Sapogel® Q

Glycerin, Aqua, Quillaja saponaria Wood Extract, Saponaria officinalis Leaf/Root Extract
Yellow balm spread on a light orange background

Sapogel® Q is a completely natural solution to gelling oils and butters to make rich smooth balm textures.

It is particularly suited to gelling vegetable oils (triglycerides), but most non polar materials can be gelled including silicones and esters. In addition, Sapogel® Q can be used with butters to create rich gel textures without crystals forming. Virtually transparent or semi-transparent gels can be formed.

  • 100% natural origin
  • NATRUE approved
  • Palm free
  • COSMOS Approved
  • Enables the creation of palm-free balm textures without wax
  • Creates variable textures from honey to thick balms
  • Cold process manufacturing

Perfect for use in a wide range of balm applications:

  • Lip balms
  • Balm cleansers
  • Body balms
  • Scrubs, including sugar and salt
  • Face masks
  • Concentrated skin serums and creams
  • Hair/beard balms

Sapogel® Q Accreditations

Cosmos approved logo
Natrue approved logo
Vegan Society Logo

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How to use

How to make a rich balm texture with Sapogel® Q
How to make Vanilla Body Balm using Sapogel® Q
Formulation Idea - Solid cleanser made with Sapogel® Q for effective make-up removal
Formulation Idea - CBD Balm with Sapogel® Q
Formulation Idea - Baby Massage Balm

Questions & answers

Q: Is Sapogel® Q compatible with surfactants?

A: Sapogel® Q is not compatible with most surfactants.

Q: Is Sapogel® Q compatible with enzymes?

A: Yes. Sapogel® Q is not susceptible to degradation by enzymes.

Q: Is Sapogel® Q compatible with acids?

A: Yes. Acids can be incorporated into the balms.

Q: Which oils are compatible with Sapogel® Q?

A: Sapogel® Q is ideal for gelling polar oils. High levels of non-polar oils in a gel made with Sapogel® Q can result in poor pick up and instability.

Q: Can Sapogel® Q be used in Haircare?

A: According to scientific literature, Quillaja saponins have good anti-inflammatory properties and as a milder surfactant are gentle with the scalp and hair. They also have anti-fungal and hair growth stimulating properties, and can be used in shampoos and hair-loss treatments.

Q: Is Sapogel® Q suitable for food application?

A: All the constituents of the blends can be ingested. Please contact us for more information.

Q: Do Sapogel® Q gels need to be preserved?

A: Gels/Balms made with Sapogel® Q normally have a low water content. Indeed, the maximum water phase we recommend in a balm is 4%. Additionally, Sapoge®l Q contains a high level of glycerine which protects it from contamination with micro-organisms by lowering the water activity. As such they normally don't need preservation, but potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are a compatible combination if a preservative is a requirement.

Q: What powders can be used with the Sapogel® Q?

A: Plant powders and starches are fully compatible with Sapogel® Q.

Q: Are gels made with Sapogel® Q susceptible to vacuum?

A: We would recommend applying any vacuum gradually and not reducing the pressure to below 400mB.

Q: How much wax is it possible to use with Sapogel® Q?

A: Sapogel® Q can be used with up to 60% of low melting point waxes likes butters and up to 5% of high melting point waxes.

Q: Which oils are best for creating an opaque or transparent system?

A: The best transparency is achieved with non-polar oils like Squalane, CCT, IPM and Mineral Oil. Opaque/translucent gels are obtained with waxes and polar oils.

Technical Documents

Access technical documents and information (i.e. TDS, PIP).