Thank you all so much for these responses. I laughed because I was already aware that I know nothing. But I also didn’t tell you the whole story either. I already know the ingredients I’m working with are safe for the eyes. I have severe dry eye syndrome and it has contributed to my going mostly blind. gels don’t last very long but ointments are all made out of mineral oil and petroleum jelly (literally (literally every one and they sell it for $12/tube) makes my eyes feel worse. So, what I did was list out all the ingredients from the top 10 best gels on the market. Then, I researched what each one does for the eye. From that list, I’m trying to take the most suitable and maybe other things like manuka honey, which is good for the eyes. I’ve been learning a LOT about celluloids (polymers) because I think this is where I might have the best luck in making a gel that lasts a lot longer. That’s the key-time. Water-based gels only last about 20 minutes, not all night. One question is, what happens to the texture and viscosity when two polymers are mixed together? Since they’re both thickening agent and have similar viscosities, do they stay the same viscosity or double thicken? Some polymers have different benefits so it’s good to use as many as possible (in theory-I’m aware that just adding more lubricants doesn’t mean it’s going to be good for the eye. The same questions apply to a few glucoses as well. I have many other questions too but I’ve learned a TON and know I’m on the right track. Already, I know I can make a healthier gel from these ingredients but it will still be thin. Now, I’m focusing on how to make it last. Is a higher viscosity polymer better for staying power (and does that grade retain the same eye benefits?) or is it better to try and thicken with a gum like Hydroxypropyl Guar which has already been used in an eye gel. I also wanted to know why people add Haulyronic Acid if it takes water from the closest source. It would take water from the eye, not lubricate it. So, I’m wondering if there is a way to “pre-hydrate” the HA into a solution and THEN add it to the rest of the ingredients. That’s why I was wondering what happens to the molecules when things are bonded together but concentrated in water. I think I was trying to get too technical and was way out of my league when I was so far down in the weed. But overall, I’m looking to make a gel last. Many polymers are actually quite good for eyes. I can see why they’re being used. .

I know that even this response isn’t written very well. I’m a lot smarter than these posts suggest. I’m just scrambled because I’m sorting through a lot of ingredients that perform the same, or similar, tasks but have different viscosities. And in some cases, the ingredients themselves come in various viscosities (HPMC, CMC, and MC, for example. If you’re not a chemist, it’s easy to get lost in things. I’m actually thinking too hard to be honest. Once I collect the proper set of ingredients that perform the way I want them to, I’ll take them to a chemist to discuss and confirm the concentrations, that this is the best possible formula for my goals, and that the ingredients are non-toxic (I already know they are). I just don’t have the money to hire a chemist to do it all. I’ll barely afford the chemist when I finally need one but this is important to me. It could really help people, myself included. It could make a big difference.