Analysis of Your Hair Tonic Formula and Mixing Procedure

Your proposed formula for a hair tonic includes several ingredients beneficial for hair and scalp health. Here's an analysis and a suggested mixing procedure:

Formula Analysis

• Cetrimonium Chloride (0.5%): This is a good conditioning agent for hair tonics, helping to reduce static and improve manageability. The percentage is suitable.
• Coco Betaine (4.5%): While a mild surfactant, 4.5% is quite high for a leave-on hair tonic. This might lead to a sticky feeling or residue on the scalp and hair. Coco Betaine is more commonly used in rinse-off products like shampoos.
• Tocopherol, Panthenol, Alcohol denat (Total 15%): This combination is generally suitable. Panthenol (Vitamin B5) is excellent for moisturizing and strengthening hair. Tocopherol (Vitamin E) provides antioxidant benefits. Alcohol denat can act as a solvent and aid penetration, though high levels can be drying for some.
• DMDM Hydantoin (0.4%) and Phenoxyethanol (1%): These are preservatives. The combined percentage (1.4%) might be higher than typically needed and could potentially cause scalp irritation, especially for sensitive individuals. It's often recommended to use a broad-spectrum preservative blend at a lower total concentration.
• Biotin Express™ (1%): Biotin is known to support hair growth and strength. Using 1% of the liquid Biotin Express™ is within the recommended range for this ingredient.
• Flora Solve Clear (2%) and Fragrance (1%): Flora Solve Clear is appropriate for solubilizing the fragrance in the water base. The ratio of 2 parts Flora Solve Clear to 1 part fragrance is a good starting point, though you might need to adjust based on the specific fragrance used.
• Botanical Extracts (Ginger, Butterfly Pea, Jasmine Rice - Total 2%): These extracts can add beneficial properties. However, based on the available information, Ginger Lily Extract (which may be the "Ginger extract" you refer to) is primarily used for scent and lacks tested efficacy for hair/skin benefits. The efficacy of Butterfly Pea and Jasmine Rice extracts for hair growth/loss is not detailed in the product information. Ensure the extracts you use are water-soluble and suitable for leave-on products.
• Distilled Water: This is the necessary base for a water-based tonic.

Suggested Mixing Procedure

Here is a recommended order for mixing your hair tonic:

1. Water Phase: Measure the distilled water. Add Cetrimonium Chloride, Panthenol, and the botanical extracts to the water. Stir gently until fully dissolved. Gentle heating (up to 40-50°C) can help dissolve ingredients faster, but avoid prolonged high heat, especially for the extracts. Allow to cool if heated.
2. Fragrance Solubilization: In a separate small container, mix Flora Solve Clear with the fragrance oil. Stir or gently mix until the fragrance is completely clear and dispersed in the solubilizer.
3. Combine Phases: Once the water phase has cooled to below 40°C, slowly add the solubilized fragrance mixture to the water phase while stirring gently. Mix until homogeneous.
4. Add Heat-Sensitive Ingredients: Add Biotin Express™ and Tocopherol (Vitamin E). Stir well to ensure even distribution. Vitamin E is oil-soluble, so ensure it is fully dispersed.
5. Add Preservatives: Add DMDM Hydantoin and Phenoxyethanol. Stir thoroughly.
6. Final Check: Mix the entire batch gently but thoroughly. Check the clarity and homogeneity.
7. pH Adjustment: Measure the pH of the final product. For a hair tonic, a pH between 4.5 and 5.5 is generally recommended for optimal scalp health and ingredient stability. Adjust with a suitable acid (like Citric Acid solution) or base if needed.

Recommendations

• Consider reducing the percentage of Coco Betaine or replacing it with a more suitable conditioning agent for a leave-on product if the texture is too sticky.
• Review the preservative system and consider using a broad-spectrum blend at a lower total concentration as per supplier recommendations to minimize potential irritation.
• If specific hair growth benefits from botanical extracts are desired, research extracts with proven efficacy or consider using ingredients like ActiveRelease™ Biotin which is formulated for better scalp absorption.

This formula provides a good base, and with potential adjustments to the surfactant and preservative levels, you can create an effective hair tonic.