Cleansing Oil Formulation Adjustment

Based on your goal to reduce viscosity and improve mascara removal in your cleansing oil, replacing Mineral Oil Heavy with a combination of LipidSoft CC and Butylene Glycol is a good approach, as suggested in the forum thread. These ingredients are known for their ability to dissolve makeup effectively and provide a lighter feel compared to heavy mineral oil.

Here is a suggested adjusted formula based on your starting point, using Oilsify 30 at 15%:

• Oilsify 30: 15%
• LipidSoft CC: 59.9%
• Butylene Glycol: 10%
• LipidSoft Moist: 15%
• Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate): 0.1% (Optional, as an antioxidant)

Total: 100%

Explanation of Adjustments:

1. Reduced Viscosity: Replacing the heavy Mineral Oil with the lighter LipidSoft CC and including Butylene Glycol will significantly decrease the overall viscosity of the cleansing oil, making it feel less thick.
2. Improved Makeup Removal (especially Mascara): LipidSoft CC is an excellent emollient that helps dissolve various types of makeup. Butylene Glycol also contributes to dissolving makeup and can help improve the cleansing performance, particularly for stubborn formulas like mascara.
3. LipidSoft Moist: Keeping LipidSoft Moist at 15% helps maintain a pleasant skin feel and spreadability.
4. Oilsify 30: Using Oilsify 30 at 15% is within the recommended usage rate and is effective for emulsifying the oil phase so it can be rinsed off with water.
5. Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate): While you are making a small batch and storing it in the refrigerator, adding a small amount of Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) at 0.1% can help protect the oils in the formula from oxidation and extend their shelf life slightly, even under refrigeration. This is an optional addition but recommended for better stability.

Note on Preservatives: You mentioned not adding a preservative for a small batch stored in the refrigerator. While refrigeration helps slow down microbial growth, it does not completely prevent it, especially since this product will come into contact with water during use. For optimal safety and shelf life, especially if the product will be used over an extended period or if any water accidentally gets into the container, adding a suitable oil-soluble preservative is recommended. However, for a very small batch used quickly and kept strictly refrigerated, omitting the preservative might be acceptable for experimental purposes.

This adjusted formula should provide a lighter texture and improved makeup dissolving power compared to your original formula with Mineral Oil Heavy.