A gel-like composition comprising alpha olefins and a lipid

Abstract

A gel composition is disclosed comprising alpha-olefins and at least one lipid as well as a method of preparing such a composition. The disclosure broadly pertains to the production of stable gel comp

Description

Field of the Invention The invention relates to a gel-like composition based on using alpha olefins and at least one lipid, that is presented as a stable, more sustainable alternative to petroleum jelly. The composition has the added advantage of not producing carcinogenic products that would require subsequent removal, as is the case with petroleum jelly. The invention has particular application as a component of cosmetic or medical products such as creams, lotions and makeup. Background to the Invention Petroleum jelly, also-called petrolatum, is a solid-like hydrocarbon mixture derived from crude oil. Initially discovered as a paraffin-like substance on oil rigs, it has been utilised in numerous applications over the years. It is readily commercially available and as one of the longest-standing skin care products still available, is frequently used on its own or as a component in various personal care items like creams, lotions, and make-up (including lipstick). All products containing petroleum jelly must adhere to "direct food contact" regulations. Petroleum jelly as well as synthetic jelly alternatives, can greatly aid in protecting the skin, which is the largest organ of the body and acts as a barrier to support internal organs. This type of substance functions as an occlusive agent. Vaseline (RTM) is a commercially available example of a petroleum jelly and acts as an occlusive agent to protect dry areas or open wounds. Due to its wax content, it can be applied precisely to the affected area without becoming runny or leaving a greasy residue on the skin. Its gel-like texture ensures that it stays in place and doesn't behave like non-fibrous, fluid oils that move around. Pharmacopoeias specify the properties of petroleum jellies, but not their origin or production methods. Therefore, the term "petroleum jelly" applies not only to the natural petroleum jellies, which are seldom used today, but primarily to mixtures of solid petrolatum (paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax) and liquid paraffinic hydrocarbons, as well as synthetic petroleum jellies, that meet Pharmacopoeia standards. Nowadays, petroleum jellies are mainly made from a blend of microcrystalline wax, paraffin wax, and mineral oil (such as paraffin oil), all derived from crude oil. These blended petroleum jellies are known as artificial petroleum jellies. Pharmaceuticalgrade cosmetic paraffin oil typically consists of saturated hydrocarbon chains and is chemically inert. Variations in oil composition occur depending on their source and processing methods. Conventional petroleum jelly consists of a combination of two solid waxes and a liquid phase. One of these waxes, paraffin, comprises straight-chain molecules typically containing 26-30 carbon atoms. The other wax, microcrystalline wax, contains branched molecules with typically 41-50 carbon atoms. The specific composition of these components can vary depending on the type of petrolatum being produced. The main hydrocarbon present in petroleum jelly is 1,1,2-Trimethylbenzeindole (C15H15N), which imparts unique properties and texture to the substance. Chemist Robert Chesebrough patented the method for producing petroleum jelly in 1872 [U.S. Patent 127,568], Conventionally, petroleum jelly is created by mixing oil components derived from petroleum with slack waxes. These petroleum-based petroleum jelly are detailed in patents US2828248 and US1791926. JP 2009-234991 illustrate the Fischer-Tropsch process advantage in the combination with oil to create a personal care product. Patent US 7851663 details the process of grafting long-chain olefins and paraffins, produced via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, to create iso-paraffins with long-chain branching that replicate the properties of petrolatum. Petrolatum is composed of varying mixtures of n-paraffins, iso-paraffins, and cyclic paraffins, with the proportions influencing the characteristics of different petrolatum grades. Barry and Grace (1971) provide an in-depth analysis of petrolatum's structure, describing it as a two-phase colloidal system that includes liquid, microcrystalline, and crystalline paraffins. They attribute the variability in petrolatum compositions to differences in crude material sources, refining methods, and post-refining blending processes. There are four main types of petroleum jellies: • Natural petroleum jelly / petrolatum: a mixture of semisolid hydrocarbons purified from petroleum or crude oil. • Artificial petroleum jelly / petrolatum: a blend of natural hydrocarbon waxes (purified from crude oil) with refined mineral oils. • Gatch petrolatum: a mixture of by-products from petroleum distillates with paraffin wax. • Synthetic petroleum Jelly: Synthetic petroleum Jelly contains synthetic hydrocarbons produced by the Fischer-Tropsch process. Some petroleum jellies also contain natural waxes, such as beeswax. Petrolatum is a unique semi-solid mixture comprising branched and cyclic saturated hydrocarbons of varying lengths greater than 25. It is tasteless and nearly odourless, consisting of a complex blend of liquid (mineral oil) and solid (paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax) components. This cannot be formulated simply by mixing these ingredients together. The general composition of petroleum jelly is as follows: 1. Oil: Oil is typically used as the primary base material in the production of petroleum jelly. Various types of oils can serve as the base, including liquid paraffin or vegetable oil. These oils primarily act as softening agents. 2. Slack wax: Wax, as another material added to the petroleum jelly mixture, plays a significant role. Different types of wax can be used, including mineral wax (such as paraffin) and plant-based waxes. These waxes add firmness and stability to the petroleum jelly. 3. Microcrystalline wax: Microcrystalline wax can be added to the mixture to improve specific properties of petroleum jelly. Microcrystalline wax is a type of wax typically composed of microcrystalline wax compounds and is used to enhance the firmness and adhesiveness of petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly is commonly used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, yet the Pharmacopeia monograph provides limited details, primarily addressing basic identification and physical properties like melting point and consistency. Since petroleum jelly is viscoelastic, combining both viscous and elastic qualities, more advanced testing, such as oscillatory stress testing, is necessary to fully evaluate its structure. The current monograph may not adequately differentiate between various grades of petroleum jelly, allowing a wide range of products to meet its criteria. Natural petroleum jelly is available in two forms: white and yellow. White petroleum jelly is the more purified form, refined to remove impurities including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Much attention has been placed on the presence of PAHs due to allergenicity and carcinogenic concerns. A white petroleum jelly is a purified and wholly or nearly decolourised mixture of semi-solid hydrocarbons, obtained from petroleum and high-boiling liquid hydrocarbons. It should have a white, or almost white, translucent appearance. In the petroleum refining process, the de-oiling of petrolatum results in a substance known as microcrystalline wax. Microcrystalline wax is one of the main, essential, raw materials required for petroleum jelly. In industry, microcrystalline wax, which imparts the gel-like nature and soft, fibrous texture to petroleum jelly, is also commonly referred to in industry as "petrolatum". However, for clarity in this disclosure, any references to petrolatum shall be used to refer to petroleum jelly. In cosmetics and beauty products, microcrystalline wax acts as a viscosity agent, binder, and emollient. In cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations, it serves as an inactive substance. It enhances the lipid phase of emulsions or ointment bases. Microcrystalline wax can enhance texture in personal care and cosmetic products, improves consistency by making them harder or easier to spread, and provides uniform colour and shine. Additionally, it prevents sweating in products like petroleum jelly and offers high flexibility, providing tensile strength without breaking. Microcrystalline waxes enhance oil binding properties and increase the hardness of formulations, especially when a hard yet smooth and ductile texture with low crystallinity is required. They also provide structure and hardness to lip balms and other stick-form beauty products without being overly crystalline Paraffin oil, which is as described, another ingredient of petroleum jelly, is a translucent, odourless liquid that is widely used in various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and mechanical and electrical sectors. Pure paraffin oil remains liquid at room temperature. Liquid paraffin, also known as white oil, has been used in skin and lip care cosmetics for many decades due to its excellent skin compatibility, effective protection, and cleansing abilities, as well as its wide range of viscosity options. Mineral oils are generally non-allergenic because they are highly stable and resistant to oxidation or rancidity. Their long history of safe use is supported by clinical and epidemiological data. Gels (also described as jellies or materials with gel-like properties in this context) are soft, viscoelastic solids composed of multiple components. They are in a state of incomplete phase separation and, when subjected to external mechanical forces, do not flow like fluids but instead break apart like solid materials. Gels can 'melt' - like solids - when exposed to changes in temperature or environmental conditions. A gel with a high lipid content is recommended for treating dry and inflamed skin. Pure oils and oil-based formulations are commonly used in skin care for their ability to moisturise