Liquid Soap Formulation: Mixing and Heating Process

Based on the ingredients provided, here is a general method for mixing and heating to create a liquid soap. Please note that specific percentages and slight variations in the process can impact the final product, but this outlines the typical steps and considerations for heating.

Ingredients requiring heat or part of the hot phase:

• Myristic acid: This is a solid fatty acid and must be heated to melt it so it can react with the sodium hydroxide (saponification) or disperse properly.
• Glycol distearate: This is a solid wax-like substance used for opacifying and pearlizing effects. It needs to be heated and melted into the mixture to disperse evenly and create the desired appearance upon cooling.
• Fractionated Coconut Oil, Mineral oil, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sorbitan oleate: These oils and oil-soluble ingredients are typically heated together with the fatty acid/waxes to form a uniform oil phase before combining with the water phase.
• Water, Disodium EDTA, Glycerin: These are part of the water phase which is heated to facilitate dissolving solids and to match the temperature of the oil phase for easier emulsification/mixing and reaction.
• Sodium Hydroxide: This is the alkali needed to saponify the Myristic acid (turn it into soap) and/or neutralize the Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl acrylate crosspolymer. Dissolving sodium hydroxide in water generates significant heat, and the reaction with fatty acids also requires/generates heat. It's part of the hot process.

Ingredients added in the cooling or cool phase (do not require heat, some are heat-sensitive):

• Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate: These are surfactants. While some can tolerate moderate heat, they are often added during the cooling phase (e.g., below 50-60°C) to minimize foaming and potential degradation, and to help build viscosity in the cooling process.
• Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl acrylate crosspolymer: This is a thickener. It's typically dispersed in the water phase and then neutralized with a base (like Sodium Hydroxide) to thicken. While the water phase is heated, the thickening action happens upon neutralization, which can occur during or after the main heating/mixing phase.
• Phenoxyethanol: This is a preservative and is heat-sensitive. It must be added during the cooling phase, typically below 40°C, to ensure its effectiveness is not compromised by heat.
• Fragrance: Fragrance compounds are volatile and can be degraded or altered by high heat. They are always added in the final, cool phase (typically below 40°C).

General Mixing Steps (Example):

1. Prepare Water Phase: Combine Water, Disodium EDTA, and Glycerin. Heat to 70-80°C. Disperse the Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl acrylate crosspolymer in this heated water phase. Stir until dispersed.
2. Prepare Oil/Fatty Acid Phase: In a separate container, combine Myristic acid, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Mineral oil, Glycol distearate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, and Sorbitan oleate. Heat to 70-80°C, stirring until Myristic acid and Glycol distearate are completely melted and the phase is uniform.
3. Combine Phases & React: Slowly add the heated Oil/Fatty Acid Phase to the heated Water Phase with continuous stirring. Carefully add the Sodium Hydroxide solution (prepared separately by dissolving NaOH in water; ensure it's fully dissolved). Stir well to ensure saponification of Myristic acid and neutralization of the polymer occur. Maintain temperature and stirring for a period as needed for the reaction.
4. Cooling & Add Surfactants: Begin cooling the mixture while stirring. Once the temperature drops to around 50-60°C, add the Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, and Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate. Continue stirring gently.
5. Final Additions: Continue cooling. Once the temperature is below 40°C, add the Phenoxyethanol and Fragrance. Stir until fully incorporated.
6. Adjustments: Check the pH and viscosity and adjust as needed.

This process ensures that ingredients requiring melting are properly incorporated in the hot phase, while heat-sensitive ingredients are added later to maintain their integrity and function.