Herbal Shampoo Formulation Basics

To create a herbal shampoo, you need a primary cleansing agent (surfactant or shampoo base) and other ingredients to form a stable and safe product. Here are some options and general guidelines:

Shampoo Base Option

Using a pre-formulated shampoo base is the simplest way to start. SweetWash™ Hair is a shampoo base designed for hair products. It is used at a rate of 50% in the formula, mixed with 50% water. You can then add your herbal extracts and other desired ingredients to this base.

Using Individual Surfactants

Alternatively, you can combine individual gentle surfactants to create your own base. Some gentle options include:

• AminoWash™ (Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate): A gentle, amino acid-derived surfactant. Usage rate typically 5-25%.
• IseFoam™ (Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate): Another gentle surfactant with good foam. Usage rate typically 1-15%.
• Cond-Foam™ (Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate): Gentle with conditioning properties. Usage rate typically 5-40%.
• Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate: Gentle, moisturizing, and provides good lather. Usage rate typically 5-40%.

When using individual surfactants, you will likely need a combination of 1-3 types to achieve desired foaming and cleansing properties. The total surfactant concentration is typically between 10-30% depending on the desired cleansing strength.

Other Essential Ingredients

Regardless of whether you use a base or individual surfactants, you will need:

• Herbal Extracts: These are your main active ingredients. The concentration will depend on the specific extract and its recommended usage rate.
• Water: The main vehicle for the shampoo, making up the majority of the formula (e.g., 40-80%).
• Thickener: To give the shampoo its characteristic viscosity. If using individual surfactants, you will definitely need a thickener. ClearClean™ is a suitable option for thickening shampoos, working best at pH 4-6. The usage rate depends on the desired thickness.
• Conditioning Agents (Optional): Ingredients to make the hair soft and smooth, such as certain silicones or conditioning polymers.
• Preservative: Absolutely essential to prevent microbial growth and ensure product safety. Use according to the supplier's recommended rate.
• pH Adjuster: To bring the final formula to a skin-friendly pH, typically around 5.5. Citric acid is commonly used to lower pH, and sodium hydroxide or Triethanolamine to raise it.

General Formulation Steps (if using individual surfactants)

1. Mix water and thickener (like ClearClean™).
2. Add surfactants and stir gently until dissolved.
3. Add herbal extracts and other active ingredients.
4. Add conditioning agents (if any).
5. Add preservative.
6. Adjust pH to 5.5 using a pH adjuster.
7. Add fragrance and color (optional).

Exact percentages for each ingredient will require testing and adjustment based on the specific raw materials used and the desired product properties. Always follow the recommended usage rates provided by the raw material suppliers.