Deodorant Formula for Sensitive Skin: Clarity, Solubilizers, and Efficacy without Antiperspirants

Hello!

Thank you for providing your formula and details about your skin sensitivity and concerns about body odor and sweating. I can help address your questions.

Regarding the percentages in your first formula:

• The percentages you listed add up to 100% (2 + 3 + 1 + 7 + 2 + 1 + 20 + 63.5 + 0.5 = 100%). The proportions seem mathematically correct based on your list.

Regarding how to combine the oil and water phases for a clear liquid product:

• For a clear liquid product like a wipe solution or spray, you need a solubilizer rather than a traditional emulsifier (like Laureth-23, which is typically used for opaque emulsions). Solubilizers help disperse small amounts of oil or fragrance evenly in water to maintain clarity.
• Both Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) and Flora Solve™ Clear are suitable solubilizers for this purpose. Flora Solve™ Clear is specifically designed for solubilizing fragrances and oils in water-based systems to achieve clarity.
• The amount of solubilizer needed depends on the total amount of oil phase ingredients (LipidSoft Deo, Vitamin E, Fragrance) you have, which is 4.5% in your formula. You will likely need a ratio of solubilizer to oil phase of 1:1 or higher (sometimes much higher, like 4:1 or 5:1) to achieve a clear solution. You will need to test different ratios to find the one that works best for your specific formula and desired clarity. Add the solubilizer to the oil phase first, mix well, and then slowly add the water phase while stirring.

Regarding the efficacy for strong body odor and duration, especially with heavy sweating and avoiding antiperspirants:

• Your formula contains deodorant ingredients like SmellSorb (Zinc Ricinoleate) and LipidSoft Deo (Triethyl Citrate), which work by trapping odor molecules and inhibiting odor-causing bacteria. Witch Hazel also has mild astringent and antiseptic properties.
• However, as the staff mentioned, your formula does not contain an antiperspirant (like Aluminum Chlorohydrate or alum) to reduce sweat production. For individuals with heavy sweating, sweat can dilute or wash away the deodorant ingredients, reducing their effectiveness and duration. While the formula will help control odor, its ability to keep you odor-free for a long duration will be limited compared to products that also reduce sweat, especially under hot conditions or during physical activity.
• It is difficult to give a precise duration (e.g., number of hours) as it varies greatly depending on individual body chemistry, activity level, and environmental factors.

Regarding the difference between Anti Sweat, Aluminum Chlorohydrate, and alum:

• Anti Sweat is a general term often used to refer to ingredients or products that reduce sweating (antiperspirants).
• Aluminum Chlorohydrate is a specific chemical compound commonly used as an active ingredient in antiperspirants. It works by forming temporary plugs in the sweat ducts, reducing the amount of sweat that reaches the skin surface.
• Alum (typically Potassium Alum or Ammonium Alum) is a naturally occurring mineral salt that also has astringent properties and is used in some deodorants/antiperspirants. It works similarly to other aluminum salts by constricting pores and inhibiting bacterial growth. Since you mentioned sensitivity to alum, it is understandable that you wish to avoid Aluminum Chlorohydrate as well, as both are aluminum-based compounds used for similar purposes, although they are different chemicals.

I hope this clarifies your questions!