Comparison of Bases for Your Shampoo

Your original formula uses a Sulfate Free Shampoo Base (Product ID 1107). The store recommended a "foaming base," which likely refers to a Sulfate-Free Foaming Base (like Product ID 8020 or Product ID 10040), as these are also sulfate-free and intended for similar cleansing products.

Here's how they compare:

Similarities:

• Sulfate-Free: Both the original base and the likely substitute foaming bases are free from sulfates, which is important for gentle cleansing.
• Foaming: Both types of bases are designed to produce high, stable foam suitable for shampoo.
• Thickening: Both are compatible with SugarThick (Product ID 510), which you are using at 3% to adjust viscosity. SugarThick is an effective thickener for these types of cleansing bases.
• Application: Both are suitable for use in shampoo, liquid soap, and other cleansing products.

Potential Differences:

• pH Level: The original Sulfate Free Shampoo Base (ID 1107) has a pH range of 6.5-7.5. The Sulfate-Free Foaming Bases (ID 8020, ID 10040) have slightly different ranges (5.5-7.5 for ID 8020, 5-7 for ID 10040). While all are within a suitable range for shampoo, the slightly lower pH of some foaming bases can be marginally better for hair and scalp health.
• Preservatives in the Base: The bases use different built-in preservatives. The original base (ID 1107) uses Methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone. The foaming bases may use different ones (e.g., Sodium Benzoate in ID 8020, Phenoxyethanol in ID 10040). However, you are adding Mild Preserved Eco (Product ID 1001) at 2%, which is a gentle ingredient that boosts preservation and acts as a humectant. Using 2% Mild Preserved Eco is a good practice, especially when adding natural ingredients like herbal water, and it will contribute significantly to the overall preservation system regardless of the base's built-in preservative.
• "No-Tear" Property: Some Sulfate-Free Foaming Bases (like ID 10040) are specifically formulated to be "no-tear" (gentle on eyes), while the original Sulfate Free Shampoo Base (ID 1107) is not explicitly described as such. If the "no-tear" property is important to you, you would need to check if the specific foaming base recommended by the store has this characteristic.

Impact on Your Formulation:

Given that you are using SugarThick at 3% for thickening and Mild Preserved Eco at 2% for preservation (and its humectant benefits), these key additives will function effectively with either the original base or a Sulfate-Free Foaming Base substitute.

The main differences you might notice are subtle variations in the final pH, the specific preservative system (though your added Mild Preserved Eco is a major factor here), and potentially whether the final product is "no-tear."

Adding herbal water introduces natural compounds which can affect pH and require robust preservation. Your inclusion of 2% Mild Preserved Eco is beneficial for this.

Conclusion:

Substituting the Sulfate Free Shampoo Base with a Sulfate-Free Foaming Base is likely a viable option. The core characteristics (sulfate-free, foaming, compatibility with SugarThick) are similar. The differences are mainly in the specific pH range and built-in preservatives, but your added ingredients help mitigate potential issues.

To be sure you are happy with the result, it is always recommended to make a small test batch with the new foaming base and your other ingredients before making a large quantity.