Hair Serum Formulation Breakdown

Based on the ingredients provided for your hair serum after washing, here is a breakdown of the key components and a suggested mixing method.

Ingredients and Suggested Percentages

Here are the ingredients and their typical usage ranges in a hair serum formulation like this:

• Water: Remaining amount (approximately 88% in a sample formula) - The base of the serum.
• Isopropyl Myristate (or alternative oils like Mineral Oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil): 5-10% - Acts as an emollient to provide softness and shine to the hair.
• Behentrimonium Chloride: 1-3% - A cationic conditioning agent that helps to detangle hair and reduce static. It also functions as an emulsifier.
• Dimethicone: 1-3% - A silicone that provides slip, shine, and helps to control frizz.
• Cetearyl Alcohol: 1-3% - A fatty alcohol that acts as a thickener and emulsion stabilizer, also providing emollient properties.
• Cetyl Alcohol: 1-3% - Similar to Cetearyl Alcohol, it helps to thicken the formula and stabilize the emulsion.
• Glycerin: 1-3% - A humectant that draws moisture into the hair, helping to keep it hydrated.
• Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): 1% - Known for its moisturizing and hair strengthening properties.

• Preservative: 1% - Essential to prevent microbial growth and keep the product safe for use. A broad-spectrum blend is recommended.

• Note: The original list contained other ingredients like Perfum, Trideceth-5, TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Lecithin, PEG-40 Castor Oil, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, and Methylisothiazolinone. The simplified list and percentages provided in the reply focus on the main functional components.*

Suggested Mixing Method (Emulsion)

This formula is likely an emulsion, requiring careful mixing of water and oil phases.

1. Prepare the Water Phase (Phase A): Combine Water, Glycerin, and Panthenol in a heat-resistant container. Heat this phase to approximately 70-75°C.
2. Prepare the Oil/Conditioning Phase (Phase B): In a separate heat-resistant container, combine Isopropyl Myristate (or your chosen alternative oil), Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, and Dimethicone. Heat this phase to approximately 70-75°C, stirring until all solid ingredients are melted and dispersed.
3. Combine the Phases: Slowly add Phase B to Phase A while continuously stirring or homogenizing. Maintain the temperature for a few minutes to ensure a stable emulsion forms.
4. Cool Down (Phase C): Begin cooling the emulsion while continuing to stir gently.
5. Add Preservative: Once the temperature drops below 40°C, add the Preservative.
6. Final Mixing: Continue stirring until the serum is completely cooled and uniform in consistency.

• Always perform a small test batch before making a large quantity.*