Gelling Essentials
COSMOS Approved
Palm-Free · 100% Natural
Sapragel
Natural Oil Gelling System
Glycerin · Aqua · Quillaja Saponaria Wood Extract · Saponaria Officinalis Extract
$13.95
/ 5 oz · $2.79/oz
Select size
Qty
1
20–25%
Use level
≤5%
Max water
Cold
Processable
100%
Natural origin
About this ingredient
Sapragel is a 100% plant-derived, palm-free oil gelling system designed to transform liquid oils into smooth, cushiony gel textures — similar to what you'd expect from lanolin or petroleum jelly, but created strictly from natural, vegan ingredients.
These botanical extracts contain natural saponins from the Soapbark tree and Soapwort plant that interact with oils to build a gel network, creating unique, stable textures that are difficult to achieve with oils alone.
INCI & classification
| Component | Source | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Glycerin | Plant-derived | Humectant, solvent |
| Aqua | — | Carrier |
| Quillaja Saponaria Wood Extract | Soapbark tree | Natural saponin gelling agent |
| Saponaria Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract | Soapwort plant | Natural saponin thickener |
Core benefits
Gels oils & buttersWax-free texture
Variable texture — honey to thick balmCold processable
100% natural originPalm-free
COSMOS approvedNATRUE approved
VeganAnti-inflammatory
Anti-fungal (scalp/hair)Preservative-free compatible
Physical properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Form | Liquid gelling agent |
| Solubility | Vegetable oils, esters, hydrocarbons, butters |
| Maximum water phase | ≤5% (up to 4% recommended) |
| Processing | Cold process or heated |
| Surfactant compatibility | Not compatible with most surfactants |
| Enzyme compatibility | Yes — not susceptible to enzyme degradation |
| Acid compatibility | Yes — acids can be incorporated |
| Preservation | Normally not required — low water activity · high glycerin content |
| Best oils for transparency | Squalane, CCT, IPM, mineral oil (non-polar) |
| Certifications | COSMOS approved · NATRUE approved · 100% natural · Palm-free · Vegan |
Simple starting formula
Simple gel — oily texture
Sapragel20.00%
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (CCT)79.50%
Fragrance / essential oil0.50%
Recommended usage
| Application | Usage Rate |
|---|---|
| Oily gel texture | 20–25% |
| Creamy texture (add up to 5% water) | 20–25% |
| Lip balms and body balms | 20–25% |
| Hair and beard balms | 20–25% |
| Balm cleansers | 20–25% |
| Scrubs and face masks | 20–25% |
Formulation tips
- Shake or stir well before use — natural separation may occur
- Slowly incorporate into oils while mixing continuously — gradually increase oil as mixture thickens
- Best for polar oils — high levels of non-polar oils can result in poor pickup and instability
- For transparent gels use non-polar oils such as Squalane, CCT, IPM, or mineral oil
- Can use up to 60% low melting point waxes (butters) and up to 5% high melting point waxes
- Not compatible with most surfactants — do not combine in surfactant-heavy systems
- If preservative required, potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are a compatible combination
- Plant powders and starches are fully compatible
- Intended use: Our products are provided for the exclusive purpose of creating external cosmetic and personal care formulations. They are not intended for internal use.
- Creator's liability: INCI VAULT is a supplier of ingredients and is not responsible for the final products you create. The responsibility for ensuring product safety, stability, and regulatory compliance rests entirely with you. This includes conducting thorough testing of all formulas.
- Professional guidance: If you do not have an advanced background in cosmetic science, we advise seeking the guidance of a professional formulator or chemist.
- FDA statement: The information and statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
$13.95
/ 5 oz · $2.79/oz
Select size
Qty
1
Transforms oils into smooth gel textures — no wax required
100% natural · COSMOS approved · NATRUE approved · palm-free
Cold processable · normally no preservative required
Quick specs
INCI nameGlycerin, Aqua, Quillaja Extract
FormLiquid gelling agent
Use level20–25%
Max water phase≤5%
ProcessingCold or hot
Surfactant compatibleNo
Preservative neededNormally no
COSMOS Approved
NATRUE Approved
Palm-Free
Vegan
Common cosmetic formulation uses
Sapragel is a 100% plant-derived, palm-free oil gelling system that transforms liquid oils into smooth, cushiony balm textures using natural saponins from the Soapbark tree and Soapwort plant. Cold processable, COSMOS approved, and normally requires no preservative.
- Lip balms, body balms, balm cleansers (20–25%)
- Hair and beard balms
- Scrubs — sugar and salt scrubs
- Face masks and concentrated skin serums
- Creates variable textures — from honey to thick balm
- Ideal for polar oils · not compatible with most surfactants
- COSMOS approved · NATRUE approved · 100% natural · palm-free · vegan
- Normally no preservative required
Product FAQ
| Is Sapragel compatible with surfactants?Sapragel is not compatible with most surfactants. |
| Is Sapragel compatible with enzymes?Yes — Sapragel is not susceptible to degradation by enzymes. |
| Is Sapragel compatible with acids?Yes — acids can be incorporated into balms made with Sapragel. |
| Which oils are compatible with Sapragel?Sapragel is ideal for gelling polar oils. High levels of non-polar oils can result in poor pickup and instability. |
| Can Sapragel be used in haircare?Yes — Quillaja saponins have anti-inflammatory properties and are gentle on the scalp and hair. They also have anti-fungal and hair growth stimulating properties, suitable for shampoos and hair-loss treatments. |
| Do Sapragel gels need to be preserved?Normally no. The maximum recommended water phase is 4%, and the high glycerin content lowers water activity. If required, potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are compatible. |
| What powders can be used with Sapragel?Plant powders and starches are fully compatible. |
| How much wax can be used with Sapragel?Up to 60% of low melting point waxes (butters) and up to 5% of high melting point waxes. |
| Which oils give the best transparency?Non-polar oils like Squalane, CCT, IPM, and mineral oil give the best transparency. Opaque or translucent gels are obtained with waxes and polar oils. |
| What is Sapragel used for?Used to transform liquid oils into smooth balm textures in lip balms, body balms, balm cleansers, hair balms, scrubs, and face masks. Cold processable, palm-free, and COSMOS approved. |
Formulator note
Note: Shake or stir well before use. Slowly incorporate into oils while mixing continuously. Not compatible with most surfactants. For transparent gels use non-polar oils (Squalane, CCT, IPM). If preservative required, potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are compatible. Plant powders and starches are fully compatible.
