Cleansing Oil Stability Issue
Question
I have tried making a cleansing oil with the following ingredients:
- Olive Oil
- Grapeseed Oil
- castor oil
- Laureth-4 5%
After about 2 months, the oil separated and became cloudy. Could you please suggest an ingredient that can help prevent this change?
Answer
Cleansing Oil Stability Issues
The separation and cloudiness observed in your cleansing oil after two months are likely due to the oxidation of the oils, particularly Grapeseed Oil, which is prone to oxidation. Physical separation of the different oils in the blend can also occur over time.
To help prevent oxidation and improve the stability of your cleansing oil, you can add an antioxidant to the formula.
Recommended Ingredient
- Protec™ OX (Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate): This is an effective oil-soluble antioxidant that helps protect ingredients from deterioration caused by free radicals and oxidation. It is more effective than Vitamin E for this purpose.
Usage Instructions for Protec™ OX
- Usage Rate: 0.01% to 0.5% (FDA allows up to 0.3% for leave-on products and 0.5% for rinse-off products). A recommended starting point is 0.01% for general formulas or 0.05% for formulas containing ingredients that degrade easily.
- Mixing Method: Mix Protec™ OX into the oil phase of your formula. It requires heat (70-80°C) to dissolve properly.
Adding Protec™ OX will help extend the shelf life of your cleansing oil by protecting the oils from oxidation, thus preventing cloudiness and rancidity.
Additionally, ensure your cleansing oil is stored properly in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and air, as these conditions can accelerate oil degradation.
Related Products Mentioned
Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)