Antioxidant in Pomade Formulation

Regarding the use of Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) as an antioxidant in your pomade formula containing various oils:

• Recommended Usage Rate: For acting as an antioxidant in oils, the recommended usage rate is typically 0.01% to 1%. The staff reply suggested a range of 0.05-0.1% for this purpose.
• Heat Stability: Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) should not be heated for more than 5 minutes. Heating at approximately 90°C for extended periods may reduce its effectiveness as an antioxidant.

For better heat stability and higher antioxidant efficiency, especially when heating is involved, consider using Protec™ OX. If a natural formula is not required, the staff recommended using Protec™ OX (0.05%) together with Protec™ UV (0.05%) as a more effective system for protecting against deterioration.

Emulsifier Combination (PEG-7 + PEG-40)

You are planning to use a combination of PEG-7 (10%) and PEG-40 (5%), totaling 15% emulsifiers in your formula.

The potential for irritation from emulsifiers like PEGs depends on several factors, including the specific type and molecular weight of the PEG, the total concentration used, the overall formulation, and individual skin sensitivity. While PEGs are widely used in cosmetics, a total concentration of 15% is relatively high, particularly in a leave-on product like pomade.

Using emulsifiers at this concentration could potentially cause some irritation or sensitization, especially for individuals with sensitive skin. It is always advisable to perform a patch test on a small area of skin before using the product extensively to check for any adverse reactions.