and enhance the skin's natural barrier by supporting the lipids in the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum). Synthetic gels and petroleum jelly consist of a gel-like structure formed by solid and liquid hydrocarbons, linked through random entanglement and chemical bonding. This creates a three-dimensional crystalline network that traps and stabilises the liquid hydrocarbons. When mechanical shear forces are applied, the crystalline network can be disrupted, leading to the separation of the liquid components. At low strain amplitudes, the structure remains stable, showing linear viscoelastic behaviour with constant storage and loss moduli. However, as strain amplitude increases, the rate of structural breakdown surpasses that of rebuilding, reducing entanglement and bonding strength. This causes the viscoelastic response to become nonlinear, resulting in a significant decrease in both storage and loss moduli. A practical issue also encountered with some petroleum jellies is segregation of the liquid portion of petroleum jelly from the denser elements in the formula, which results in an unstable petrolatum product. Achieving stability necessitates a "solvent binding" effect. Petrolatum products can vary considerably in their rheological properties, which play a crucial role in shaping the sensory experience for users and determining the applicability of these products in various contexts of Pharmacopeial-grade petrolatum formulations in production. The reasons behind these differences are not well understood. This gap in knowledge about the physical properties of petrolatum leaves pharmacists and formulation scientists in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries unable to account for the variations among Pharmacopeia-quality petrolatum grades. Rheological studies have proven highly beneficial for product characterisation and enhancement. The rheological properties of petrolatum are dependent on both temperature and thermal history. Furthermore, rheological studies of such cosmetic materials are essential not just for suggesting quality control approaches during and after production, but also for offering guidance in formulating preparations and assessing the texture of the end products. Yet, many semi-solid pharmaceutical and cosmetic substance exhibit highly complex rheological behaviours that are challenging to characterise using traditional methods. Comprehensive rheological knowledge is essential across a broad range of pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, as outlined by Davis (1971), including: 1. Quality control of semi-solid products: Ensuring that products meet consistent standards during and after production. 2. Storage stability of semi-solid products: Assessing how well these products maintain their properties over time. 3. Linking physical parameters to sensory assessment and consumer perception: Linking measurable physical properties to how the product feels and is perceived by consumers. 4. Impact of consistency on the percutaneous interaction of drugs: Understanding how the thickness and texture of a product affect drug absorption through the skin. 5. Effects of formulation on consistency: Evaluating how different formulation components, such as self-bodying agents, influence the product's thickness and texture. 6. Anticipating how the material will behave under shear deformation: Anticipating how the product will behave under mechanical stress during manufacturing processes like pumping, milling, and packaging. An issue with producing microcrystalline waxes from petroleum residues is that, despite providing waxes with desirable properties for many applications, the process results in the presence of impurities such as PAHs, sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen compounds. Moreover, the declining demand for Group I base oils, and the subsequent closure of their production facilities will further reduce the availability of microcrystalline waxes derived from petroleum residues. Currently, petroleum jelly is produced from the heaviest fraction of crude oil refining, referred to as "vacuum residue", which often contains high concentrations of carcinogenic components, including polynuclear aromatics like asphaltenes and PAHs. As a result, multiple steps are necessary to meet rigorous standards for products intended for direct skin contact. These purification processes may include propane de-asphalting, hydrogenation, solvent dewaxing, and fixed-bed adsorption. The elimination of carcinogens such as PAHs during the refinement process of petroleum jelly is then crucial for reducing the potential health risks to users of jelly. In the context of cosmetic products, including petroleum jelly, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may not specify a specific limit on PAH concentrations. However, regulatory agencies often establish purity specifications for petrolatum when it is used as a direct addition to food. Particularly regarding the restriction of (PAH content): European Union Standards: The European Union imposes restrictions on PAH content in cosmetic products, including petroleum jelly, to be less than 0.005%. Canadian Testing: Compositional testing of petrolatum in Canada has indicated PAH concentrations less than 0.00001%. It is evident that there is a need for a petroleum jelly manufacturing process that utilises clean, carcinogen-free hydrocarbons. Linear alpha-olefins (LAOs) represent a class of unsaturated hydrocarbons categorised as 1-alkenes, they adhere to the chemical formula CxH2x, where x is equal to or greater than 1. also known as olefins, characterized by the existence of a double bond between two carbon atoms at the terminal end of the carbon chain. LAOs, distinguished by their heightened chemical reactivity compared to saturated n-alkanes (CxH2x+2), span from ethene (C2) up to 1-triacontene (C30) and beyond. Despite their entirely synthetic nature, LAOs exhibit properties akin to natural waxes. Certain LAOs can be utilised and processed similarly to traditional waxes without requiring chemical alteration, offering potential replacements, supplements, or enhancements to both natural and synthetic wax formulations. Established in 2000, Chevron Phillips (CP) is widely recognised as a leading supplier of polyolefins. Within the field of LAOs, CP utilizes Gulf LAO process, which employs a catalytic Ziegler process. The presence of a double bond in LAOs is pivotal in defining their chemical properties among alpha-olefins. LAOs can participate in a variety of typical olefinic chemical reactions, such as polymerisation. LAOs can be polymerised to form polyolefins, which are widely used in plastics and other materials. In additional reactions, the double bond of LAOs can react with various compounds, such as halogens or hydrogen halides, to form additional products. LAOs can further participate in metathesis reactions, where the double bonds exchange partners with other olefinic compounds. Unlike low molecular weight saturated waxes like Fischer-Tropsch waxes, LAOs demonstrate facile functionalisation through methods like oxidation or grafting. This ability also, enables LAOs to closely emulate the characterization of natural waxes. Modifying the crystallinity of LAOs can be accomplished by selecting or altering the wax itself, which may include adding highly branched polymer additives like VYBAR (RTM) polymers. Polymerisation techniques for alpha-olefins can involve various methods such as free-radical polymerisation—employing conventional approaches like thermal decomposition, photoinitiation, or electrochemical initiation—and utilising chemical initiators such as azo compounds, diazo compounds, peroxides, or hydroperoxides. Coordination polymerisation represents another viable method. Industrially, LAOs are primarily produced through three main methods: oligomerisation of ethylene (C2 base), Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (Ci base), and dehydration of alcohols. While there are numerous commercial and experimental processes available for producing alpha-olefins, only a few are practically relevant for wax production. These methods can theoretically produce alpha olefins with carbon chain lengths extending up to C30 or more. LAOs are hydrocarbons with the general structure of an aliphatic linear chain and a terminal double bond. The terminal double bond is typically located at the end of the chain, making them useful in various industrial applications. Their general structure is shown in Figure 1 which illustrates the number of methylene groups (CH2) in the chain. Poly alpha-olefins (PAOs) are used in various applications, including candles, mould release agents, and personal care products. Traditionally, these polymers are produced from feedstocks with carbon numbers ranging from less than 24 to C30 or higher, as described in patents like U.S. Patent No. 4,060,569 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0040200. Chevron Phillips supplies these feedstocks commercially. The polymerisation of alpha-olefins is a free radical process conducted in either batch or continuous reactors, such as autoclaves or tubular reactors, designed to handle specific temperatures and pressures. These polymers are unique in that they generally exhibit higher molecular weight, viscosity, and hardness than their starting hydrocarbons, along with higher melting and congealing points. The hydrocarbons used are mainly alpha olefins (RCH=CH2) but can also include those with a vinylidene structure. The melting periods of alpha olefins can be significant in the formulation and performance of synthetic jelly. Alpha olefins are used as emollients, thickeners and occlusive in synthetic gellike compositions, and their melting points can impact the texture, stability, and consistency of the final product. PERFORMA (RTM) polymers and VYBAR (RTM) polymers are hyperbranched synthetic waxes produced through polymerisation. Their branch-on-branch polymer structure makes them exceptional film formers, providing gels of excellent quality. Summary of Invention The invention disclosed broadly pertains to the production of a stable gel-like composition made with synthetic alpha-olefin components that can achieve similar physical properties