Deodorant Stick Formula Resulting in Lumps

Deodorant Stick Formula Resulting in Lumps

Regarding the deodorant stick formula you provided, which contains Oil Stick™ Hard, Oil Stick™ Medium, Anti-Sweat™, Silk Talc Powder, AminoSilk™, and Cyclomethicone, the issue of the mixture becoming lumpy and unable to be poured into the mold is likely due to the manufacturing process.

Key ingredients in this formula are Oil Stick™ Hard and Oil Stick™ Medium, which are agents that help solidify the formula into a stick. These ingredients require sufficiently high heat to melt and fully incorporate into the silicone base (Cyclomethicone) as a homogeneous liquid. According to the information for Oil Stick™ Medium, melting in Cyclomethicone requires a temperature of approximately 105-120°C.

Furthermore, the formula contains powdered ingredients, namely Anti-Sweat™ and Silk Talc Powder. These ingredients will not dissolve in the silicone base but must be well-dispersed within the formula. If the dispersion is insufficient or if they are not mixed thoroughly while the base is still hot and liquid, it can lead to lump formation. AminoSilk™ is a powder that can dissolve in silicone, so it is less likely to be the primary cause of insoluble lumps.

Recommendations for Adjusting the Process:

• Heating: Ensure that the mixture containing Oil Stick™ and Cyclomethicone is heated to a temperature where the Oil Stick™ fully melts (approximately 105-120°C) and becomes a homogeneous liquid before adding other ingredients.
• Mixing: After adding the powdered ingredients (Anti-Sweat™, Silk Talc Powder, AminoSilk™) to the melted base, continuous and thorough mixing is essential. Using a higher-shear mixer, if available, can help ensure the powders are optimally dispersed within the silicone phase.
• Pouring: Pour the mixture into the mold while it is still hot and uniformly liquid. Avoid waiting for the mixture to cool or thicken, as this will make pouring difficult and can cause lumps to form before the mold is filled.

The total percentage of powdered ingredients in this formula (Anti-Sweat™, Silk Talc Powder, AminoSilk™) is relatively high, which can make dispersion more challenging. However, this formula is similar to an example formula recommending the use of Oil Stick™ in a silicone base. Therefore, with careful control of temperature and mixing, it should be possible to achieve a smooth texture that can be poured successfully.