Trauma oil Cooling Gel

A smooth, anhydrous oil gel with a crisp, minty cool feel, inspired by classic sports balms and muscle rubs. It’s gelled with Sapogel Q, which creates a cushioned gel-oil texture that self-emulsifies on contact with water, which means it spreads easily and rinses away cleanly. The base is our Trauma oil (a pre-blended infusion of arnica, calendula and hypericum in sunflower and olive oils), with menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus and a hint of clove bud for a fresh, cooling sensation.

Because it’s water-free, no preservative is required, and you can use a higher percentage of herbal infused oils than you could in a cream. A handy option after workouts or long days when you want a refreshing, mint-cool finish on general muscular areas.

Formula

Makes 100g - To scale up or down your batch size use our Batch Size Calculator

Phase A (oil blend)

• 70.05% | 70.05 g Trauma oil blend
  
• 2.50% | 2.50 g Menthol crystals
• 1.50% | 1.50 g Peppermint essential oil
• 0.75% | 0.75 g Eucalyptus blue gum essential oil
• 0.20% | 0.20 g Clove bud essential oil

Phase B (gellant)

• 25.00% | 25.00 g Sapogel Q

Watch our video on how to work with Sapogel Q

Method (cold process with gentle melt for menthol)

1. Dissolve menthol in carrier oil: Weigh a small portion of the Trauma Oil (e.g. 10–15 g) into a beaker, add the menthol crystals, and gently warm in a water bath (aim ≤40–45 °C) while stirring until the crystals are fully dissolved and the mixture is clear.

2. Add essential oils: Remove from heat. Stir in peppermint, eucalyptus and clove bud essential oils until uniform. Blend this back into the remaining Trauma Oil and mix well.

3. Gel with Sapogel Q: In a clean vessel, weigh Sapogel Q. Slowly add the oil phase into the Sapogel Q with steady mixing until a smooth, homogeneous gel forms. Scrape down sides as needed.

4. De-bubble & fill: Allow bubbles to dissipate. Fill into pot.

To Use

• Massage a small amount onto the desired area as needed. External use only. Wash hands after application.

Substitutions & tweaks

• Cooling strength: This is the full-strength profile (total menthol + EOs = 4.95%). For a gentler feel, halve the menthol and essential oils while keeping the Trauma Oil and Sapogel Q percentages the same.

• Aroma balance: If you prefer less mint lift, trim peppermint and eucalyptus slightly (keep clove bud ≤0.20% due to sensitisation potential).
  

Safety

This formula contains a high percentage of essential oils (4.95%) and should be used with caution. Do not apply to broken skin, the face, or near sensitive areas (eyes, mucosa). Patch test before use; discontinue if irritation occurs. Not for infants or young children. Avoid use during pregnancy/breastfeeding unless advised by a professional. Hypericum (in Trauma Oil) can be photosensitising — avoid direct sun on the application area for 12–24 hours after use.

Disclaimer: This formula and method are provided for theoretical and general use. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure safe and correct application, compliance and stability testing. The company providing this formula holds no responsibility for inappropriate use of materials, formulations or methods.