to conventional petroleum jelly, but with the added advantage of carcinogenic elements not being produced during the process. Such properties include consistency, melting point, appearance, and texture. The composition exhibits features within advantageous rheological parameters and allergen and microbiological tests confirm that this composition can serve as a final product for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and dermatological application. The disclosed composition is presented as a more sustainable alternative to petroleum jelly. The skin provides a robust barrier against environmental factors, which can be addressed through the topical application of skincare products like oil or oil-based formulations. Furthermore, this composition is beneficial in terms of its fibrous texture and because it does not leave a greasy or oily sensation on the skin's surface - which gives an improved skin sensation. The present disclosure demonstrates that the combination of PAOs and LAOs can substitute the mixture of microcrystalline wax and paraffin wax that contribute features of solidity to petroleum jelly, combined with the liquid element, which is fulfilled by at least one lipid such as an oil that is liquid at room temperature. A superiority of the disclosed composition compared to the production of traditional gel-like substances such as conventional petroleum jelly, lies in the absence of carcinogenic aromatic compounds. In rheology, microbiology, sensitivity, and PAH tests, it has shown that it can be used for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and skincare applications. An aim in producing the composition was also to match the required ranges for parameters specified by the European Pharmacopoeia. According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a gel-like composition comprising alpha olefins and at least one lipid. Alpha olefins offer the benefit of being colourless and odourless, with the further advantage of them being sourced synthetically from sustainable origins. An advantage of using a lipid in this formulation is that compositions with a high lipid content are known to be recommended for treating dry and inflamed skin. Gels and gel-like compositions can greatly aid in protecting the skin, which is the largest organ of the body and acts as a barrier to support internal organs. The acceptable texture of the gel-like composition also supports its suitability as a more sustainable alternative to petroleum jelly. The composition of the present disclosure can compete with conventional petroleum jelly, not only in pharmaceutical applications but also in cosmetic applications, due to its advantageous viscoelastic qualities and its excellent rheological behaviour. In one formulation of the disclosure, the lipid of the composition comprises an oil, for example a hydrocarbon oil such as a paraffin. In a formulation of the disclosure, at least one lipid is liquid at room temperature. There are various advantages to using a lipid that is liquid at room temperature, including its contribution to an enhanced texture and spreadability of the resulting composition. This aids smooth application of the product as liquid lipids provide a silky, non-greasy feel, making the product easier and more pleasant to apply. This is particularly beneficial in cosmetic formulations like lotions, creams, and ointments. Another benefit of using a lipid that is liquid at room temperature is that it aids a uniform distribution of the product. Being liquid at room temperature ensures that the lipid can be evenly spread over surfaces, enhancing the overall user experience. Lipids liquid at room temperature also contribute features of enhanced absorption and better penetration of the product. In pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, liquid lipids can facilitate the deeper penetration of active ingredients into the skin, improving efficacy. Room temperature lipids also contribute to the solubilisation of active compounds. As they can dissolve a wide range of active compounds, this helps to ensure that these ingredients are readily available for absorption. Liquids lipid at room temperature have a wide range of advantageous applications. Liquid lipids, such as paraffin, are compatible with various other ingredients, including emulsifiers, preservatives, and active agents, making them highly versatile for different formulations. Lipids liquid at room temperature add benefits of enhanced sensory properties. In personal care products, liquid lipids contribute to a lightweight and comfortable feel on the skin, which is often preferred by consumers. Another benefit of using lipids liquid at room temperature are that they contribute processing and manufacturing advantages as well as simplified manufacturing. Liquid lipids are easier to handle and incorporate during the manufacturing process, reducing the need for heating or complex mixing techniques required for solid lipids. In summary, incorporating lipids that are liquid at room temperature, such as paraffin-based hydrocarbon oils, enhances the functionality, stability, and user experience of the final product. These advantages make them a preferred choice in a wide array of applications, from cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to food and industrial formulations. Fats and oils are classed as lipids and pure oils and oil-based formulations are commonly used in skin care for their advantageous ability to moisturise and enhance the skin's natural barrier by supporting the lipids in the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum). In another formulation of the disclosure the oil comprises almond oil. An advantage of almond oil is that it demonstrates that plant-based oils can also be effective substitutes for hydrocarbon oils such as paraffin. Vegetable oils are defined as oils derived from plants. This group includes the glyceryl esters of fatty acids, which may be hybridised or hydrogenated to reduce or eliminate unsaturation in triglycerides. Additionally, synthetic esters of glycerin and fatty acids fall under this category. For this purpose, vegetable oils can be used in the production of synthetic gel-like compositions. In general, using vegetable oils introduces considerations regarding more intense colour, odour and instability and shorter shelf life compared to using paraffinic oil which may be an issue for production. However, initial testing showed that the resulting gel-like composition produced when using almond oil as the lipid component had the advantage of providing a gel-like composition of better texture and stability when compared to gel-like compositions produced using other types of plant-based oils. In a further formulation of the disclosure the alpha-olefins of the composition are selected from: LAOs, PAOs. Advantageously, LAOs exhibit properties akin to natural waxes but are synthetic in nature. This distinctive blend of characteristics therefore advantageously allows LAOs to be utilised similarly to natural waxes. Certain LAOs can be utilised and processed similarly to traditional waxes without requiring chemical alteration, offering potential replacements, supplements, or enhancements to both natural and synthetic wax formulations. A further advantage of LAOs and PAOs compared to other petrolatum mixtures is that when a petrolatum mixture includes a room temperature liquid linear paraffin, this component often segregates from the denser elements in the formula, resultingin an unstable petrolatum product. Achieving stability necessitates a "solvent binding" effect successfully disclosed here. The present disclosure demonstrates that utilising LAOs and PAOs in such a manner as described herein results in a stable synthetic gel-like composition which incorporates typically liquid linear paraffins. Waxes derived from linear alpha-olefins (LAOs) possess both the chemical properties and functional behaviour of natural waxes, making them suitable for many similar applications. For this reason, LAOs can grouped with natural waxes. Another advantage of using LAOs is also that the crystallinity of LAOs can be modified by selecting or altering the wax itself, which may include adding highly branched polymer additives like VYBAR (RTM) polymers. LAOs also demonstrate advantageous facile functionalisation through methods like oxidation or grafting, unlike low molecular weight saturated waxes like Fischer-Tropsch waxes. This ability further is an advantage in that it enables LAOs to closely emulate the characterisation of natural waxes. An advantage of combining of PAOs and LAOs is that this combination can substitute the mixture of microcrystalline wax and paraffin wax found in petroleum jelly. A superiority of the PAO and LAO wax combination is the absence of harmful carcinogenic aromatic compounds that otherwise need to be actively removed from traditional, purely non-synthetic alternative gel compositions. Other advantages of combining of PAOs and LAOs include outcomes in rheology, microbiological, sensitivity, and PAH tests, which show the resulting compositions can be used for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and skincare applications. In one formulation the gel-like composition comprises about 5-25% by weight LAOs and about 5-25% by weight PAOs. The advantage of using a quantity of 5% to 25% LAO is that this range provides resistance and stability to the gel-like composition. An advantage of using a quantity 5% to 25% PAO is that this range contributes tackiness and a gel-like texture to the gel-like composition. In a further aspect the gel-like composition has a drop point of 35-70°C. This aligns with ASTM D 127, which specifies conditions for the test. The reason the range of 35 to 70°C is considered is that the human body temperature is around 37°C. Therefore, the gel-like composition should remain semi-solid at body temperature. However, up to 70°C, the material can still exhibit gellike behaviour in terms of rheology. Depending on consumer requirements, a firmer gel can be created with a higher drop point or a softer gel with a lower drop point by adjusting the formulation with liquid oils. Another advantage of the values identified by these ranges of alpha-olefins are that these