Choosing Sulfate-Free Base for Dog Shampoo
Question
What are the differences between Sulfate-Free Foaming Base (pH 6) and Sulfate Free Shampoo Base (pH 7), and which is more suitable for formulating a paraben-free, SLS-free dog shampoo, considering factors like gentleness and pH?
Answer
Choosing a Sulfate-Free Base for Dog Shampoo
You're looking to create a paraben-free, SLS-free dog shampoo and are comparing Sulfate-Free Foaming Base (pH 6) and Sulfate Free Shampoo Base (pH 7). Both bases are sulfate-free and paraben-free, meeting those specific requirements.
Here's a comparison of the two bases you asked about:
Sulfate Free Shampoo Base (pH 7, Clear, Foaming): This base has a pH range of 6.5-7.5. It's described as gentle and suitable for shampoo, liquid soap, and facial cleansers. It thickens easily with salt, but requires an amphoteric surfactant like Coco Betaine in the formula for this method. It is preserved with Methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone.
Sulfate-Free Foaming Base (pH 6, Clear, Foaming): This base has a pH range of 5.5-7.5. It is also described as gentle and suitable for shampoo, cleanser, liquid soap, and even intimate cleansers. It can be thickened using various types of thickeners, not just salt. It is preserved with Sodium Benzoate.
Both are suitable for general gentle cleansing. However, for a dog shampoo, gentleness, especially around the eyes, is crucial. Dog skin pH is generally higher than human skin, often in the range of 6.5-7.5.
Considering the need for gentleness for pets, a "No-Tear" base is highly recommended to minimize eye irritation. The Sulfate Free No-Tear Shampoo Base (pH 6, Clear, Foaming) is specifically designed to be gentle and non-irritating to the eyes, making it an excellent choice for pet shampoos. It also has a pH range of 6.5-7.5, which is suitable for dog skin.
While the two bases you initially asked about (Sulfate-Free Foaming Base pH 6 and Sulfate Free Shampoo Base pH 7) are sulfate-free and paraben-free, the Sulfate Free No-Tear Shampoo Base (pH 6) offers the added benefit of being non-irritating to the eyes, which is a significant advantage for a dog shampoo formulation.
Therefore, for a paraben-free, SLS-free dog shampoo that is gentle and minimizes eye irritation, the Sulfate Free No-Tear Shampoo Base (pH 6, Clear, Foaming) is the most suitable option among the ones discussed.
