Emulsifiers and Preservatives for Activated Carbon Face Mask

Selecting Emulsifiers and Preservatives for Activated Carbon Face Mask

For creating a wash-off face mask containing Activated Carbon powder, selecting appropriate emulsifiers and preservatives is crucial.

Emulsifier

To achieve a heavier cream texture as desired and ensure compatibility with Activated Carbon powder, which may affect formula stability (as Activated Carbon can act as an electrolyte), we recommend emulsifiers that are electrolyte resistant and work well over a wide pH range, such as:

• Butter Cream Maker™: This is a highly electrolyte-resistant emulsifier that works well in a wide pH range (3-12). It can create a thick, heavy, butter-like cream texture when used at higher concentrations (5-6%). It is suitable for formulas containing salts or ingredients with high ionic charge.
• Satin Cream Maker™: This is a heat-free emulsifier that can be mixed directly into the water phase. It works over a wide pH range (3-12) and has good electrolyte resistance. It creates a soft and smooth cream texture. If a thicker texture is desired, the usage rate can be increased (recommended 1-1.5%, up to 3%).

The choice between these two depends on your production process convenience and desired texture. Butter Cream Maker™ provides a heavier texture but requires heat and oil-phase mixing, while Satin Cream Maker™ is easier to use, requires no heat, and is mixed in the water phase.

Preservative

Since Activated Carbon is a natural powder that may be prone to microbial contamination, and the pH of a formula containing Activated Carbon might differ from typical creams, selecting a broad-spectrum preservative that works well over a wide pH range is important. We recommend:

• Mild Preserved™ COS: This is a broad-spectrum preservative that is highly water-soluble, odorless, and works in a wide pH range of 2-8. It can be added at any step, provided the formula temperature is below 45°C.
• Global Guard™ 221: This is also a water-soluble broad-spectrum preservative that works in a pH range of 2-7 and is natural-derived. It can be added at any step, provided the formula temperature is below 45°C.

Caution: Activated Carbon powder may affect the efficacy of some preservatives, and the pH of the formula may change. Therefore, conducting stability testing and preservative challenge testing on your final formula is highly recommended before commercial production to ensure the formula's safety and desired shelf life.