Body Scrub Formulation with Petrolatum Base

Body Scrub Formulation Adjustment

Hello,

Thank you for your inquiry regarding adjusting the formulation for a body scrub based on a product you previously enjoyed. It's understandable that you'd want to recreate something you liked, especially if the original product is no longer available.

Based on the ingredients you listed and the staff's recommendation, here is a suggested formulation and some guidance:

Suggested Body Scrub Formulation (based on staff recommendation):

• Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly): 70-80%
• Scrub Powder (e.g., Sea Salt, Sugar, or other suitable scrub particles): 3-7%
• Propylene Glycol: 5%
• Polysorbate 80: 3%

• Fragrance or Essential Oil: 1-3%

• Note: The total percentage should add up to 100%. You may need to adjust the Petrolatum percentage slightly depending on the exact percentages of other ingredients you choose within the suggested ranges.*

Regarding your question about Petrolatum vs. Mineral Oil:

The staff recommended a high percentage of Petrolatum (70-80%) because its semi-solid consistency provides the necessary thickness for the scrub base. Using a lower amount or replacing a significant portion with liquid Mineral Oil would make the formula too thin, potentially causing the scrub particles (like sea salt or powders) to settle at the bottom over time. While Mineral Oil and Fractionated Coconut Oil were in your original list, the staff's suggested formula prioritizes Petrolatum as the primary base for stability and texture. You could potentially include a small amount of other oils for skin feel, but this would require careful formulation adjustments to maintain the desired consistency and prevent settling.

Other ingredients from your original list:

• Sea Salt: This is a common type of scrub particle and fits within the "Scrub Powder" category suggested at 3-7%.
• Mineral Oil & Fractionated Coconut Oil: As mentioned, these are oils. The suggested formula uses Petrolatum as the main base. Adding significant amounts of these oils would likely require reformulation to maintain texture.
• Turmeric powder, Plai powder, Tamarind powder: These are botanical powders that can offer exfoliation, color, and other benefits. They could potentially be included as part of the "Scrub Powder" component or added separately. However, their inclusion would affect the texture, color, and potentially the stability of the scrub, and their optimal percentage would need to be determined through testing. The staff's simplified formula focuses on the essential components.

General Mixing Steps (for a Petrolatum-based scrub):

1. Melt the Base: Gently heat the Petrolatum until it is melted into a liquid.
2. Add Emulsifier: Add the Polysorbate 80 to the melted Petrolatum and mix well. Polysorbate 80 helps the scrub rinse off more easily with water.
3. Add Liquid Ingredients: Add the Propylene Glycol and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Cool Slightly: Allow the mixture to cool down slightly, but not solidify completely.
5. Add Powders: Add the Scrub Powder (e.g., Sea Salt, and potentially the botanical powders if using) and mix thoroughly until evenly dispersed.
6. Add Fragrance: Once the mixture has cooled further (but is still workable), add the Fragrance or Essential Oil and mix well. Avoid adding fragrance when the base is too hot, as it can affect the scent.
7. Pour and Cool: Pour the mixture into your desired container and let it cool completely to solidify.

This suggested formula provides a starting point based on the staff's expertise and the ingredients you listed. You may need to experiment with the percentages within the suggested ranges to achieve the exact texture and feel you prefer.

We hope this helps you create your desired body scrub!