HPMC Grade for Hair Color Shampoo Viscosity

Question

In a hair color shampoo formula containing Water up to 100%, Amphoteric surfactant (e.g., Coco-Foam™ (Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine)) 20%, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) 1% (to create a gel texture), Benzophenone-4 0.2% (to prevent color degradation from light), ColorFix™ 0.6% (to help hair color adhere better), Mild Preserved Eco 1%, SemiColor 0.2%, and Triethanolamine to adjust pH to approximately 9, which grade of HPMC (5000cP or 12000cP) should be used?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

HPMC Grade for Hair Color Shampoo

For your hair color shampoo formulation using 1% Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) to create a gel texture, both the 5000cP and 12000cP grades can be used. The choice depends on the desired final viscosity of your shampoo.

HPMC 5000cP: Using this grade at 1% will create a gel texture with moderate thickness.
HPMC 12000cP: Using this grade at 1% will result in a significantly thicker gel texture compared to the 5000cP grade.

Consider the desired consistency for your shampoo when selecting the HPMC grade. If you want a thicker gel, opt for the 12000cP. If a less viscous gel is preferred, the 5000cP should be sufficient.

Your formula also includes Coco-Foam™ (Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine), Benzophenone-4, ColorFix™, Mild Preserved Eco, SemiColor, and Triethanolamine, which are compatible with HPMC.