As an instructor in class when my mask was off and on a lot, I did find one
of the newer gels to be better than what I have been using since the Navy
tested them all in the 70's. Joy soap.
Baby shampoo is probably an even better choice for the few times I've put
more than a drop in a mask.

I always carried a squeeze bottle of Joy and used it both for my mask and
for showers afterward.

You can buy a *lot* of baby shampoo for the cost of an ounce of Sea Gold.

I always have good success w/ silicones.

Causes the water to form drops rather than a continuous layer.  But
silicones would not be good for plastics.  Quats would suffice for plastics.