Oleogels & what makes them special
by Andrea Oismueller
Oleogels are semi-solid gels. They have a consistency that can be handled like a cream but remains (mostly) free of water. Oleogels are hydrophobic, meaning they tend to repel water.
Modern oleogels have treatment properties that come very close to rich water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions. Since they contain little or no water, they do not need preservatives. With moderate dosage, occlusive conditions that could impair the skin’s regeneration can be avoided.
dermaviduals® oleogels do not contain emulsifiers so they do not create the wash-out effect that other products with water do when used on the skin. An important application area is dry skin prone to neurodermatitis, ichthyosis, and similar disorders.
Solid to semi-liquid oleogels made from vegetable oils are well suited for massage around the eyes, décolleté, or on the feet. Substances such as phosphatidylcholine, which is penetration-enhancing and has regenerative properties, are used in the formulation of dermaviduals® oleogels. Oily shine and greasy feeling are significantly reduced.
From dermaviduals® Handbook
Oleogel K
Care for the sensitive skin of babies and kids. Skin care for face, body, hands, and diaper area
Composition
Among others, Oleogel K contains essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, barrier stabilizing phytosterols, urea in low dosage, bisabolol (one of the active agents of chamomile), and vitamin E in an ointment base free of water. The product penetrates rapidly due to the content of natural phosphatidylcholine.
Properties
Oleogel K effectively provides the sensitive skin of babies and kids with lipids. The essential fatty acids and bisabolol support the prevention of inflammatory skin reactions. Urea (low dosage) inhibits itching without irritation. All you need is a small amount for the applications.
Application
Oleogel K is applied as needed. In combination with fatty oils like avocado oil the product can be applied for massage purposes and for pedicure applications.
Tip
You can use the dermaviduals® 100% Avocado Oil as a cleanser when needed on babies. It does not damage the skin barrier when cleansing is necessary multiple times a day. It has a high percentage of phytosterols as well as vitamin A, D, and E.
Oleogel N
Skin care for barrier disordered and atopic skin
Composition
Oleogel N contains vegetable oils, barrier substances, urea and evening primrose oil in a water free ointment base. The product penetrates quickly due to the content of natural phosphatidylcholine.
Properties
Oleogel N effectively provides dry and/or atopic skin with lipids. The essential gamma-linolenic acid is used to support the prevention of inflammatory skin reactions − especially in case of δ (delta6) –desaturase deficiency. Urea has an anti-itching effect. All you need is to apply a small amount.
Application
Oleogel N is used preferably in the evening and thoroughly spread onto the skin areas. In combination with fatty oils like avocado oil, the product can be applied for massage purposes and for pedicure applications, podology.
Use Oleogel R for skin that is prone to rosacea
Oleogel Plus
Composition
Oleogel Plus contains high-quality skin care oils of plant origin which penetrate very fast due to their combination with natural membrane components.
Properties
Oleogel Plus is free of water and thus can be bottled free of preservatives. Oleogels are used for the care and protection of the extremely dry skin. Special fields of applications are: lip care, occupational skin protection (at the work place), eye contour care and supportive protection from endogenously caused skin lesions. Oleogel Plus is also recommended for the perianal skin care. Oleogel Plus is thixotropic which means that it liquefies when applied to the skin. As it is virtually free of water, its active caring agents are highly concentrated which means that only small amounts will be needed. If soft crystals occur in the product, they do not affect the quality.
Application
Oleogel Plus is thoroughly spread onto the dehydrated skin areas. Oleogel Plus can be used as cold protection for the lips. In combination with fatty oils like avocado oil the product can be applied for massage purposes and for pedicure applications, podology.
Oleogel R
For the care of sensitive facial skin
Composition
Oleogel R contains vegetable oils, barrier protecting substances and azelaic acid, betulinic acid, Urea, frankincense extract, zinc salt and evening primrose oil in an ointment base free of water. The product penetrates very fast due to the content of natural phosphatidylcholine.
Properties
Oleogel R is designed for the care of sensitive facial skin. Often high dosages of lipids are wanted in this case. However, the use of lipid-rich skin care products can be counterproductive - especially if anaerobic germs are present. Oleogel R possesses maximal lipid content without this disadvantage. Essential gamma linolenic acid, azelaic acid, boswellic acids and betulinic acid serve the supporting prevention of inflammatory skin reactions. Urea shows an anti-itching effect, and zinc PCA additional antimicrobial activity. Very small amounts of the product are sufficient to use because Oleogel R has a three to fourfold efficacy to that of an emulsion.
Application
Oleogel R is preferably used in the evening because of the content of essential fatty acids. In combination with fatty oils like avocado oil the product can be applied for massage purposes.