Fragrance Solubility and Separation Issues in Silicone-Based Hair Oil Serum
คำถาม
I am making a Hair Oil Serum with the following formulation. The mixture is clear before adding the fragrance, but once the fragrance is added, it becomes cloudy and the fragrance separates from the formula.
Is there a way to fix this or an ingredient I can add to keep the formula clear and stable?
Formulation:
Isododecane (Germany): 25.00 %Isopropyl Myristate (IPM): 5.20 %Dimethiconol (Cyclopentasiloxane Base): 9.50 %Cyclopentasiloxane (Low-Oder Cyclomethicone): 35.00 %Silicone Shine 15 (Phenyl Trimethicone, Low Viscosity): 6.00 %Dimethicone 1Secs: 7.60 %Dimethicone (Light/50, Low-Odor): 1.80 %Amodimethicone: 4.70 %Fractionated Coconut Oil: 1.00 %Olive Oil L19474: 0.30 %Jojoba Oil A: 0.30 %Fragrance SUM ONE: 2.80 %
คำตอบ
The issue of cloudiness and separation after adding fragrance to your Hair Oil Serum is common in high-silicone formulas. This happens because many fragrances are not fully soluble in silicone oils (like Cyclopentasiloxane or Dimethicone), especially at a high concentration of 2.8%.
To resolve this and maintain a clear formula, here are the recommended solutions:
1. Add a Silicone Solubilizer
The most effective way to bridge the gap between the fragrance and the silicone base is to add a specialized solubilizer.
- SiliSolve™ (PEG-10 Dimethicone): This ingredient is designed to help oils and fragrances blend into silicone systems.
- Recommended usage: Add 1-2% to your formula.
- How to mix: Mix the fragrance with SiliSolve™ first until clear, then gradually add this mixture into your main silicone base while stirring.
2. Adjust the Mixing Process
Instead of adding the fragrance last, try this method:
- Pre-mix the Fragrance (2.8%) with the Isopropyl Myristate (IPM) and Silicone Shine 15 (Phenyl Trimethicone). These two ingredients act as better solvents for fragrance than pure Dimethicone or Cyclomethicone. Once this "fragrance part" is clear, then blend it into the rest of the formula.
3. Review the Fragrance Concentration
- 2.8% Fragrance is considered very high for a leave-on hair serum (standard levels are usually 0.5% - 1.0%). If the formula remains cloudy even after adding a solubilizer, consider reducing the fragrance percentage. A lower amount will be much easier to stabilize and will likely still provide a strong scent.
4. Check Fragrance Compatibility
- Ensure that the fragrance you are using is "Oil-Soluble." However, even oil-soluble fragrances can struggle in formulas that are more than 50-70% silicone. If you continue to have issues, you may need a fragrance specifically tested for silicone compatibility.
Summary of suggested adjustment:
- Add SiliSolve™ 1.0% - 2.0%
- Reduce Cyclopentasiloxane slightly to balance the percentage.
- Pre-mix Fragrance + SiliSolve™ + IPM before adding to the main batch.
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SiliSolve™ (PEG-10 Dimethicone, Odorless)
