Clear Soap Gel Formulation and Alternative
Question
I created a soap gel formulation using Lauryl Glucoside and Creamy Foamer, thickened with Carbomer and Triethanolamine. However, the gel became liquid and cloudy. What caused this issue, and can you provide an alternative formula for a clear soap gel?
Answer
Based on the staff's response, the reason your soap gel turned liquid and cloudy after adding Lauryl Glucoside and Creamy Foamer is primarily because Creamy Foamer is not a clear ingredient. Additionally, the combination of these surfactants likely affected the viscosity built by the Carbomer/Triethanolamine system.
To achieve a clear gel texture, the staff recommends using an alternative formulation with different ingredients:
- Replace Creamy Foamer with BabyFoam (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate) because BabyFoam is clear.
- Replace the Carbomer and Triethanolamine thickening system with SugarThick (PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate).
The suggested alternative formula is:
- Lauryl Glucoside: 20%
- BabyFoam: 10%
- SugarThick: 2-4% (adjust based on desired thickness)
- Water: Remaining percentage
Note that BabyFoam requires time to dissolve completely after mixing before proceeding with thickening.
