Hair Serum Formulation Feedback

Thank you for sharing your hair serum formulation! It's great that you're incorporating beneficial ingredients like Vitamin B5, Hydrolysed wheat protein, Soy protein, and Avocado oil, which are known for their moisturizing, strengthening, and shine-enhancing properties.

Based on your formula and mixing method, here is some feedback and suggestions for improvement:

Analysis and Suggestions

1. Emulsification System: You are using Laureth-23 as an emulsifier. While Laureth-23 (Product ID: 140) is a solid emulsifier that melts above 60°C and can help combine oil and water, using only 3% with a high oil phase of 50% (Avocado Oil - Product ID: 91) may not be sufficient to create a stable emulsion. The formula might separate over time.

   • Suggestion: Consider using a stronger emulsifier system or adding a co-emulsifier to improve stability. You might need to increase the total amount of emulsifier or choose a system specifically designed for high oil content O/W emulsions.

2. Stability and Texture (Thickener): The formula lacks a component to provide viscosity and stability to the emulsion. Without a thickener or stabilizer, the oil and water phases are more likely to separate.

   • Suggestion: Incorporate a water-phase thickener or stabilizer such as Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, or Hydroxyethylcellulose. This will help stabilize the emulsion and give the serum a better texture.

3. Preservation: Your formula contains water and proteins (Vitamin B5 - Product IDs: 111, 6873; Hydrolysed wheat protein - Product ID: 7858; Soy protein/extract - Product ID: 125264), which are prone to microbial growth. Without a preservative, the product can quickly become contaminated, posing a risk to scalp and hair health.

   • Suggestion: It is crucial to add a suitable broad-spectrum preservative to the water phase of your formula to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.

4. Texture (Oil Content): A 50% concentration of Avocado Oil (Product ID: 91) is quite high for a typical hair serum, which is usually designed to be lightweight and non-greasy. This high oil content might make the serum feel heavy or oily on the hair.

   • Suggestion: If you prefer a lighter texture, consider reducing the amount of Avocado Oil or replacing a portion of it with lighter oils or silicones suitable for hair.

5. Mixing Method: Your method of heating the oil phase and adding the water phase is a standard approach for emulsions. However, achieving a stable emulsion requires sufficient shear (mixing/blending speed) while combining the phases and continued mixing while cooling down. Simply "stirring" might not be enough, especially with the current formula composition.

   • Suggestion: Ensure thorough mixing, possibly using a high-shear mixer or blender during the emulsification step, and continue stirring until the emulsion cools to room temperature.

Ingredient Notes (Based on Product Information)

• Vitamin B5 (Panthenol - Product IDs: 111, 6873): Known for moisturizing hair and skin, making hair healthy and shiny. It is water-soluble.
• Hydrolysed Wheat Protein (Hair Wheat Protein - Product ID: 7858): This specific type is positively charged, helping it adhere well to hair, providing softness.
• Soy Protein (Tryptic-Soy™ - Product ID: 125264): A soybean extract that can benefit protein structure.
• Avocado Oil (Refined - Product ID: 91): Rich in vitamins and fatty acids, excellent for moisturizing and nourishing hair.
• Laureth-23 (Product ID: 140): A non-ionic emulsifier.

Summary of Recommended Adjustments

To improve your hair serum formula, I strongly recommend:

• Adjusting the emulsifier system for better stability.
• Adding a thickener/stabilizer to improve texture and prevent separation.
• Adding a suitable preservative for safety.
• Considering adjusting the oil content if a lighter texture is desired.
• Ensuring adequate mixing during the emulsification process.

These adjustments will help you create a stable, safe, and effective hair serum. If you'd like recommendations for specific emulsifiers, thickeners, or preservatives, feel free to ask!