Lubrajel™: Customize Your First Hydration Touch

Ashland’s Lubrajel™ hydrogel series offers a solution designed for this need.
These hydrogels help encapsulate water and moisturizing agents, then gradually release hydration when applied onto the skin, creating a balanced and comfortable sensory experience.

Below are the three key members of the Lubrajel™ family:

1. Lubrajel™ Oil

INCI: Glycerin, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, PVM/MA Copolymer

Ideal Applications

Hydrating serums, lightweight men’s lotions, silicone-free primers.

Common Formulation Challenge

Many oil-free or anti-aging serums rely heavily on hyaluronic acid or thick polymers for hydration, which can create drag during application. Traditionally, silicones were added to improve slip, but today’s consumers increasingly prefer lighter and less occlusive alternatives.

Sensory Experience

Although the name contains “Oil,” this is actually a 100% water-based hydrogel. It provides excellent slip and smooth spreadability with a lightweight after-feel. Sensory panel testing showed that it can fully replace synthetic silicones while maintaining a similar silky touch and quick-dry finish.

2. Lubrajel™ CG

INCI: Glycerin, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Propylene Glycol

Ideal Applications

Premium repair creams, overnight sleeping masks, deep-conditioning hair treatments.

Common Formulation Challenge

Consumers with dry or mature skin often expect rich cushiony hydration. However, many lightweight “natural” lotions absorb too quickly and fail to provide long-lasting moisturization.

Sensory Experience

Lubrajel™ CG is designed for long-lasting hydration performance. Its stronger rheology structure gives the skin a soft, cushion-like feel. Clinical testing showed that it helps maintain skin hydration even days after stopping use, making it ideal for premium creams focused on plumpness and lasting comfort.

3. Lubrajel™ Marine

INCI: Water, Glycerin, Sodium PCA, Erythritol, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), Xanthan Gum

Ideal Applications

COSMOS-certified sunscreens, oil-control gels, daytime protective creams.

Common Formulation Challenge

In clean beauty and silicone-free formulations, sunscreens and day creams can sometimes feel greasy, especially in hot and humid climates. This often leads to excess shine and makeup breakdown.

Sensory Experience

Lubrajel™ Marine is COSMOS certified and made with RSPO-certified sustainable glycerin, with key ingredients derived from red algae. Upon application, it delivers a fresh burst of hydration, then transforms into a soft matte finish with a light powdery after-feel. This helps reduce oily shine and is especially suitable for summer skincare and oil-control formulations.

Short-Term Moisturization Performance of Lubrajel™ Marine (Skin Hydration Level)

These three hydrogel technologies are designed to meet different climate, skin type, and sensory needs around the world:

• For silicone-free, lightweight, silky serums → Lubrajel™ Oil
• For rich, long-lasting moisturizing creams or masks → Lubrajel™ CG
• For clean beauty, matte-finish sunscreens and oil-control products → Lubrajel™ Marine