Dog Shampoo Formulation Advice

Here is an analysis of your proposed dog shampoo formulas and recommendations based on your desired properties: white/clear, gentle, not too thick, SLeS-free, high foaming, easy to rinse, moisturizing, and long-lasting scent.

Based on the ingredients you plan to use, here is a breakdown of each formula:

Formula 1

• Surfactants: This formula uses Coco-Betaine, Lauryl Glucoside, and Coco Foam. This combination is gentle and sulfate-free, aligning with your requirements. Coco-Betaine and Coco Foam contribute well to foaming, and Lauryl Glucoside is a mild co-surfactant. The concentration of Coco-Betaine at 35% might contribute to the viscosity, but it is less likely to result in the excessive thickness you experienced with BabyFoam.
• Moisturizing: LAMESOFT is included for moisturizing the coat.
• Scent: Fragrance and FloraFix are used for scent and longevity. FloraFix is a fragrance fixative that helps the scent last longer. Using it at the same percentage as the fragrance (3%) is a bit high compared to typical recommendations (often used at the same rate as the fragrance, which is usually 1-5% in cosmetics), but you can test if it provides the desired longevity without negatively impacting the formula.
• Anti-bacterial/Odor Control: Farnesol and Tea Tree Oil are included for their anti-bacterial properties and odor control. Farnesol is oil-soluble, and the Tea Tree Oil you have (Extra Grade) is also oil-soluble. To ensure they are properly dispersed and do not cause cloudiness in a clear formula, you would need a suitable solubilizer. Using Tea Tree Oil (Water Soluble) would be a better option if aiming for clarity.
• Antiseptic/Preservative: You included USILVERP, which you noted acts as an antiseptic, reduces irritation, and is a preservative. If USILVERP is Nano Silver powder, it is insoluble and will make your shampoo opaque and likely gray, which contradicts your desire for a white or clear product. Additionally, while Nano Silver has antimicrobial properties, it may not provide complete broad-spectrum preservation needed for a water-based product. You would likely need a separate, effective broad-spectrum preservative system for this formula.

Formula 2

• Surfactants: This formula uses Sulfate Free Shampoo Base and Coco Foam. The Sulfate Free Shampoo Base is a pre-formulated base designed to be clear, high foaming, and easily thickened with salt. Adding Coco Foam will further boost the foam. This base is sulfate-free and gentle.
• Moisturizing: LAMESOFT is included for moisturizing.
• Scent: Fragrance and FloraFix are used, with the same consideration for the FloraFix concentration as in Formula 1.
• Anti-bacterial/Odor Control/Moisturizing: You listed Farnesol OR Argan Oil. Farnesol is for odor control (anti-bacterial), while Argan Oil is a moisturizing oil. They serve different purposes. If you need odor control, use Farnesol. If you need extra moisturizing, use Argan Oil. Note that Argan Oil is an oil and will cause cloudiness unless properly solubilized. Farnesol is oil-soluble and also requires solubilization for clarity.
• Anti-bacterial: Tea Tree Oil is included. Again, consider using the Water Soluble version for clarity.
• Antiseptic/Preservative: USILVERP is included. As mentioned for Formula 1, if this is Nano Silver, it will make the product opaque/gray. The Sulfate Free Shampoo Base already contains preservatives (Methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone). Adding USILVERP might not be necessary for preservation and will affect clarity/color.

Formula 3

• Surfactants: This formula uses Gluta-Clean and Coco Foam. Gluta-Clean is a gentle, sulfate-free anionic surfactant known for good foam and ability to create clear formulas. Coco Foam enhances foaming. This combination should be gentle and foam well. Gluta-Clean has an alkaline pH and will require adjustment to the skin-friendly range of 5-6 using an acid like Citric Acid or Lactic Acid.
• Moisturizing: LAMESOFT is included for moisturizing.
• Scent: Fragrance and FloraFix are used, with the same consideration for the FloraFix concentration.
• Anti-bacterial/Odor Control/Moisturizing: Similar to Formula 2, you listed Farnesol OR Argan Oil. Choose based on whether you prioritize odor control or extra moisturizing, keeping in mind the solubility of each ingredient if clarity is desired.
• Anti-bacterial: Tea Tree Oil is included. Consider the Water Soluble version for clarity.
• Antiseptic/Preservative: USILVERP is included. If it's Nano Silver, it will cause opacity/color issues. This formula, unlike Formula 2, does not have a built-in preservative in the main surfactant. You will definitely need a separate, effective broad-spectrum preservative system in addition to or instead of USILVERP to prevent microbial growth.

General Recommendations:

1. Clarity and Color: To achieve a white or clear shampoo, you should likely avoid ingredients that are insoluble powders (like Nano Silver, if that is USILVERP) or oils (like Argan Oil or oil-soluble Tea Tree Oil) unless you use an effective solubilizer at the correct ratio. The Water Soluble Tea Tree Oil is a better choice for clear formulas, although it is light yellow and can be semi-opaque.
2. Viscosity: The thickness of the final product will depend on the total surfactant concentration and the type and amount of thickener used. For Formulas 1 and 3, you will need to add a thickener. Options mentioned in the ingredient descriptions for achieving clear formulas include SugarThick or Xanthan Gum. Formula 2 using Sulfate Free Shampoo Base is designed to be thickened easily with salt.
3. pH Adjustment: Formulas 1 (using Lauryl Glucoside) and 3 (using Gluta-Clean) will require pH adjustment to a skin-friendly range (typically 5-6 for pet shampoos) using an acid like Citric Acid or Lactic Acid. Sulfate Free Shampoo Base (Formula 2) has a more neutral pH but may still benefit from slight adjustment depending on the final formula pH.
4. Preservation: A robust preservative system is essential for any water-based product to prevent microbial contamination. Formula 2 contains preservatives, but Formulas 1 and 3 will require the addition of a broad-spectrum preservative system. USILVERP (if Nano Silver) may offer some antimicrobial action but is unlikely to provide complete preservation on its own.
5. Ingredient Identification: Confirm the exact nature of "LAMESOFT" and "USILVERP" (their INCI names) to fully understand their properties and compatibility with other ingredients and your desired outcome.

Based on your goals, Formula 2 using the Sulfate Free Shampoo Base might be the easiest to formulate for clarity and desired viscosity, provided you omit USILVERP (if it's Nano Silver) and properly solubilize or omit Argan Oil if used. Formula 3 using Gluta-Clean is also a good option for a gentle, sulfate-free, high-foaming, and potentially clear shampoo, but requires pH adjustment and a separate preservative.

Consider making small test batches of each formula, adjusting the concentrations of thickeners, fragrance/fixative, and ensuring proper solubilization/preservation to achieve the desired consistency, clarity, and performance.