Herbal Shampoo Formulation: Adding Fragrance/Essential Oil and Adjusting Viscosity

Question

I am formulating a herbal shampoo using a Sulfate-Free Shampoo Base. I have some questions regarding adding scent and adjusting viscosity: How should I incorporate Essential Oil (which is oil-based) or Fragrance into the formula? Is a solubilizer necessary if I use 1%? What is the difference between Fragrance and Essential Oil for use in herbal shampoo? Which is generally preferred? What is the maximum percentage of Essential Oil or Fragrance I can add to make the scent stronger or last longer? Are there any scent fixer ingredients like Flora Fix or Last Fix that can help with longevity? Can I mix more than one Essential Oil or Fragrance together before adding them to the formula? How can I increase the viscosity of the shampoo? I plan to use Sodium Chloride at 0.5%. If this is not sufficient, what other thickeners like EasyThick™, SugarThick, or AnyGel can I use?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Subject: Herbal Shampoo Formulation and Adding Essential Oil or Fragrance

Regarding your questions about the herbal shampoo formulation and adding Essential Oil or Fragrance:

Adding Essential Oil (Oil-based) to the formula:
- For small amounts (0.5-1.0%) of fragrance or essential oil, you can mix them directly with the Sulfate-Free Shampoo Base before adding to the water phase.
- For larger amounts or higher concentrations of oil/fragrance, a solubilizer would be necessary.
- Based on your proposed 1% usage, a solubilizer is generally not required.
Fragrance vs. Essential Oil for Herbal Shampoo:
- Chemical Fragrance: Synthesized chemically.
- Essential Oil: Extracted from natural plants.
- The choice depends on your preference (natural vs. synthetic) and desired properties.
Maximum Percentage for Essential Oil:
- You can start by testing at 1%.
- If you want the scent to last longer, you might consider adding a scent fixer like Flora Fix or Last Fix to the formula.
Mixing Multiple Scents:
- Yes, you can mix more than one scent (Essential Oils or Fragrances) and add the blend to the formula as usual, keeping the total percentage within the recommended range.
Increasing Viscosity:
- You can try adjusting the Sodium Chloride percentage, starting with your proposed 0.5%.
- If 0.5% Sodium Chloride is not sufficient to achieve the desired thickness, consider using other thickeners specifically designed for shampoos/liquid soaps, such as EasyThick™, SugarThick, or AnyGel.
- Avoid using high concentrations of Sodium Chloride as it can potentially cause scalp irritation or itching for some individuals.