Cream Pilling Issue - Request for Formula Details
Question
I am experiencing pilling (forming flakes) with my cream formulation after application. The staff has requested the following details to help diagnose the issue:
- Formula and mixing steps
- Mixing method (machine/hand, type of head, duration)
- Whether heat was used in the formula
Could you explain why pilling occurs and what factors are important in resolving this issue?
Answer
Hello! The issue of cream pilling (forming flakes) after application is quite common in cosmetic formulation.
Pilling can occur due to various reasons, not just ingredients like Guar gum. Potential causes include:
- High concentration of film-forming agents: Ingredients that help create texture or a film on the skin, such as Guar gum, Xanthan gum, Carbomer, or certain silicones, can accumulate and pill if used in excessive amounts.
- Ingredient incompatibility: Some ingredients might react with each other (e.g., ionic issues with certain types of Guar gum), causing precipitation or instability in the formula.
- Mixing issues: Improper mixing steps or methods can lead to poor dispersion of ingredients or unstable emulsions.
- Application on the skin: Applying multiple layers of products or applying on skin with accumulated dead skin cells can also cause pilling.
The staff has requested more details about your formula and mixing process, which are crucial for analyzing and identifying the exact cause of the problem. Knowing these details will help provide specific recommendations to fix the pilling issue in your formula.
We recommend that you provide the details requested by the staff so they can help review and suggest appropriate solutions.