Facial Cleansing Gel Formulation Issues and Alternative

Subject: Reply regarding facial cleansing gel formula

Hello,

Thank you for your questions about the facial cleansing gel formula. Based on the information provided by our staff:

Regarding your original formula and ingredient substitutions:

• Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS): This ingredient is less commonly used now as it can easily irritate the skin.
• Sodium Chloride: This is salt, used in formulas with SLS to create a gel texture.
• Chlorhexidine Gluconate: This is a disinfectant, which is not necessary and not suitable for facial skin.
• Polyethylene Glycol: This has properties very similar to Propylene Glycol and can be used interchangeably.
• 5-Bromo-5-Nitro-1,3-Dioxane (Bronidox L): This is an old preservative that is now banned in many countries (like Japan) due to safety concerns.
• Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate: This is Disodium EDTA.

Regarding your attempt to dilute the product and the clumping issue:

• The clumping occurred because the original formula likely contained Sodium Chloride (salt). In formulas using SLS, adding salt helps create a gel. Adding more polymer (like Pro Polymer) to a solution with high electrolytes (from the salt) can cause it to clump or not form a uniform gel.

Our staff proposed a simpler, alternative formula that avoids ingredients less suitable for facial skin (like SLS and Chlorhexidine) and the problematic preservative (Bronidox L), and is easier to work with:

• Water
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine
• PEG-7 Glyceryl cocoate
• Propylene Glycol
• Pro Polymer
• Allantoin

Regarding the pH of the new formula:

• The proposed formula will naturally have a pH between 6-7, which is not alkaline. If you need to adjust it to a specific level like 5.5, it can be done.

We hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have any further questions.