Liquid Soap Formulation Review and Mixing Instructions

This formula uses a combination of anionic (Clarify-Wash), amphoteric (Mild-Wash), and non-ionic (Lamesoft PO65) surfactants, along with conditioning agents, humectants, soothing agents, cooling agent, deodorizers, fragrance, and a preservative. The percentages add up to 100%.

1. Does this formula need any adjustments?

Yes, a few adjustments are recommended for optimal stability and performance:

• pH Adjustment: Clarify-Wash has a high pH (8-9). The final pH of your liquid soap should be adjusted to a skin-friendly range of 5-6. This is important for the mildness of the product and also for the proper function and solubility of Condi-B5, which requires a pH below 7.0.
• Fragrance Solubilization: You are using 5% fragrance oil with 5% Flora Solve Clear (a 1:1 ratio). The recommended usage ratio for Flora Solve Clear is typically 2-5 parts solubilizer to 1 part fragrance oil to ensure proper solubilization and prevent cloudiness or separation. To solubilize 5% fragrance, you would likely need 10-25% Flora Solve Clear. Using a 1:1 ratio will very likely cause the fragrance to separate over time. You should increase the amount of Flora Solve Clear significantly or reduce the fragrance percentage.
• Thickener/Stabilizer: The formula does not contain a dedicated thickener or rheology modifier (like Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, etc.). While some ingredients contribute some viscosity, adding a suitable thickener is highly recommended to achieve the desired liquid soap consistency, improve stability, and prevent separation of ingredients over time.

2. Can ingredients 4 (Allantoin) + 5 (Freeze Me™) + 6 (Citromask™) + 7 (Mild Preserved Eco™) be mixed in 3 (1,3-Propanediol) simultaneously?

Mixing all these ingredients together in just 1,3-Propanediol is not the recommended method because they have different solubility properties and optimal mixing requirements:

• Allantoin: Has limited solubility in glycols like Propanediol. It dissolves better in water, especially with heat and Natural Betaine.
• Freeze Me™ & Citromask™: These are soluble in glycols, so mixing them in 1,3-Propanediol is feasible.
• Mild Preserved Eco™: This preservative blend is water soluble (requires blending) and dispersible in oil. Its description recommends adding it in the last step to the gel or cream texture.

A better approach is to dissolve or disperse each ingredient in the phase where it is most soluble or compatible and then combine the phases according to a proper mixing procedure.

3. & 4. Regarding mixing ingredients 1, 2, 8, 9, 12+13, 11 and the mixing order.

Mixing all the water-compatible ingredients (1, 2, 8, 11, 13, and 9 after pH adjustment) together is generally the correct approach for the main base. However, adding them all simultaneously might not be ideal. A step-by-step addition is safer and helps ensure proper dissolution and dispersion.

Here is a suggested mixing procedure:

1. Phase A (Water Phase): Combine Water (11), Clarify-Wash (1), Mild-Wash (2), Natural Betaine (8), and Lamesoft PO65 (13). Stir gently until homogeneous.
2. Phase B (Allantoin): Dissolve Allantoin (4) in a small amount of heated water (taken from the total amount in Phase A) or a mixture of water and 1,3-Propanediol (3). Add this dissolved Allantoin solution to Phase A and mix well.
3. Phase C (Glycol/Additive Phase): Combine 1,3-Propanediol (3), Freeze Me™ (5), Citromask™ (6), and DeoMax™ Liquid (10). Mix until clear. Add this phase to Phase A+B and mix well.
4. Phase D (Fragrance): In a separate container, mix Flora Solve™ Clear (718) with the Fragrance Oil (12) at the recommended ratio (at least 2:1, preferably higher, Flora Solve:Fragrance). Add this mixture to the main batch (Phase A+B+C) and mix gently until fully incorporated and clear (if the ratio is sufficient). Avoid high heat.
5. Phase E (Conditioning Agent): Add Condi-B5™ (9) to the main batch. Mix continuously until it is completely dissolved. This may take around 15 minutes. Ensure the pH of the batch is below 7.0 before adding Condi-B5.
6. Phase F (Preservative): Add Mild Preserved Eco™ (7). Mix well.
7. Phase G (pH Adjustment): Check the pH of the mixture. Slowly add a solution of Citric Acid or Lactic Acid (e.g., 20-30% solution in water) drop by drop, stirring well after each addition, until the desired pH of 5-6 is reached.
8. Phase H (Thickening): If a thicker consistency is desired and to improve stability, add a pre-dispersed thickener (e.g., Xanthan Gum dispersed in glycerin or propanediol) or a salt solution (Sodium Chloride) if compatible with your surfactant system and desired viscosity. Mix until the desired viscosity is achieved.

Following this step-by-step process, adding ingredient 2 (Mild-Wash) after ingredient 1, 8, 11, and 13 is a correct part of the overall procedure (Step 1).

5. Do I need to add any more anti-separation agents?

Yes, as mentioned in the answer to question 1, adding a thickener or rheology modifier is highly recommended to prevent separation and improve the stability of your liquid soap formulation. Also, addressing the insufficient ratio of Flora Solve Clear to fragrance oil is crucial for preventing fragrance separation.