comprise the minimum and maximum weight percentages required to produce gel-like compositions that meet the standards required by the European Pharmacopeia on falling within the desired ranges on specific physical characteristics, such as melting point, cone penetration, and other parameters. The ingredients in these quantities advantageously meet acceptable stability and physical specifications. In one formulation the gel-like composition has a cone penetration of 60 to 300 mm / 10. In a further formulation the gel-like composition has a drop point of 35-70°C and a cone penetration of 60 to 300 mm / 10. This advantageously meets the European Pharmacopeia standard which specifies a cone penetration range between 60 and 300 dmm, determined by following the ASTM D 937 standard, conducted using the PENETROMETER PNR12 device manufactured by Anton Paar. Cone penetration measures firmness or consistency and the test means the depth, in tenths of a millimetre, that a standard cone will penetrate the sample under fixed conditions of mass, time, and temperature. Achieving the recognised standard of cone penetration means that the resulting gel-like composition is advantageously of acceptable firmness and consistency. Furthermore, the composition is practically insoluble in water and slightly soluble in methylene chloride, as per the European Pharmacopeia. According to a second aspect of the disclosure there is provided a method of making a gel-like composition, comprising the step of melting alpha olefins and adding the melted alpha olefins to the at least one lipid to form a mixture, where the lipid is preferably an oil such as a paraffin. The method also preferably further comprises a step of heating the oil to a pre-determined temperature. In a formulation of the invention, the pre-determined oil temperature is about 100°C. The advantage of preheating oil to 100°C was found to be that this sufficiently reduced its viscosity, facilitating effective mixing with wax. At this temperature, a paraffin for example achieves a near-liquid state, which is essential for uniform blending. In another formulation of the method the alpha olefins are selected from: LAOs, PAOs. As described above, the combining of PAOs and LAOs in this composition can substitute for the mixture of microcrystalline wax and paraffin wax found in petroleum jelly In one formulation of the method of making a gel-like composition the melting step comprises heating the alpha olefins to a pre-determined component temperature. In a formulation of the method, the pre-determined component temperature of LAOs is about 90°C and the pre-determined component temperature of PAOs is about 75°C. Testing showed that preheating LAO wax to about 90°C and PAOs to about 75°C advantageously provided adequate fluidity for the integration with the lipid (for example an oil). These temperatures ensured that each wax remained in a liquid state without affecting each of their properties, making it easier to mix each thoroughly with the lipid (for example an oil). An advantage of separately heating LAO and PAO compounds, is that PAO compounds possess significantly higher viscosities, necessitating more extended melting periods compared to their LAO counterparts with equivalent carbon numbers. Despite its lower softening point, the poly(alpha-olefin) requires a longer duration to achieve complete melting. Subjecting both components to the same simultaneous heating may potentially lead to undesirable changes in physical properties. To ensure optimal mixing and ingredient preservation, it's essential to recognise that the solid component and gel-like properties of synthetic jelly are imparted by wax, which consists of hydrocarbons solid at room temperature. Adding the melted wax, preheated to 85°C, directly to oil at room temperature leads to inadequate miscibility. Instead, a more efficient approach is to heat each ingredient to its specific melting point before combining them. This controlled method of blending, especially in industry, involves preparing raw materials in the required temperatures in separate reactors and then mixing them in a preheated reactor. This process not only enhances precision but also mitigates the risks associated with temperature-sensitive materials. If all ingredients are mixed at room temperature and then reheated, the component with the lower melting point will liquefy first, potentially causing it to degrade or change colour before the higher melting point substances fully melt. Alpha olefins with melting points in the range of 65-80°C have been found to ensure that the product remains semi-solid at room temperature whilst having the right consistency for application. Higher melting point alpha olefins will contribute to a firmer texture and higher viscosity, which might be desirable for applications needing a thicker consistency. Lower melting point alpha olefins can result in a softer product. The melting points of the alpha olefins are important in relation to compatibility with other components in the formulation. This helps maintain product stability and performance over time. Melting points outside the optimal range can affect the stability of the synthetic or petroleum jelly, potentially leading to phase separation or changes in consistency. In a further formulation of the method the gel-like composition comprises about 5-25% by weight LAOs and about 5-25% PAOs. As described above, the advantages of using these quantities are that a range of 5% to 25% LAOs provides resistance and stability and a range of 5% to 25% PAOs add tackiness and a gellike texture to the gel-like composition. Tackiness describes the quality of being sticky or adhesive to the touch at external skin temperature. Furthermore as also described above, these ranges ensure the qualities of the gel-like composition meet the desired cone penetration and melting point standards required by the European Pharmacopeia. A formulation of the method comprises a step of stirring the mixture, which has the advantage of blending of the ingredients to achieve uniformity. The method also further comprises a step of maintaining the temperature of the mixture at about room temperature for at least one week. A further formulation of the method comprises maintaining the temperature of the mixture at room temperature for 5-7 days. Another formulation of the method of making a gel-like composition, wherein the alpha olefins comprise LAOs and PAOs and the oil comprises paraffin; and wherein the melting step comprises melting PAOs at a temperature of about 75°C and melting LAOs at a temperature of about 90°C; wherein the oil is heated to about 100°C; and wherein the method further comprises stirring the mixture at a temperature of about 80°C for about 20 minutes; and wherein the method further comprises maintaining the temperature of the mixture at room temperature for at least one week. Experimental results indicated that a 20-minute mixing period at 85°C was optimal for achieving a homogeneous blend. This duration allowed sufficient time for the paraffin and wax to mix thoroughly without risking thermal degradation. Shorter durations resulted in a tendency for incomplete mixing, while longer durations did not significantly improve uniformity but increased the risk of thermal effects. Brief description of the figures In order to demonstrate the advantageous physical features of the invention, various experimental data are described herein and figures here display the results of various experiments. Figure 1 illustrates the general chemical structure of LAOs. Figure 2 is a table summarising the physical properties of the paraffin oil used in the analyses. Figure 3 is a table summarising test parameter results for the PARA 30 paraffin wax used in the analyses. Figure 4 is a table summarising test parameter results for the PETRO 15 (RTM) microcrystalline wax used in the analyses. Figure 5 is a table summarising test parameter results for petroleum jelly samples. Figure 6 is a table summarising test results for samples of the disclosed gel-like composition Figure 7 is a table summarising test results for VYBAR 260 (RTM), poly alpha olefin used in the analyses Figure 8 is a table summarising test parameter results for samples of the synthetic jelly that is the disclosed gel-like composition, also named Rheo Jell. Figure 9 is a graph demonstrating the lack of PAH in the disclosed gel composition (RHEO JELL 180) absorbance values in a comparative analysis to a blank test sample (Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)) and a reference standard of Naphthalene in DMSO (6 ppm). Tests were conducted using the Cary 60 instrument model. Figure 10 is a graph demonstrating results of the thermal history test. Figure 11 is a graph demonstrating results of the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of the disclosed gel-like composition (RHEO JELL 180). Figure 12 is a graph demonstrating results of the strain sweep test. Figure 13 is a graph demonstrating results of the viscosity flow curve. Figure 14 is a graph demonstrating results of the frequency sweep test. Figure 15 is a graph demonstrating results of the ttemperature sweep test. Figure 16 is a table demonstrating results of the microbiology testing. Figure 17 is a table demonstrating results of the allergen testing. Fig 18 is a graph demonstrating results of the consistency measurements conducted via penetrometry. Figure 19 is a table summarizing data from various tests on the disclosed gel-like composition. Figures 20 and 21 are photographs of an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed composition. Detailed Description of the Invention An exemplary embodiment of the disclosed composition is produced via an exemplary embodiment of the method of making the gel-like composition described as follows, wherein the alpha olefins comprise about 5-25% by weight LAOs and about 5-25% by weight PAOs and the oil comprises paraffin; and wherein the melting step comprises melting PAOs at a temperature of about 75°C and melting LAOs at a temperature of about 90°C; wherein the oil is heated to about 100°C; and wherein the method further comprises stirring the mixture at a temperature of about 80°C for about 20 minutes; and wherein the method further comprises