Cleansing Cream Formula Review and Enhancement

Your proposed formula for a travel-friendly cleansing cream is a good starting point for creating a product suitable for combination and oily skin that effectively removes makeup and sunscreen.

The ingredients you've chosen work well together:

• Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum): This acts as the primary solvent for oil-based makeup and sunscreen, helping to lift them from the skin. Using a light type is appropriate for combination/oily skin.
• MakeUp-Wash™ (PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides) and Coco Wash™ (PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate): These are mild surfactants that help emulsify the oil and dissolved impurities, allowing them to be easily rinsed away with water.
• Light Cream Maker™: This is an emulsifier and thickener that creates the cream texture, making it convenient to use and transport compared to an oil.

As the staff correctly advised, it is essential to add a preservative to this formula. Since the cream contains water, it is susceptible to contamination by bacteria, yeast, and mold, which can cause spoilage and potential skin irritation or infection.

Here are a couple of suitable broad-spectrum preservatives you could consider:

• Mild Preserved™ COS (Phenoxyethanol (and) Chlorphenesin (and) Caprylyl Glycol):
  • Broad-spectrum protection against bacteria, yeast, and mold.
  • Effective in a wide pH range (2-8).
  • Odorless.
  • Recommended usage rate: 0.75-1.5%.
  • Add to the formula when the temperature is below 45°C.
• NaturePreserve™ LB2 (Dehydroacetic Acid (and) Benzoic Acid (and) Benzyl Alcohol (and) Water):
  • Natural origin.
  • Effective against bacteria and fungi, particularly at lower pH values (2.0-6.5).
  • Recommended usage rate: 0.5-1.0%.
  • Dissolve in the water phase and ensure the temperature is below 50°C when adding.

You can choose the preservative that best suits your preference regarding pH range and origin.

Revised Mixing Instructions (including Preservative):

1. Phase A (Water Phase): Combine distilled water, MakeUp-Wash™, and Coco Wash™. Stir until dissolved.
2. Phase B (Oil Phase): Combine Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum) Light and Light Cream Maker™. Stir until combined.
3. Combine Phases: Slowly add Phase B to Phase A while stirring continuously until a cream forms. Continue stirring for a few minutes to ensure a smooth texture.
4. Add Preservative: Once the cream has formed and cooled down (below 45°C for Mild Preserved™ COS or below 50°C for NaturePreserve™ LB2), add your chosen preservative at the recommended usage rate. Stir well to ensure it is evenly distributed.
5. Final Check: Check the consistency and appearance. You may want to check the final pH of the cream to ensure it is within a skin-friendly range (typically 4.5-5.5) and compatible with your chosen preservative's effective range.

Remember that if you plan to produce this product for sale, it is highly recommended to perform a challenge test to confirm the effectiveness of the preservative system in your specific formula.

This revised formula with a preservative should provide you with a stable and effective cleansing cream that is convenient for travel.