Incorporating Oils into Liquid Soap/Shampoo for Clarity

Adding oils such as Fractionated Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, or Grape Seed Oil to a basic liquid soap or shampoo formula (SLES + thickener + water) will typically cause the product to become cloudy or separate. This happens because the basic surfactant system is not designed to fully solubilize a significant amount of oil while remaining clear. Even with the addition of emulsifiers like Polysorbate 80, achieving a clear, stable solution in this type of base is generally not possible.

To successfully incorporate oils into a liquid soap or shampoo and maintain clarity and stability, it is recommended to use an Oil Soap base. These bases are formulated specifically to create clear, oil-rich cleansing products.

Consider using a product like Oil Soap™, which is designed for creating high-foaming, oil-based liquid soaps that remain clear and gentle on the skin. You can refer to the product details for Oil Soap™ for formulation guidance and examples.