maintaining the temperature of the mixture at room temperature for at least one week. In more detail, preparing a sample of the gel-like composition, the first stage involves melting a quantity of PAO at 75°C. Next a quantity of LAO is also separately melted at 90°C. Next liquid paraffin, which has been preheated to 100°C, is then added to the PAO and LAO components so that the final quantities of PAO and LAO are at 5-25 wt% PAO and 5-25 wt % LAO. The mixture is continually stirred at a set temperature of 80°C for about 20 minutes to ensure the final molten gel-like composition is homogeneous. The mixture is then allowed to stabilise in a beaker at room conditions for one week. The final gel-like composition should have a drop point (ASTM D 127) of 35- 70°C with a cone penetration (ASTM D 937) ranging from 60 to 300 mm / 10. The mixing speed (during the ‘stirring for about 20 minutes' stage) was adjusted based on tests to ensure that the mixture achieved uniformity without causing excessive agitation or the incorporation of air bubbles. Experimental observations indicated that moderate mixing speeds facilitated effective blending while preserving the properties of components. When the raw materials for producing the jelly were preheated, it was not found that there was no particular benefit to adding the ingredients in any particular order. The exact duration of mixing needed was found depend on the quantities of raw materials. Different methods could be utilised to perform the stirring step, but an example of how stirring was performed was to use a magnetic stirrer. The stirring speed was not found to affect the texture of the resulting composition, but it was observed that the effectiveness of the mixing was generally better at lower speeds. To prevent bubble formation in the solution during heating, it was found more effective to keep the stirring speed below 200 RPM. Bubble formation can lead to cloudiness that can confusion in reducing the ability to see whether materials are fully dissolved and therefore whether heating / stirring should continue, which can potentially affect the quality of the final gel composition, However, the speed of stirring still depends on the amount of the composition which is intended to be produced and can be adjusted accordingly. If a mechanical stirrer is used, it must be ensured that high shear rates do not cause molecular breakdown. Microbial content tests confirmed that the product meets the safety standards set for microbial contamination in cosmetic application. Test results also indicate that the product is free from harmful levels of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans as well as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and it maintains acceptable levels of yeast, mould, and total aerobic microorganisms. These findings ensure the product's safety and suitability for consumer use. Allergen test results show that the disclosed gel-like compositions (in tests with RHEO JELL 180) is free from common allergens as per regulatory standards. This ensures that the product is safe for use by individuals with sensitive or allergies. The composition meets European Pharmacopoeia standard requirements. Laboratory tests, both internal and third-party, confirmed that the physical and chemical properties of Rheo jelly were compliant with these standards. The excellent rheological behaviour of the composition particularly highlights the suitability of the composition for cosmetic application. In a further embodiment, a water-based formulation using the gel-like composition is described, where the disclosed gel-like composition can be incorporated into water-based cosmetic formulations (an emulsion oil in water, i.e. an O / W emulsion) as the fibrous oil component. This formulation is also for the purpose of cosmetic use. The composition of the O / W emulsion formulation is as follows: 1. Fibrous Oil Component: • Main Ingredient: The disclosed fibrous gel-like composition made from LAO, PAO and hydrocarbon oils. • Gelling Agent: A low-molecular-weight gelling agent or rheology modifier, such as polyethylene gives the jelly its fibrous texture and improves stability in emulsions. • Emulsifiers: Non-ionic emulsifiers like glyceryl stearate or PEG-100 stearate, which help stabilise the oil and water phases in the emulsion. • Co-Emulsifiers: Secondary emulsifiers like cetyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol, added for extra stability and texture enhancement. 2. Other Ingredients: • Water: As the external phase in the oil-in-water (O / W) emulsion. • Humectants: Substances like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture in the formulation. • Preservatives: To ensure the product remains stable and free from microbial growth, preservatives such as phenoxyethanol or ethyl hexyl glycerin are added. • Fragrance / Essential Oils: As an optional feature of this embodiment, this ingredient gives the formulation the benefit of a pleasant scent and should not interfere with the stability. The method for making the O / W Emulsion gel-like composition is as follows: • Preheat the oil phase Preheat the fibrous gel-like composition and emulsifiers at 70-80°C. This ensures the proper melting of the waxes and mixing with the emulsifiers to form a homogenous oil phase. • Prepare the water phase Separately, heat the water phase to a similar temperature (70-75°C) and dissolve humectants, stabilizers, and any water-soluble ingredients. • Emulsification Slowly add the oil phase into the water phase under constant stirring. High shear mixing or homogenisation is typically used to ensure proper emulsification. Maintain a controlled temperature to avoid destabilization of the waxes or jelly components. • Cooling and stabilisation stage After emulsification, gradually cool the mixture while continuing to stir. As it cools, the jelly fibres will form and interact with the water phase to create a stable, fibrous texture in the final product. Continue stirring until the mixture reaches room temperature. • Storage Once cooled and stable, for optimal storage the emulsion is contained in airtight containers. Quality control tests for desirable features such as viscosity and texture can be carried out on samples. Microbial safety checks should also be performed. This method provides a stable water-based cosmetic formulation with a fibrous texture due to the inclusion of the disclosed gel-like composition disclosed herein, which adds features of richness and viscosity whilst maintaining stability as an emulsion. Qualitative analysis of the disclosed gel-like composition and comparative analysis of the disclosed gel-like composition with petroleum jelly To demonstrate the desirable features of the disclosed composition, testing was conducted focusing on physical parameters outlined by the European Pharmacopoeia, including consistency, acidity / alkalinity, and PAH content. A comparative analysis was also made between the disclosed composition compared to samples of a conventional petroleum jelly prepared to a composition that is typically available in the market. In the enclosed data, all references to Rheo or Rheo Jell are references to the disclosed gel-like composition, references to PARA 30 (RTM) are references to paraffin wax. PETRO 15 (RTM) is a microcrystalline wax. To ensure a fair comparison, liquid paraffin was used as the oil component in the production of both petroleum jelly and the disclosed composition. The paraffin oil used adheres to British Pharmacopoeia standards, and contained no aromatic compounds. Paraffin oil is a complex liquid mixture of saturated alkanes, typically ranging from Cio to Cis, with a density between 0.8 and 0.9 g / cm3. The paraffin oil used here for testing purposes had a density of 0.87 g / cm3 at 20°C and is commercially available. These compounds are classified as hydrocarbons with the typical formula CnH2n+2, generally known as alkanes. Synthetic paraffinic oils derived from the Fischer-Tropsch process can also be used, which produces comparable results. However, since our focus was on replacing the solid part of petroleum jelly and we wanted to have a fair comparison to examine the impact of synthetic alpha-olefin on the texture, fibrousness, and thickness of the final jelly, we used the same paraffinic oil for both petroleum jelly and the disclosed gel-like composition sample preparation. The petroleum jelly used in these tests was prepared using standard ingredients, aiming to match the consistency specified by the European Pharmacopoeia. The alpha-olefin wax used to formulate the disclosed composition may be produced through the polymerisation of ethylene with a Ziegler-Natta catalyst, which in the tests described herein was commercially sourced from Petro White Alpha and NuCrea. The solid component of the disclosed composition is derived from hydrocarbon gas and the liquid part is an oil, such as liquid paraffin. Samples of the disclosed composition and conventional petroleum jelly were prepared and showed a nearly identical consistency, demonstrating that the disclosed composition can achieve similar physical properties to conventional petroleum jelly. This quality is helped by the fact that the texture and fibrousness of each is largely determined by their solid elements, which are wax - based for both substances, with petroleum jelly having a petroleum wax base and the solid component of the disclosed composition used here is derived from hydrocarbon gas. Data showing results across various parameters for the substances used during the tests are detailed in the figures: paraffin oil in Figure 2, paraffin wax (PARA 30) (RTM) in Figure 3, petrolatum (PETRO 15) (RTM) in Figure 4, petroleum jelly in Figure 5, the disclosed gel-like composition (RHEO 6) in Figure 6; VYBAR (RTM) 260 (PAO) in Figure 7. Figure 8 summarises test parameter results for samples of the synthetic jelly that is the disclosed gel-like composition, also named Rheojell. Petroleum Jelly Sample Preparation: The samples of petroleum jelly for the comparative tests were prepared as follows: The first step was to melt 5-30% PETRO 15 at 85°C. Next, 15-50% paraffin wax was added, which had also been melted at 85°C (For both low and high melting waxes in the formulation, the