Alternative Emulsifiers for Mouthwash to Reduce Bitterness
Question
My mouthwash formula, which uses Ethyl Alcohol and Poloxamer 407, has a bitter taste. What could be the cause of this bitterness, and what alternative emulsifiers can I use to reduce the bitterness while maintaining the formula's stability and effectiveness in combining the oil and water phases?
Answer
Alternative Emulsifiers for Mouthwash
It's understandable that you're experiencing bitterness in your mouthwash formula. While Poloxamer 407 (Pulacare F127) is a functional emulsifier for oil and water phases, bitterness can sometimes be an issue with certain ingredients, including the emulsifier itself or other components like alcohol, as the staff mentioned.
If you are looking for alternative emulsifiers that might help reduce bitterness while still effectively combining your oil and water phases, you could consider the following options:
- Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate: This is a 100% natural O/W emulsifier with an HLB of about 12.0. It is used at a rate of 1-10% and is mixed into the oil phase. It is known to create a good texture and is suitable for sensitive skin.
- Polyglyceryl-10 Palmitate: This is another O/W emulsifier with an HLB of about 14. It is also used at a rate of 1-10% and mixed into the oil phase.
Both Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate and Polyglyceryl-10 Palmitate are non-ionic emulsifiers that are often preferred in oral care formulations due to their milder taste profile compared to some other types of emulsifiers. They can help disperse oil-based flavors or active ingredients evenly throughout the water base.
Remember to test these alternatives in small batches of your mouthwash formula to determine the optimal usage rate and confirm that they effectively emulsify your specific oil phase and result in a less bitter product.
Related Products Mentioned
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate