Formulating Gentle Sulfate-Free Cleansers for Very Sensitive Skin

Asked by: bee_very_lovely On: December 17, 2016 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

I have very sensitive skin and find it difficult and expensive to buy suitable cleansing products. I would like to make my own using your shop's bases. Could you please provide formulas or guidance for:

  1. Shampoo for sensitive skin (similar to a gentle commercial brand).
  2. Liquid body wash for sensitive skin (similar to Dermapon green cap).
  3. Foam cleanser for sensitive skin (similar to Senka Perfect Whip, focusing on thick foam).

I need gentle, sulfate-free options suitable for very sensitive skin.

Answer

Hello! I understand that having very sensitive skin makes choosing cleansing products difficult and expensive. Making your own is a great option.

Based on the information you provided and the previous staff recommendation, the shop has gentle cleansing bases suitable for very sensitive skin.

For your three formulation requests, I recommend gentle base products that can be easily adapted as follows:

1. Shampoo Formula for Sensitive Skin (Similar to a Cute Brand Shampoo)

I recommend using sulfate-free shampoo bases, which are gentle on the scalp and hair.

  • Sulfate Free Shampoo Base (pH 7, Clear, Foaming): A clear, sulfate-free shampoo base with good foam and neutral pH (pH 7). Suitable for general shampoo.
  • Sulfate Free No-Tear Shampoo Base (pH 6, Clear, Foaming): A clear, sulfate-free shampoo base with foam and No-Tear properties (does not irritate eyes). It has a slightly acidic pH (pH 6), which is closer to the skin's natural pH. Suitable for those needing extra gentleness or for use with children.

You can use either base or mix them. Generally, you can add various nourishing extracts that you know you are not allergic to, or Fragrance for Personal Care in small amounts if your skin is not sensitive to fragrance.

How to use the base: Mix the base with distilled water according to the recommended ratio on the base's label (generally around 25-35%). Stir or blend gently to combine (avoid vigorous blending which causes excessive foam). You can adjust the viscosity by adding a small amount of salt (Sodium Chloride) gradually (about 0.5-1.5%).

2. Liquid Body Wash Formula for Sensitive Skin (Similar to Dermapon Green Cap)

Dermapon green cap typically focuses on gentleness and uses mild cleansing agents. I recommend using gentle body wash bases as well. The Sulfate-Free Foaming Base group is suitable for making body wash.

  • Sulfate-Free Foaming Base (pH 6, Clear, Foaming): A sulfate-free cleansing base with good foam and pH 5.5-7.5. Use at a concentration of approximately 25-35% for body wash.
  • Sulfate-Free No-Tear Foaming Base (pH 6, Clear, Foaming): Similar to the above, but with No-Tear properties, does not irritate eyes. Use at a concentration of approximately 25-35% for body wash.

You can use either base as the main component for making body wash. You can add other skin-nourishing ingredients that you know you are not allergic to.

How to use the base: Mix the base with distilled water according to the recommended ratio on the label (around 25-35%). Stir or blend gently to combine. You can adjust the viscosity as needed.

3. Foam Cleanser Formula for Sensitive Skin (Similar to Senka Perfect Whip)

Senka Perfect Whip is known for its thick, dense foam. The Sulfate-Free Foaming Base group can be used to make foam cleanser by using a lower concentration than for shampoo or body wash, to ensure gentleness suitable for facial skin.

  • Sulfate-Free Foaming Base (pH 6, Clear, Foaming): Use at a concentration of approximately 15-20% for facial cleansing.
  • Sulfate-Free No-Tear Foaming Base (pH 6, Clear, Foaming): Use at a concentration of approximately 15-20% for facial cleansing. Has No-Tear properties.

Both of these bases will provide good, gentle foam. However, to achieve the thick, dense foam similar to Perfect Whip, you might need to further adjust the formula by adding gentle Foam Boosters. This may require experimentation and adjustment.

How to use the base: Mix the base with distilled water according to the recommended ratio for face washing (approximately 15-20%). Stir or blend gently to combine.

Additional Recommendations for Very Sensitive Skin

  • Patch Testing: Before making a large batch, always try making a small amount and test it on a small area of your skin first, such as behind the ear or on the inner arm. Leave it for 24-48 hours to observe for any allergic reactions.
  • Additional Ingredients: If you want to add nourishing ingredients, scents, or colors, choose grades specifically for personal care products and start with the smallest amount necessary. The fewer ingredients, the lower the chance of allergic reaction.
  • Cleanliness: Equipment and containers used for making must be very clean to prevent microbial contamination.

I hope this information is helpful for you to start making cleansing products suitable for your sensitive skin.