALOE MOISTURIZING GEL WITH SEPIMAX ZEN
SLIGHTLY HEATED WATER PHASE
74% distilled water
10% aloe vera
10% rose water
2% panthenol
0.5% allantoin
0.5% liquid Germall Plus

ZEN PHASE
3% Sepimax ZEN

Using room temperature or slightly above room temperature water, add the ingredients in the slightly heated water ph...