Creating a Layered Shower Product

Based on your description and the previous staff reply, the product you're interested in is likely a biphasic system. This means it's designed to separate into two distinct layers, typically an oil-based or emollient-rich phase (the lotion-like top layer) and a water-based phase containing surfactants (the liquid soap bottom layer).

Unlike a stable emulsion (like a cream), this product is intentionally formulated so that the two phases do not fully mix and will separate over time. Shaking the product temporarily disperses one phase within the other, creating a homogenous mixture (the white consistency you observed), which then separates again when left undisturbed.

Achieving this layered effect requires careful selection and balancing of ingredients, including:

• Surfactants: For cleansing and foaming properties in the water phase.
• Oils/Emollients: To provide the lotion-like feel and conditioning properties in the oil phase.
• Stabilizers/Rheology Modifiers: To help maintain the distinct layers and control their viscosity and separation rate.

The specific gravity and polarity of the ingredients in each phase are key factors in creating and maintaining the separation.

Challenges and Considerations:

• Ingredient Compatibility: Ensuring the ingredients in each phase are compatible and can form two distinct layers.
• Phase Stability: Formulating the layers so they separate cleanly but can be easily remixed by shaking.
• Performance: Balancing the cleansing efficacy with the conditioning feel.
• Preservation: Ensuring both phases are adequately preserved.

Without the ingredient list of the specific product you are trying to replicate, it is difficult to provide a precise formulation. Different ingredients will behave differently and require specific ratios to achieve the desired layered effect.

If you can provide the ingredient list from the product label, the team may be able to offer more specific recommendations or a starting point for your formulation experiments.