Emulsifying a Deodorant Dry Stick Formula

To create a stable deodorant dry stick formula containing wax, oils, water, powders, and silicone, a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion system is generally recommended. This allows you to incorporate the water phase (containing water and water-soluble ingredients) into the continuous oil/wax/silicone phase, resulting in a solid stick format.

Based on your formula composition and the need for a W/O system that can handle oils and silicones, Oil Blender is a suitable emulsifier. It is designed to blend various oils and silicones and helps stabilize water-in-oil emulsions.

Microcrystalline Wax is essential in your formula (at 20%) to provide the necessary structure and hardness for the stick format. Different types of Microcrystalline Wax with varying melting points (e.g., 77°C, 86°C, 105°C) can be used to achieve the desired firmness.

Other emulsifiers you mentioned, such as Emulsifying Wax (like Emulsifying Wax 1000 or E-Wax) and Light Cream Maker, are primarily designed for oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, which typically result in creams or lotions and are less suitable for incorporating a significant water phase into a solid, high-fatty-phase stick format.

Recommended Emulsifier and Usage Rate

• Emulsifier: Oil Blender
• Usage Rate: 1-5% (A starting point of 3-3.5% is often effective for formulas with a notable water phase).

Mixing Procedure

1. Oil Phase: Combine your waxes (Microcrystalline Wax), butters, oils, Cyclomethicone, Oil Blender, and Mild Preserved Eco (it can be dispersed in oil). Heat this phase to around 70-80°C, or until all waxes and solid fats are completely melted and the ingredients are well mixed.
2. Water Phase: Combine your water and water-soluble powders. Heat this phase to a temperature similar to the oil phase (around 70-80°C) to prevent the wax from solidifying prematurely during mixing. Consider adding about 1% Magnesium Sulfate to the water phase to help improve the stability of the water-in-oil emulsion when using Oil Blender.
3. Emulsification: Slowly add the heated water phase to the heated oil phase while continuously mixing. Use a homogenizer or stick blender for best results to ensure a fine emulsion. Continue mixing until the mixture is uniform.
4. Powder Incorporation: Ensure your non-soluble powders are well dispersed. You can try dispersing them in a small amount of the oil phase before combining, or add them to the mixture after the emulsion has formed, ensuring thorough mixing to avoid clumps.
5. Pouring: Once the mixture is uniform and still liquid, carefully pour it into your deodorant stick molds.
6. Cooling: Allow the sticks to cool completely at room temperature until solid before packaging.

By using Oil Blender as your W/O emulsifier in conjunction with Microcrystalline Wax for structure, you can effectively create a stable deodorant dry stick that incorporates both oil and water-based ingredients.