Adjusting Foaming Agents in Facial Cleanser to Reduce Dryness

Asked by: gomu_bazooga On: December 21, 2015 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

My homemade facial cleansing foam causes skin dryness. The formulation contains Lauryl Glucoside, Creamy Foamer (Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate), Makeup wash (PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides), and cocowash (PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate), with a pH of around 5.5-6. The staff suggested reducing Lauryl Glucoside to around 3% and Creamy Foamer to around 10% to reduce dryness. My question is:

  • Will reducing the percentage of Lauryl Glucoside and Creamy Foamer significantly affect the cleansing power of the facial foam?
  • Are Makeup wash (PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides) and cocowash (PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate) necessary if the primary purpose is general facial cleansing, not makeup removal?

Answer

Based on the conversation, the dryness you're experiencing from your facial cleansing foam is likely due to the concentration of the foaming agents, specifically Lauryl Glucoside and Creamy Foamer (Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate). The staff confirmed that your pH level (around 5.5-6) is appropriate and not the cause of dryness, as alkaline soaps (pH 8-12) are typically responsible for this.

To address the dryness, the staff recommended reducing the percentage of Lauryl Glucoside (suggesting around 3%) and Creamy Foamer (suggesting around 10%).

You asked if reducing these ingredients would affect cleansing effectiveness. As the staff mentioned, you will need to test the adjusted formula to see if it still provides sufficient cleansing for your needs. The optimal concentration is personal and depends on your skin type and how much makeup/impurities you need to remove. An alternative suggestion from the staff was to use a smaller amount of the current formula per wash if you find it too drying but otherwise effective.

The ingredients Makeup wash (PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides) and cocowash (PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate) are less drying and more suited for makeup removal. If your primary goal is general facial cleansing rather than makeup removal, you could consider reducing or omitting these ingredients to potentially lower the overall cleansing power and cost, as suggested by the staff.