L-Amino acid-based low-molecular-weight gelators are prepared by simple synthetic procedures and function as an excellent organogelator. Especially, L-isoleucine-based LMW organogelators can form organogels in non-polar solvents, ester oils, mineral oils, vegetable oils and silicone oils. In this paper, we describe the preparation and property of supramolecular gel emulsion formed by L-isoleucine-based organogelators.

Gelation behaviors and solvent effects of low molecular weight gelators such as poly(arylether) dendron derivatives bearing long alkyl chains and the two component system, which constructed from pyrene derivatives and naphthalene diimide derivatives, were investigated. Hansen solubility parameters allow us to gain a detailed understanding of the role of the solvents on the gelation behav iors. Teas plots for the gelators in the tested solvents can be divided into the following three regions: insoluble/precipitate, gelation, and soluble. Gel regions were located between the insoluble/precipi tate and soluble domains. From the correlation between polar solubility parameters (δ_a) of HSPs and the GNs, it can be assumed that the gelation behavior results from a moderate polarophobic effect in polar solvents and the gelator’s intermolecular forces such as hydrogen bondings and CT interactions in non-polar solvents.

Wax gels consisting of oils and waxes (e.g., paraffin or botanical waxes) are used in various cosmetics such as lipstick, lip cream, eyeshadow, and foundation. Since the wax gel has a frame work, called the card-house structure, formed by combining crystallites, the physical properties of the gels or the relationship between the gel hardness and the polarity of oils used is different from those of ordinary organogels. Furthermore, mixing waxes with different molecular structures can drastically alter the hardness of the gel and the retention of oil. In this technical review, the relationship between the microstructure of wax gels and the oil solidification ability is clarified. We also describe the techniques to control the physical properties of wax gels suitable for cosmetic products.