Leave-on Hair Serum Formulation: Adding Oil/Wax, Improving Texture, and Addressing Foaming

Question

I am formulating a leave-on hair serum. My current formula results in foaming and a cloudy liquid. I want to add oil to the formula and also want to improve the hair's weight and shine. I know that BTAC helps with detangling. How can I add oil and achieve better weight and shine, and what can I do about the foaming and cloudiness?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Subject: Leave-on Hair Serum Formulation

Thank you for sharing your leave-on hair serum formulation and results. You observed foaming, a cloudy liquid, good detangling from BTAC, but a lack of weight and shine.

Regarding your questions:

Adding oil: Yes, if you want to add oil to your water-based serum, you will need an emulsifier or cream maker to properly disperse the oil into the water phase and create a stable product.
Adding weight and shine: As suggested by the staff, you can add ingredients like Glossy Wax (Light, Non-Greasiness) to improve hair weight and shine.

Based on the staff's recommendation, you can try adding:

Glossy Wax (Light, Non-Greasiness) at 3%
Butter Cream Maker at 3%

These ingredients should be added to phase B and heated together to melt and combine before mixing phase B into phase A. The Butter Cream Maker will help emulsify the Glossy Wax (and any other oils you might add) into the water phase.

Regarding the foaming issue, this can sometimes occur depending on the ingredients and mixing method. While the suggested additions might affect the texture, you may need to experiment with mixing techniques or other ingredients if foaming persists.