Facial Cleansing Gel Formula Analysis & Mixing
Question
I have a facial cleansing gel formula with the following composition:
Sulfate Free No-Tear Shampoo Base (pH 6, Clear, Foaming) 10%
Water 77.5%
[url=https://www.myskinrecipes.com/shop/%E0%B8%AA%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%9A%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B7%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%84%E0%B9%8C/143-glycerin-%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%8B%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%99.html:5qcfymmy]Glycerin[/url:5qcfymmy] 99.5% 5%
1,3-[url=http://www.myskinrecipes.com/shop/%E0%B8%AA%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%9A%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B7%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%84%E0%B9%8C/1337-1-3-propanediol.html:5qcfymmy]Propanediol[/url:5qcfymmy] (Natural) 5%
[url=http://www.myskinrecipes.com/shop/%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B4%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%99/3400-citromask-%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%9D%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B4%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%99.html:5qcfymmy]Citromask[/url:5qcfymmy] 0.5%
[url=http://www.myskinrecipes.com/shop/%E0%B8%AA%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%9A%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B7%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%84%E0%B9%8C/510-peg-120-methyl-glucose-dioleate-sugarthick.html:5qcfymmy]SugarThick[/url:5qcfymmy] 1%
[url=http://www.myskinrecipes.com/shop/%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%A2/1001-ethylhexylglycerin-caprylyl-glycol.html:5qcfymmy]Mild Preserved Eco[/url:5qcfymmy] 1%
- Is this facial cleansing gel formula suitable for individuals with Sebderm, as their skin is very sensitive and prone to irritation?
- If I increase the Sulfate Free No-Tear Shampoo Base (pH 6, Clear, Foaming) to 20%, would it be suitable for normal skin?
- What is the correct mixing procedure for this formula?
Answer
Analysis of Your Facial Cleansing Gel Formula
Here is an analysis of your Sulfate Free No-Tear Facial Cleansing Gel formula and answers to your questions:
1. Suitability for Sebderm and Sensitive Skin
This formula appears to be suitable for individuals with Sebderm and sensitive skin. Here's why:
- Gentle Cleansing Base: The formula uses Sulfate Free No-Tear Shampoo Base, which is specifically designed to be extremely gentle and free from sulfates known to irritate the skin and scalp. Its "no-tear" property indicates very low irritation potential, making it suitable for sensitive areas.
- Favorable pH: The formula is designed to have a pH of 6, which is slightly acidic. This pH is closer to the natural pH of healthy skin (typically 4.5-5.5) than alkaline soaps, helping to maintain the skin's natural barrier function.
- Humectants: The inclusion of Glycerin and 1,3-Propanediol helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin, counteracting potential dryness that can sometimes occur with cleansing, even with gentle formulas. 1,3-Propanediol is also considered a gentler alternative to other glycols.
- Mild Thickener: SugarThick is a plant-derived thickener that is noted to help reduce irritation from detergents and is suitable for baby products, further contributing to the formula's gentleness.
- Mild Preservation: Mild Preserved Eco is a gentle preservative blend that is not classified as a traditional preservative by some regulations and also offers humectant properties.
While the Citromask is a deodorizer and some sensitive skin types can react to fragrance or masking agents, the overall composition emphasizes gentleness, making it a good candidate for sensitive and Sebderm-prone skin.
2. Suitability for Normal Skin at 20% Base
Yes, increasing the Sulfate Free No-Tear Shampoo Base to 20% should still be suitable for normal skin. The product description for this base indicates a recommended usage rate of 25-40% for general cleaning products, with 30-35% suggested for adult formulas. Increasing from 10% to 20% would provide a more robust cleansing action and potentially more foam, while still remaining below or within the typical usage range for adult cleansers using this gentle, sulfate-free base. It would likely be milder than many conventional sulfate-based cleansers for normal skin.
3. Correct Mixing Procedure
Here is a recommended mixing procedure for your formula:
- In a suitable container, combine the Water, Glycerin, and 1,3-Propanediol. Stir gently until all components are fully dissolved and the mixture is homogeneous.
- Slowly add the Sulfate Free No-Tear Shampoo Base to the water mixture. Stir gently with a paddle or low-speed mixer to combine the base without creating excessive foam.
- Add the SugarThick. If it is in flake form, you can gently warm a small amount separately (to 50-60°C) until it becomes liquid before adding it to the main batch, or add it directly to the main batch and stir gently until it dissolves and the desired viscosity is achieved. Avoid overheating the main batch if possible.
- Add the Citromask and Mild Preserved Eco to the mixture. Stir or blend gently for about 5 minutes to ensure the Mild Preserved Eco is fully dissolved and the mixture is clear.
- Verify the final pH of the formula (it should be around 6 as intended). Adjust if necessary, although it is likely to be within the target range.
Ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated after each addition before moving to the next step.
Related Products Mentioned
Glycerin (USP/Food Grade)
Mild Preserved Eco™ (Preservative-Free)