Ingredient Usage and Mixing for Lip Balm Formulation
Question
I am formulating a lip balm and need guidance on using the following ingredients:
- Erythritol
- Zinc Oxide 35nm Liquid
- Glyceryl Isostearate
- Stearic Acid
Please provide the recommended usage percentage for each, how to properly mix or incorporate them into the formula, and whether any of these should be added in the final step.
Answer
Ingredient Usage and Mixing for Lip Balm
Based on the product information, here are the recommended usage percentages and how to incorporate each ingredient into your lip balm formula:
Zinc Oxide 35nm Liquid:
- Usage Rate: 5-40%. For broad-spectrum protection, it's recommended to use in conjunction with Titanium Dioxide 15nm Liquid.
- Mixing: Add to the oil phase or silicone phase of your formula and stir well. This type is developed for water-in-oil emulsion systems. It can be dispersed in water or oil.
Erythritol (Crystal):
- Usage Rate: 1-5%.
- Mixing: Dissolve in the water phase of your formula. It is water-soluble and can withstand heat.
Glyceryl Isostearate:
- Usage Rate: 1-20%.
- Mixing: Mix into the oil phase. It can withstand heat and is soluble in oil and ethyl alcohol, and can be dispersed in glycols.
Stearic Acid:
- Usage Rate: 1-20%.
- Mixing: Dissolve in the oil phase.
Regarding adding them in the final step, generally, ingredients like Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Isostearate, and Zinc Oxide are added to the oil phase, which is heated and combined with the water phase (containing Erythritol) to form the emulsion. These steps typically occur before the final cooling phase where heat-sensitive ingredients might be added. Therefore, these ingredients are usually incorporated earlier in the formulation process, not in the very last step.
