Dissolving Sodium Stearate in Clay Mask Stick Formulation
Question
How can Sodium Stearate be properly dissolved when formulating a clay mask stick using water, green clay, Sodium Stearate, Light Cream Maker™, and preservative, as it remains lumpy when mixed without heat? Please provide recommended steps.
Answer
Hello! I understand you're having trouble making a clay mask stick, specifically with dissolving Sodium Stearate.
The issue with Sodium Stearate remaining lumpy and not dissolving is because Sodium Stearate requires heat to dissolve in water. Blending it in water at room temperature will not dissolve it completely.
For the formula and steps you provided, you can adjust the mixing method to properly dissolve the Sodium Stearate as follows:
Ingredients:
- Water 70%
- Green Clay (Product ID 916) 12%
- Sodium Stearate (Product ID 7506) 15%
- Light Cream Maker™ (Product ID 141) 2%
- Preservative (e.g., Preservative K) 1%
Recommended Mixing Steps:
- Dissolve Sodium Stearate: Combine Water (70%) and Sodium Stearate (15%) in a heat-resistant container. Gently heat this mixture while stirring. Continue heating until the Sodium Stearate is completely dissolved and the mixture is homogenous (this may require significant heat, around 70-80°C or higher).
- Cool Slightly: Once the Sodium Stearate is dissolved, remove from heat and let it cool down slightly (but don't let it cool so much that it starts to solidify).
- Add Green Clay: Gradually add Green Clay (12%) to the still-warm water mixture. Stir or blend until the Green Clay is well dispersed and there are no clumps.
- Add Light Cream Maker™: Add Light Cream Maker™ (2%) and mix until incorporated.
- Add Preservative: When the mixture has cooled down further (to a suitable temperature for the specific preservative used), add the Preservative (1%) and mix well.
- Pour into Molds: Quickly pour the mixture into your stick molds immediately before it cools and solidifies.
Important Notes:
- Sodium Stearate genuinely requires heat to dissolve. Not using heat is the main cause of the problem.
- As the mixture cools, it will thicken and solidify relatively quickly, so be prepared to pour it into molds immediately after mixing the final ingredients.
Please try following these recommended steps. I hope this helps you successfully make your clay mask stick!
