Compositions and methods are disclosed for producing pearlized compositions of alcoholic hydrogels at ambient temperatures. More particularly, compositions and methods are disclosed for pearlized alcoholic hydrogel compositions with stearyl alcohol at preparation temperatures below the melting point of stearyl alcohol, which is solid at room temperature. Pearlizing effects are achieved in alcoholic hydrogels at low temperatures by the addition to the alcoholic hydrogel of stearyl alcohol in a siloxane form as stearyl alcohol trialkylsiloxane. By incorporating the siloxane form of stearyl alcohol, which previously could be only handled at anhydrous conditions, into the hydroalcoholic gel, one obtained a stable pearlized alcoholic hydrogel having a lustrous pearlescent appearance. Preparation was accomplished without heating above room temperature, without a pearlescent wax, and without a potentially skin irritating surfactant. |