Feasibility of Sulfate-Free Foaming Cleanser Formula

Asked by: ratitoon.t On: September 05, 2022 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

Is the following sulfate-free foaming cleanser formula feasible: Sulfate-Free Foaming Base (pH 6, Clear, Foaming) 30%, Water (remaining), Glycerin 5%, PEG 40 1%, Fragrance 1%?

Answer

Formulation Feasibility

Yes, the proposed formulation is generally feasible.

Here's a breakdown:

  • Sulfate-Free Foaming Base (pH 6, Clear, Foaming) 30%: This is the main surfactant component. A usage rate of 30% is within the recommended range (25-35% for shampoo/liquid soap) for this type of base, providing good foam and cleansing.
  • Water (remaining amount, approx. 63%): Water is the primary solvent for this type of liquid foaming product.
  • Glycerin 5%: Glycerin acts as a humectant, helping to retain moisture and provide a smoother feel. 5% is a standard and effective concentration.
  • PEG 40 1%: PEG-40 (likely PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil) at 1% is commonly used as a solubilizer to help disperse the fragrance evenly throughout the water-based formula.
  • Fragrance 1%: Fragrance adds scent to the product. 1% is a typical usage level.

Considerations:

  1. Mixing Method: Ensure the PEG 40 is used to solubilize the fragrance before adding it to the main base/water mixture to ensure clarity and stability.
  2. Viscosity: The final viscosity will depend on the specific foaming base used and the other ingredients. You may need to adjust the thickness using a suitable thickener if a higher viscosity is desired (e.g., SugarThick, Xanthan Gum, EasyThick mentioned in the base description).
  3. Preservation: Since the formula contains water, a preservative is necessary to prevent microbial growth. While the base may contain a preservative, the addition of other ingredients and water might require checking the total preservative level or adding an additional broad-spectrum preservative to ensure long-term stability and safety.

Overall, the ingredient list and percentages suggest a workable starting point for a sulfate-free foaming cleanser.