Gentle, Clear Shampoo and Conditioner Formulation

Based on your questions about creating a gentle, clear shampoo and a similar conditioner, here is some information:

Shampoo Formulation

The sample formula you found using Sulfate Free Shampoo Base (pH 7, Clear, Foaming) is a good starting point for a gentle, clear shampoo.

• Usability: Yes, you can use the sample formula as is. It provides good cleansing without sulfates.
• Reducing Irritation: The Sulfate Free Shampoo Base itself is designed to be gentle. For added scalp comfort and reduced irritation, you could consider adding Allantoin at a low concentration (e.g., 0.1-0.5%). Allantoin is known for its soothing and anti-irritant properties and is suitable for sensitive skin and scalps.
• Poly-Conditioner Substitution: You can substitute Poly-Conditioner Pro for Poly-Conditioner Eco. Poly-Conditioner Pro (Polyquaternium-10) is generally considered to cause less build-up on hair compared to Poly-Conditioner Eco (Polyquaternium-7), which aligns with your goal. However, Poly-Conditioner Pro is a powder and requires careful mixing to dissolve properly (sprinkle into water with continuous stirring, potentially with gentle heat up to 65°C), whereas Poly-Conditioner Eco is a liquid and easier to incorporate.

Mixing Equipment

For the original shampoo formula which consists mainly of liquids, simple stirring with a beaker and glass rod is sufficient. If you add powder ingredients like Poly-Conditioner Pro or Allantoin, you will need more thorough mixing to ensure they dissolve completely and are evenly dispersed. For small home batches, a strong hand whisk or an immersion blender can work, but an overhead stirrer is not typically necessary unless you are working with large volumes or more complex formulations.

Conditioner Formulation

For a gentle conditioner with similar properties (untangling, non-stiff), you can create a formula using a cationic conditioning agent like Behentrimonium Chloride. Here is a basic example formula, similar to those often used:

• Water: ~86%
• Cetearyl Alcohol: 8% (Provides thickening and conditioning)
• Behentrimonium Chloride: 2% (Primary conditioning and detangling agent)
• Propylene Glycol: 1% (Humectant and solvent)
• Preservative (e.g., Phenoxyethanol SA): 1%

Procedure: Heat the water and Propylene Glycol. In a separate container, melt Cetearyl Alcohol and Behentrimonium Chloride together around 70°C. Add the melted oil/conditioner phase to the heated water phase while stirring or blending well. Continue stirring until the mixture cools down to below 40°C, then add the preservative and stir until fully incorporated.

Biotin Concentration in Conditioner

Regarding the conditioner formula you found that includes Biotin Express™, using it at 0.2% is below the manufacturer's recommended minimum usage rate of 0.5% and the recommended rate of 1-2%. While some effect might still be present, it is less likely to provide the full intended benefits for hair growth and strength compared to using it within the recommended range.