a method of production and composition of a humic substances - based topical gel that contains a high concentration of polymerized humic substances in the form of polyelectrolyte - enhanced biopolymers , allowing for targeted application of gel to skin . a method of production consists of selection of humic substances containing material , extraction of humic substances from the material , polymerization of humic substances , and further processing for product preservation . such humic substances based material may be derived from brown coal , such as leonardite or lignite , or peat . an extraction technique for extraction of the humic substances is an alkali extraction method . such a resulting composition may contain sodium silicate as a gelling agent for ease of application , and in some embodiments a preservative or combination of preservatives for shelf life . such a humic substances - based topic gel is water soluble , allowing for in - home application and ability to discard through washing down a household drain .