wax temperature was ensured to reach 85°C before mixing it with the other components). Then liquid paraffin was added, preheated to 100°C in an oven. Keep stirring the mixture at a set temperature of 80°C for about 20 minutes to ensure the final molten petroleum jelly is homogeneous. The mixture was then allowed to stabilise inside a beaker at room conditions for one week. The final petroleum jelly measured between the desired parameters of a drop melting point (ASTM D 127) of 35- 70°C with a cone penetration (ASTM D 937) ranging from 60 to 300 mm / 10. White petroleum jelly (also called Vaselinum album) is, as described, a form of petroleum jelly that has undergone a further purification process. It consists of a purified and wholly or nearly decolourised mixture of semi-solid hydrocarbons, obtained from petroleum. It may contain a suitable antioxidant. White soft paraffin described in this monograph is not suitable for oral use. The decolourisation of microcrystalline wax was first performed using bleaching earth in a 1:1 ratio at a temperature of 85°C, followed by filtration. The physical parameters of the decolourised material, named PETRO 15, were measured, and the gel conditions are documented in the patent Cosmetic and pharmacopeia regulatory bodies such as Colipa and European Pharmacopeia require and recommend monitoring of petroleum jelly products to ensure they are free from PAH. This inspection involved measuring the UV absorbance of the petroleum jelly, as specified by the European Pharmacopeia. PAH: A reference solution in dimethyl sulfoxide R, containing 6.0 mg of naphthalene R per liter, was prepared. The absorbance of this solution was measured at its maximum absorption wavelength of 278 nm using a 4 cm path length, with dimethyl sulfoxide R used as the compensation liquid. Throughout the wavelength range of 260 nm to 420 nm, the absorbance of the test solution never exceeded that of the reference solution at 278 nm. Figure 9 shows the resulting data from this test. Samples of petroleum jelly and the disclosed gel-like composition with the most comparable consistencies were selected to evaluate the rheological behaviour. This allowed the assertion that the disclosed composition can compete with conventional petroleum jelly, not only in pharmaceutical applications but also in cosmetic applications, due to its acceptable viscoelastic behaviour. Thermal History tests: The influence of thermal history on crystallinity varies between the disclosed gel-like composition and petroleum jelly due to their differing alkane chain lengths. At lower temperatures, longer-chain alkanes exhibit lower solubility, leading to their solidification and potential crystallisation. For this purpose, to compare the rheological properties of the two selected samples, an identical thermal history should be same for both. Samples of petroleum Jelly (Petroleum Jelly 180) and the disclosed gel-like composition (Rheo Jell 180) were melted for 15 minutes in an 85°C hot air cabinet and subsequently transferred into watch glasses. The samples contained in watch glasses were cooled in three ways: (1) The samples were placed in a hot air cabinet and allowed to cool to room temperature over a 24 hour period. (2) The samples were cooled in room temperature conditions over a 24 hour period. (3) The samples were cooled in a freezer at 25°C over a 24 hour period. Subsequently, the watch glasses were stored at room temperature for 4 weeks prior to analysis. Distinct thermal histories were characterised for all the samples. Observations showed that for both petroleum jelly and the disclosed gel-like composition (Rheo Jell), the cooling rate has a big effect on the fibrous contribution to the texture of the substance. All the comparison tests were conducted under a cooling rate of approximately 0.1 °C / min. Hot air cabinet temperature data over time is shown in Figure 10. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR): Spectral analysis was performed using a FTIR measurement technique and was conducted using a Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS10 spectrometer (Waltham, USA) operating in attenuated total reflectance (ATR) mode, equipped by a diamond crystal. The spectral resolution was set at 4 cm-1, and prior to analysing each sample, a background spectrum consisting of 16 scans within the wavenumber range of 600 to 4000 cm-1 was recorded to ensure accurate measurements. Resulting data from these tests are shown in Figure 11. The texture and long-term stability of products used in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, significantly impacts consumer acceptance, therefore these are important considerations in assessing the disclosed composition. These characteristics are primarily influenced by both the manufacturing process and the ingredients used. All evaluations mentioned in this report were performed through MCR evolution series of Anton Paar rheometer. To characterise consistency, physical characterisation methods were employed in testing samples of petroleum jelly and the disclosed gel-like composition. Due to their viscoelastic nature—combining both viscous and elastic traits—these materials exhibit complex rheological properties. They behave as non-Newtonian fluids, and their structural attributes are heavily influenced by temperature variations and applied shear forces. A more detailed examination of their rheological properties can be achieved through oscillatory stress testing. Substantial variations in rheological properties are evident across different grades of petrolatum as well as under various thermal history. During the production of the gel-like composition, as the material cools, the solidifying of wax undergoes a transformation into a three-dimensional matrix. This matrix makes a dense structure with extremely small voids at the molecular level. Simultaneously, the liquid part is absorbed or adheres to this matrix through an adsorption process. Moreover, the crystals within the jelly comprise fibre-like bundles of colloidal dimensions, interconnected through numerous contact points, as described by Pena et al. (1994). This information indicates that Jelly forms a gel structure comprising both solid and liquid phases. The components of jelly are interconnected through random physical interconnections and chemical bonds, resulting in a 3D crystalline network that traps liquid hydrocarbons. The rheological properties of jelly and formulations are intimately tied to this intricate microscopic structure. Under low strain amplitudes, the density of entanglements and the potency of bonding stay stable because there is no structural breakdown occurring within the gel-like composition. As a result, when subjected to externally applied deformation, it demonstrated a linear viscoelastic response regardless of the magnitude of the applied strain. Strain sweep test To explore the viscoelasticity behaviour under high amplitude oscillatory shear flow conditions, dynamic strain-sweep experiments were conducted on samples of the gel-like composition. These tests were performed by the MCR evolution series of Anton Paar rheometer adjusted by a parallel-plate fixture featuring a 1 mm gap size. The strain-sweep tests were conducted at a body temperature (37°C), which covers the strain amplitude range of 0.01 to 1000 percent with a logarithmically increasing scale. These measurements were carried out at several fixed angular frequencies of 0.04 rad / s. The disclosed gel-like composition (Rheo Jell 180) exhibits a softer texture compared to Petroleum Jelly 180, while simultaneously demonstrating greater resistance to deformation across a wider range of deformations. Figure 12 shows the resulting data for these tests. Viscosity (flow) curve Materials containing jelly (Petroleum jelly or Rheo jell) exhibit non-Newtonian behaviour, where the shear viscosity varies inversely with the shear rate, a phenomenon known as shear thinning. This behaviour is frequently observed in various cosmetic formulations. The shear-thinning nature at higher shear rates enhances mixability and spreadability, facilitating both processing and practical application of the product. Petroleum jelly (Petroleum Jelly 180) shows complex structural transitions under shear flow. The disclosed gel-like composition (Rheo Jell 180) shows simple shear thinning (decrease in viscosity) under shear flow. Figure 13 shows the resulting data for these tests. Frequency sweep test Rheological data is important for assessing the suitability of substances as cosmetic products and are used to assess texture and flow properties. Oscillatory sweep testing involves moving back and forth over a range of frequencies and amplitudes, using the applied strain and shear stress to calculate two important properties: the storage modulus (G') and the loss modulus (G"). The storage modulus (G') measures how much energy is stored in the material during deformation, representing the elastic, or solid-like, behaviour of the sample. This gives insight into how well the material can recover its shape after being deformed. On the other hand, the loss modulus (G") indicates the energy that is lost as heat during deformation, reflecting the viscous, or liquid-like, nature of the sample. This tells us about how much deformation is irreversible. The test typically starts with an amplitude sweep, where the strain (or deformation) varies from 0.01% to 100% while keeping the angular frequency constant. By plotting G' and G" against strain, we can determine the linear viscoelastic strain range (LVE) — the region where the sample structure remains intact despite the applied strain. Once the LVE is identified, a frequency sweep is performed within this range to understand how the material behaves over the long term (at lower frequencies) and short term (at higher frequencies). The ratio of G" to G', called the loss factor (tan 6), gives further insight into the sample's structure, showing the balance between its elastic and viscous components. Regarding steady-state shear viscosities, these refer to the viscosity of a material when subjected to a constant shear rate over time, rather than an oscillatory strain. Steady shear tests help measure how the material flows under constant stress or