DIY Cetaphil-Style Cleansing Gel

Creating a cleansing gel similar to Cetaphil is possible using common cosmetic ingredients. Based on the ingredients you provided, here's a guide on how to mix them and suggested alternatives for ingredients you might not have:

Ingredients and Alternatives

• Purified Water: This is the base of your gel. Purified Water is available.
• Cetyl Alcohol: Acts as a thickener and stabilizer, helping to give the gel its texture. Cetyl Alcohol is available.
• Propylene Glycol: Functions as a humectant (helps retain moisture) and a solvent. Propylene Glycol is available.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: This is a surfactant that creates foam and cleanses. If you prefer a gentler alternative or cannot find Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, consider using IseFoam™ (Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate), which is a mild surfactant that produces good foam.
• Stearyl Alcohol: Similar to Cetyl Alcohol, it helps thicken and stabilize the formula. Stearyl Alcohol is available.
• Methyl Hydroxybenzoate, Propyl Hydroxybenzoate, Butyl Hydroxybenzoate: These are parabens used as preservatives. For a broad-spectrum, paraben-free alternative, you can use Mild Preserved™ COS. This preservative is water-soluble and effective in a wide pH range.

Mixing Instructions

Here is a general method for mixing these ingredients. The exact percentages will need to be determined through experimentation to achieve your desired texture and performance.

1. Prepare the Water Phase: Heat the Purified Water and Propylene Glycol in a beaker.
2. Prepare the Oil Phase: In a separate beaker, combine Cetyl Alcohol and Stearyl Alcohol. Heat this mixture to about 60-70°C until the solid alcohols are completely melted and liquid.
3. Combine Phases: Slowly pour the heated oil phase into the heated water phase while stirring continuously. Continue stirring until an emulsion forms and the mixture starts to thicken as it cools.
4. Add Surfactant: Once the mixture has cooled down slightly (but is still warm), add the Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (or IseFoam™ alternative) and stir gently until it is fully dissolved and incorporated.
5. Add Preservative: When the mixture has cooled below 45°C, add the Mild Preserved™ COS (or your chosen paraben blend if using) and stir to combine.
6. Final Adjustments: Check the pH of the gel and adjust if necessary to be suitable for skin (typically slightly acidic, around pH 5.5). You can also adjust the viscosity by adding more thickener if needed.

Remember that creating cosmetic formulations requires careful measurement and testing. Start with small batches to refine your formula.