Ichthammol Separation in Shampoo Formulation

Based on your description, it sounds like the Ichthammol is not fully dissolving or staying dispersed in your shampoo formula, leading to separation. Mixing it with the surfactant first didn't solve the issue, which can happen depending on the specific surfactant and other ingredients.

A common approach for incorporating ingredients like Ichthammol that can be tricky is to ensure they are fully dissolved or dispersed in the water phase before adding the surfactant phase. Surfactants can sometimes interact with other ingredients in ways that cause precipitation or instability if not added correctly or if the ingredient isn't properly prepared in the water phase first.

Here’s an alternative method you can try:

Suggested Mixing Method:

1. Prepare the Water Phase: Combine your water and any water-based extracts or other water-soluble ingredients (except Ichthammol for now). Mix until everything is homogeneous.
2. Dissolve Ichthammol: Add the Ichthammol to a portion of the water phase prepared in step 1. Stir well until the Ichthammol is completely dissolved. This might require gentle warming (do not overheat) and sufficient mixing time. Ensure there are no undissolved particles or clumps.
3. Combine Phases: Slowly add the Ichthammol/water solution from step 2 back into the main water phase (the rest of the water + extracts). Mix thoroughly. At this point, the Ichthammol should be fully incorporated into the entire water phase.
4. Add Surfactant: Slowly add your surfactant phase to the combined water/Ichthammol phase while stirring continuously. Stir gently but effectively to avoid excessive foaming, but ensure good mixing to allow the surfactants to properly interact and form the shampoo structure.
5. Add Fragrance and Other Ingredients: Add your fragrance and any other remaining ingredients (like preservatives, thickeners if not already added, etc.). Mix until the formula is uniform.

Key Points:

• Ensure the Ichthammol is completely dissolved in the water phase before adding surfactants. Any undissolved material is likely to cause separation later.
• The order of addition can be crucial. Adding the surfactant to the water phase (containing the dissolved Ichthammol) is often more effective than adding Ichthammol to the surfactant phase.
• Mixing speed and duration are important. Ensure sufficient mixing time at each step, especially when dissolving Ichthammol and when combining the water and surfactant phases.
• Consider the pH of your final formula. While not mentioned, pH can affect the solubility and stability of Ichthammol. Ensure the pH is within a suitable range for both Ichthammol and the other ingredients/product type (shampoo).

Trying this method of dissolving Ichthammol fully in the water phase first may help prevent the separation you observed.