Emulsifiers for Incorporating Oil and Silicone in Cream Cleanser & Liquid Soap

Asked by: jai.79 On: November 19, 2014 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

How can I incorporate oil and silicone into a cream cleanser or liquid soap formulation? What emulsifiers or ingredients can be used to effectively combine water, oil, and silicone in these types of cleansing products?

Answer

Emulsifiers for Cream Cleansers and Liquid Soaps

To incorporate oil into a cream cleanser or liquid soap formula, which are primarily surfactant-based systems, it is necessary to use an emulsifier or solubilizer that is compatible with the surfactant system. This helps the oil disperse stably in the water phase and allows it to be rinsed off with water.

Based on the product information found, several ingredients are relevant and can be considered as emulsifiers or aids for incorporating oil into cleansing formulas:

  • Oilsify 15 and Oilsify 30: These are oil-emulsifiers specifically designed for Cleansing Oil products. They are highly effective at helping oil and oil-soluble makeup rinse off with water. They can be used as primary emulsifiers in Cleansing Oil formulas that turn milky when noded on dry skin and rinsed with water.
  • MakeUp-Wash™ (PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides): This is a very gentle surfactant that forms micelles in water. It is commonly used in Cleansing Water or makeup remover products. It helps solubilize and remove oil-soluble dirt and makeup.
  • PEG-8 Glyceryl Isostearate: This is an emulsifier/solubilizer used in Cleansing Balm or Cleansing Oil formulas to help incorporate oil into the cleansing system.
  • Laureth-7 Citrate: A very gentle surfactant that can be used with other cleansers to reduce irritation. It can be used in both water-based and water-free formulas and is soluble in oil, which may help incorporate oil into the formula.
  • Oilsify Eco: This is a base for making Cleansing Oil, containing pre-mixed emulsifiers, making it easy to blend with oils for a rinseable cleansing oil.

Regarding ingredients that help combine water + oil + silicone in cream cleansers and liquid soaps:

  • The same group of ingredients mentioned above (Oilsify 15/30, MakeUp-Wash™, PEG-8 Glyceryl Isostearate, Laureth-7 Citrate) can often help incorporate certain types of silicones that are compatible with oils into the cleansing system, depending on the specific silicone and its concentration.
  • ClearClean™ (Acrylates Crosspolymer): Although not a primary emulsifier, it acts as a gelling agent and suspending agent. According to the product description, it can be used in formulas containing oils and silicones, helping to stabilize the product texture and keep ingredients dispersed.

In Summary:

To incorporate oil into a cream cleanser or liquid soap, you should choose an emulsifier or solubilizer that is designed for cleansing systems, such as Oilsify 15, Oilsify 30, PEG-8 Glyceryl Isostearate, MakeUp-Wash™, or Laureth-7 Citrate. These ingredients will help the oil blend with the water phase and be easily rinsed off.

For formulas containing water, oil, and silicone, the same group of emulsifiers/solubilizers can assist in incorporating silicone. Additionally, ClearClean™ can be used as a thickener to help stabilize the formula and suspend the ingredients.

The most suitable emulsifier and optimal ratio will depend on the specific types of oil and silicone used, as well as the primary surfactants in your formula. It is recommended to conduct testing to find the best combination for your desired performance and stability.