Mixing Sequence and Procedure for Cleansing Gel Body Scrub

Question

I am planning to formulate a body scrub and would like to know the correct mixing sequence for the following ingredients to ensure a stable and effective product:

Purified water
Glycerin
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
AnyGel™
Phenoxyethanol
Chlorphenesin
Sodium chloride (High Purity)
Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) Water Soluble
Extreme B3™ (Niacinamide)
Honey Extract
Yogurt Extract
Centella Asiatica Extract
GalaWhite™ (Fermented Gallic Acid)
EllaWhite® (Water soluble Ellagic Acid)
Allantoin
Bioactive 2FL™ (Fucosyllactose Milk Extract)
Jojoba Esther (water soluble)
Beet root powder
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
Walnut Scrub

Could you please provide a step-by-step guide on which ingredients should be mixed first and which should be added later? Are there any specific precautions for this formulation?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

To create a body scrub with the ingredients you provided, the mixing process should be divided into phases to ensure all components are properly dissolved and the texture is stable. Since your formula contains AnyGel™ (a gelling agent) and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (a surfactant), this will result in a "Cleansing Gel Scrub" texture.

Recommended Mixing Steps:

Phase 1: Water Phase (Dissolving Solids)

Start with Purified Water.
Add Glycerin, Allantoin, Extreme-B3™, GalaWhite™, EllaWhite®, Bioactive-2FL™, Jojoba Esther (water soluble), and Vitamin E (Water-Soluble). Mix until completely dissolved.
Add Chlorphenesin. (Note: Chlorphenesin may take time to dissolve; you can pre-mix it with Glycerin or slightly warm the water to speed up the process).

Phase 2: Extracts & Gelling

Add the liquid extracts: Honey Extract, Yogurt Extract, and Centella Asiatica Extract. Mix well.
Slowly sprinkle AnyGel™ into the mixture while stirring continuously. Continue mixing until a smooth, uniform gel is formed.

Phase 3: Surfactant & Oil

Add Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS). Mix very gently to avoid creating excessive foam.
Add Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. Mix until the oil is thoroughly incorporated into the gel base.
Add Phenoxyethanol and mix well.

Phase 4: Scrub Particles (Final Step)

Finally, add the physical exfoliants: Walnut Scrub, Beet root powder, and Sodium chloride.
Mix until the scrub particles are evenly distributed throughout the gel.

Important Tips:

Sodium Chloride: In a surfactant system like ALS, salt can significantly affect viscosity. If you are using it as a scrub (in large amounts), add it last. If you are using it only to thicken the ALS, add it gradually and observe the thickness.
Air Bubbles: When adding ALS and AnyGel™, try to stir at a moderate speed to prevent trapping too much air in the gel.
Preservation: Ensure the pH of the final product is suitable for your preservatives (typically around pH 5.0–6.0).
Beet Root Powder: Natural powders can sometimes change color over time due to oxidation or pH changes. Monitor the stability of the color.