How to Make a Creamy Facial Cleanser/Foam

Asked by: slimandspa On: November 10, 2016 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

How can I formulate a creamy facial cleanser/foam? I am looking for a method and a sample formula to achieve a creamy texture and avoid issues like air bubbles during mixing.

Based on the information provided, a sample formula could involve:

  1. Sulfate-Free Shampoo Base 25%
  2. Cetearyl Alcohol 5%
  3. Water Remaining %

Answer

Facial Foam Ingredient Analysis

Based on the ingredient list provided, this facial foam is formulated to provide effective cleansing while also offering skin-conditioning and soothing benefits, resulting in a creamy texture.

Key Ingredient Functions:

  • Cleansing Agents (Surfactants): The primary cleansing action comes from a combination of soap-based ingredients and synthetic surfactants.

    • Potassium Stearate, Potassium Myristate, and Potassium Laurate are potassium salts of fatty acids (soaps). They are strong cleansers that contribute significantly to the creamy texture and rich lather. You can find Potassium Laurate (30%) on myskinrecipes.com.
    • Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate is a milder, high-foaming surfactant that helps create a stable and pleasant lather. Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Taurate (Powder, 95%) is a similar ingredient available.
  • Texture Enhancers & Emulsifiers: These ingredients are crucial for the creamy consistency of the product.

    • Glyceryl Stearate acts as an emulsifier and thickener, helping to bind the water and oil phases and give the product body. Glyceryl Stearate SE / Glyceryl Monostearate SE (GMS SE) is available on the site.
    • Cera Alba (Beeswax) is a natural wax that adds thickness and structure to the cream. Natural White Beeswax (USA, Melting 62C, Deodorized) is a suitable option.
    • PEG-150 and PEG-8 are polyethylene glycols that can function as thickeners, stabilizers, and humectants. PEG-150 Distearate (Pellets) or PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate are common thickeners for cleansing formulas, and Polyethylene Glycol 400 (PEG-8) is available as a solvent/carrier.
  • Humectants (Moisture Retention): These help prevent the skin from feeling dry after cleansing.

    • Propylene Glycol and Glycerin are classic humectants that draw moisture into the skin. Both Propylene Glycol and Glycerin (USP/Food Grade) are available.
  • Active Ingredients: These provide additional skin benefits.

    • Octadecenedioic Acid is typically used for skin brightening.
    • Bisabolol is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce potential irritation from cleansing agents. Natural Bisabolol (Brazil Chamomile) and Bisabolol (Alpha Bisabolol, Bisabolol RAC) are available.
  • Stabilizers & Others:

    • BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) is an antioxidant to protect the formula's ingredients. Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) is available.
    • Potassium Etidronate and Disodium EDTA are chelating agents that help stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions in water, preventing discoloration and maintaining product integrity. Disodium EDTA is available, as are HEDP-4Na (Tetrasodium Etidronic acid) and HEDP-2Na (Disodium Etidronic acid) which are related forms of Etidronic acid.
    • Parfum is included for fragrance.