Clarifying the Function of Oil Milk™ in Different Formulations (Milk Soap vs. Oil Cream)

Question

I'm confused about the function of Oil Milk™. The description says it's a cleansing agent with low foam for Milk Soap (100% oil). However, when I use it in an Oil Cream formula (oil + wax, no water), it doesn't seem to cleanse or create foam. What is the difference in its function in these two types of formulas? Can Oil Milk™ be used in water-in-oil cream formulas?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Clarification on Oil Milk™ in Oil Cream

Thank you for your question and for pointing out the potential confusion. Let's clarify the function of Oil Milk™ in different types of formulations.

In Milk Soap (100% Oil + Oil Milk™): In this specific formulation, which is entirely oil-based before mixing with water, Oil Milk™ acts as a cleansing agent. When this oil soap comes into contact with water, it emulsifies into a milky liquid and provides some (though low) foam, allowing it to cleanse the skin. This is why the product description mentions its cleansing function and low foam in the context of Milk Soap.
In Oil Cream (Oil + Wax, No Water): In an oil cream formulation that contains only oils and waxes and no water, Oil Milk™ functions differently. It primarily acts as an agent to help blend different oils and waxes together smoothly. In this water-free environment, Oil Milk™ does not perform a cleansing function and will not create foam when applied to the skin.

Think of it like other surfactants or emulsifiers, such as MakeUp-Wash™. When MakeUp-Wash™ is used in a cleansing water formula, it removes makeup. But when used in a regular cream formula (with both oil and water), it acts as an emulsifier to help bind the oil and water phases together, not as a cleanser.

Similarly, Oil Milk™'s role changes depending on the overall composition of the formula. In a water-free oil/wax cream, its purpose is not cleansing or foaming.

If you are creating a cream formula that contains both water and oil and has a high oil content, emulsifiers specifically designed for high oil load, such as Milk Lotion Maker™, are generally more suitable for achieving stable emulsification compared to using Oil Milk™ alone. However, Oil Milk™ can potentially be used as a co-emulsifier in water-in-oil formulas if combined with other emulsifiers to achieve the correct HLB balance.

In summary, the foaming and cleansing properties of Oil Milk™ are observed when it's used in a specific oil-based cleansing product (Milk Soap) that is designed to be mixed with water. In a water-free oil cream used for massage or coating, it acts as a blending/structuring agent and does not cleanse or foam.