strain, which is important for understanding its long-term flow properties. In steady-state conditions, the viscosity can be categorised as Newtonian (constant viscosity regardless of shear rate) or non-Newtonian (viscosity changes with shear rate). Non-Newtonian fluids can exhibit shear-thinning (viscosity decreases with increasing shear rate) or shear-thickening behaviour (viscosity increases with shear rate), which is critical in applications like material processing or understanding the flow behaviour under different stress conditions. Figure 14 shows the resulting data for these tests. The figure illustrates the storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G"), depicted as a function of angular frequency at 0.4% strain amplitude at 37°C. As shown in the figure, both modules exhibit a qualitatively similar trend across the entire interval of 0.1- 100 rad / s. These moduli gradually increase with increasing angular frequency. Throughout the examined range of angular frequencies, the storage modulus consistently exceeds the loss modulus. This indicates that the linear viscoelastic behaviour of jelly is primarily governed by its elastic properties as opposed to its viscous properties. Temperature sweep The rheological properties of samples of both petroleum jelly and the disclosed gel-like composition were analysed while cooling employing a rheometer with strain-controlled mode. Both samples were solidified from 70 to 25°C using an (ETC) at 2°C / min. A strain of 0.1% was employed to assess the shear sensitivity of the samples. The results of the rheological evaluation revealed distinct crystallisation behaviour in the two samples. Solidification of the samples exhibited typical congealing behaviour when subjected to intermediate strain, suggesting that solidification and crystalline structure formation occurred through a one-step process. However, the rise in the G', was more pronounced than that of G", even at room temperatures, suggesting that the jelly retained a viscosity throughout the cooling process. Figure 15 shows the resulting data for these tests. Microbiology testing: The microbial content tests confirmed that our cosmetic product meets the safety standards for microbial contamination. The results indicate that the product is free from harmful levels of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans as well as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and it maintains acceptable levels of yeast, mould, and total aerobic microorganisms. These findings ensure the product's safety and suitability for consumer use. Figure 16 illustrates the resulting data for these tests. Allergen Testing: Allergen testing was performed to identify the presence of potential allergens in our cosmetic product to ensure it is safe for use and free from substances that could cause allergic reactions. This was to validate that the composition is safe for personal care and dermatological application. The extracts were analysed using Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) to detect and quantify specific allergenic substances. The allergen test results show that the disclosed gel-like composition (Rheo Jell 180) is free from common allergens as per regulatory standards. This ensures that the product is safe for use by individuals with sensitive or allergies. Figure 17 shows the resulting data for these tests. The disclosed composition was examined to assess whether it met the European Pharmacopoeia standards. Laboratory tests, both internal and conducted by third parties, confirmed that the physical and chemical properties of the disclosed gel-like composition were compliant with these standards. Measurement of consistency by penetrometry Cone penetration measures the firmness or consistency of petrolatum i.e depth, in tenths of a millimetre, that a standard cone will penetrate the sample under fixed conditions of mass, time, and temperature. The unit of cone penetration and penetration is dmm or mm / 10. This method is helpful in selecting or specifying petrolatum with a particular consistency or firmness. However, cone penetration values may not always correlate with the functional properties in practical applications. The tests for measuring cone penetration were conducted using the Penetrometer PNR12 device manufacture by Anton Paar. The procedures and description of the experiment were carried out according to the European Pharmacopeia standards, as outlined below. We followed the ASTM D 937 standard, which meets the requirements of the European Pharmacopeia. This test is intended to measure, under determined and validated conditions, the penetration of an object into the product to be examined in a container with a specified shape and size. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) was utilised to analyse the chemical composition of the waxes. The investigation of their chemical structure was conducted using both solution-state C and H NMR spectroscopy techniques. To improve clarity in peak labelling on C NMR spectra, only representative symbols were used as indicated in Figure 18. Standard nomenclature for peak assignments includes labelling saturated end groups as "s" and unsaturated end groups as "u," with the numbering increasing towards the centre. In cases involving branches, carbons on the branch are numerically labelled similarly to end groups. Adjacent carbons are labelled using Greek letters in both directions from the olefin or branching carbon, except when one direction has fewer than four carbons from the branching or olefin carbon. Wax, as a hydrocarbon material, is particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Excessive heating can lead to alterations in both the colour and physical properties of the wax. For alphaolefin waxes with carbon chain lengths exceeding 20 and melting points above 50°C, the kinematic viscosity is typically reported at 100°C, as the wax's properties are generally stable up to 99°C. However, this stability is not uniform across all types of waxes—natural waxes are prone to rapid discoloration and degradation of physical characteristics at elevated temperatures. Therefore, precise temperature management is critical during the heating and mixing processes to achieve the desired final texture in Rheo Jelly. It was observed during testing that poly(alpha-olefin) compounds, such as VYBAR (RTM) 260 or PERFORMA manufacture by NuCrea, possess significantly higher viscosities, necessitating more extended melting periods compared to their LAO counterparts with equivalent carbon numbers. For instance, the LAO utilised in our formulation has a melting point of 75°C, whereas the PAO exhibits a softening point of 58°C. Despite its lower softening point, the PAO requires a longer duration to achieve complete melting. If both components are subjected to simultaneous heating, the LAO could experience prolonged exposure to high temperatures, potentially leading to undesirable changes in its physical properties, which underscores the importance of tailored temperature control for each material during processing. After conducting several experiments and trials, the results of three tests showed that the cone penetration range, using the ASTM D 937, was approximately the same for both products. A panel of five individuals experienced in working with petroleum jelly foryears was gathered, and it was concluded that the majority preferred the disclosed gel-like composition (Rheo Jell) due to its very smooth texture and the absence of a greasy feeling for the consumer. Further data from the above tests for samples of the disclosed gel-like composition are summarised in Figure 19. General Points These data collectively demonstrate that the solid part of petroleum jelly, which includes microcrystalline wax as one of the main raw materials (often referred to as petrolatum in some articles and in industry) and paraffin wax, are ingredients that can advantageously be replaced with a combination of PAOs and LAOs. We demonstrated that in the process of producing a synthetic jelly in the form of the disclosed gel-like composition, with an acceptable texture as a replacement for petroleum jelly, the combination of PAO and LAO can substitute the mixture of microcrystalline wax and paraffin wax in petroleum jelly. The superiority of the synthetic wax combination is due to the absence of aromatic compounds, and in rheology, microbiological, sensitivity, and PAH (tests, it has shown that it can be used for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and skincare applications. According to the European Pharmacopeia standards, the production of petroleum jelly requires specific physical characteristics such as melting point, cone penetration, and other parameters to fall within the desired range. To achieve a particular melting point or cone penetration, it is necessary to experiment with the raw materials and their weight percentages until the cosmetologist or chemist ensures that the petroleum jelly meets acceptable stability and physical specifications. Therefore, there are no limitations on using lighter or heavier alphaolefin waxes with lower or higher carbon averages, or lighter or heavier white oil or liquid paraffin. However, the final formulation must result in the desired structure and stability for the jelly. It is important to note that extremely light alpha-olefins cannot be used, as the jelly-like properties and the creation of a semi-solid viscoelastic texture are achieved by the combination of wax and oil in the jelly. Experiments showed that the best formulation for viscoelastic behaviour was found to be using polyalphaolefin with a molecular weight of 2600 and LAO C30+. Although lighter oils were used, the aim was to achieve a better gel-like composition by using lighter oils with a lower weight percentage in the formulation, rather than by making the oil heavier. 5 Figures 20 and 21 show an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed composition. From these images, the skilled reader will appreciate the texture and consistency of the disclose composition. This composition is beneficial in terms of its fibrous texture and because it does not leave a greasy or oily sensation on the skin's surface - which gives an improved skin sensation. 10

