Cleansing Oil Formulation Analysis

Thank you for your question regarding the cleansing oil formulation.

Regarding your first question about the exact proportions of each ingredient in the commercial product you are using, I cannot provide specific percentages. The precise ratios used in commercial cosmetic products are proprietary information belonging to the manufacturer and are not publicly available.

For your second question about which ingredients are most effective at cleaning makeup, especially stubborn matte lipstick, the key components in a cleansing oil that perform this function are the oil phase (solvents) and the emulsifiers.

Based on the list of ingredients you provided, the following ingredients play a significant role in makeup removal:

• Cetyl Ethylhexanoate: This is an emollient ester that acts as an excellent solvent for dissolving makeup, including long-wearing and waterproof formulas like matte lipstick. It helps break down the makeup pigments and oils so they can be easily removed.
• PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate and Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate: These are emulsifiers (surfactants). Their crucial role is to allow the oil phase (containing the dissolved makeup) to mix with water. When you add water during rinsing, these emulsifiers create an emulsion that lifts the makeup and oil from your skin, allowing it to be washed away cleanly without leaving a greasy residue. Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, in particular, is designed specifically for cleansing oils and is noted for its effectiveness in capturing makeup.
• Sorbitan Oleate: Another emulsifier that works in conjunction with the others to help stabilize the oil-in-water emulsion and enhance the cleansing process.

Other ingredients in the list serve different purposes:

• Aqua: Water is the base of the final rinse-off process, allowing the emulsified oil and makeup to be washed away.
• Butylene Glycol: Acts as a solvent and humectant, potentially helping to dissolve some ingredients and providing a degree of hydration, but it is not a primary makeup remover.
• Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, and Phenoxyethanol: These are preservatives and a chelating agent (Disodium EDTA) used to maintain the stability and safety of the product by preventing microbial growth and counteracting the effects of metal ions in water. They do not contribute to makeup removal.

The superior performance of the commercial cleansing oil you are using in removing matte lipstick is likely due to the specific type and concentration of the oil-soluble solvent (like Cetyl Ethylhexanoate) and the balanced blend and concentration of the emulsifiers (PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Sorbitan Oleate) which effectively dissolve and lift the makeup for easy rinsing.

When formulating your own cleansing oil, focusing on the selection and ratio of your oil phase ingredients and your emulsifier system will be key to achieving effective makeup removal.