Claims

1. A gel-like composition comprising alpha olefins and at least one lipid.

2. A gel-like composition according to claim 1 where the at least one lipid is liquid at room temperature.

3. A gel-like composition according to claim 1 where the at least one lipid comprises an oil.

4. A gel-like composition according to claim 3, wherein the oil comprises a hydrocarbon oil.

5. A gel-like composition according to claim 4, wherein the hydrocarbon oil comprises aparaffin.

6. A gel-like composition according to claim 2, wherein the oil comprises almond oil.

7. A gel-like composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the alpha-olefins areselected from: linear alpha-olefins, poly alpha-olefins.

8. A gel-like composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the gel-like structure comprises about 5-25% by weight linear alpha-olefins and about 5-25% by weight poly alpha-olefins.

9. A gel-like composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the gel-like structure has a drop point of 35-70°C.

10. A gel-like composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the gel-like structure has a cone penetration of 60 to 300 mm / 10.

11. A gel-like composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the gel-like structure has a drop point of 35-70°C and a cone penetration of 60 to 300 mm / 10.

12. A method of making a gel-like composition, comprising the step of melting alpha olefins and adding the melted alpha olefins to at least one lipid to form a mixture.

13. A method of making a gel-like composition according to claim 12 where the at least one lipid comprises an oil.

14. A method of making a gel-like composition according to claim 12, wherein the oil comprises a hydrocarbon oil.

15. A method of making a gel-like composition according to claim 12, wherein the hydrocarbon oil comprises a paraffin.

16. A method of making a gel-like composition according to claim 12, wherein the melting step comprises heating the alpha olefins to a pre-determined component temperature.

17. A method of making a gel-like composition according to claim 12, further comprising a step of heating the oil to a pre-determined temperature.

18. A method of making a gel-like composition according to claim 17, wherein the oil comprises paraffin.

19. A method of making a gel-like composition according to any of claims 12 to 17, where the alpha olefins have a melting point within the range of 65-80°C.

20. A method of making a gel-like composition according to any of claims 14-18, where the alpha olefins are selected from: linear alpha-olefins, poly alpha-olefins.

21. A method of making a gel-like composition according to claim 19, wherein the predetermined component temperature of linear alpha-olefins is about 90°C and the predetermined component temperature of poly alpha-olefins is about 75°C.

22. A method of making a gel-like composition according to claim 17, wherein the predetermined oil temperature is about 100°C.

23. A method of making a gel-like composition according to any of claims 14-21, further comprising a step of stirring the mixture.

24. A method of making a gel-like composition according to any of claims 14-21, further comprising a step of maintaining the temperature of the mixture at about room temperature for at least one week.

25. A method of making a gel-like composition according to claim 14, wherein the alpha olefins comprise linear alpha-olefins and poly alpha-olefins and the oil comprises paraffin;and wherein the melting step comprises melting poly alpha-olefins at a temperature of about 75°C and melting linear alpha-olefins at a temperature of about 90°C;wherein the oil is heated to about 100°C; andwherein the method further comprises stirring the mixture at a temperature of about 80°C for about 20 minutes; andwherein the method further comprises maintaining the temperature of the mixture at room temperature for at least one week.

26. A method of making a gel-like composition according to claim 14 wherein the method comprises maintaining the temperature of the mixture at room temperature for 5-7 days.

27. A method of making a gel-like composition according to any of claims 14 to 26, wherein the gel-like structure comprises about 5-25% by weight linear alpha-olefins and about 5-25% poly alpha-olefins.s

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