Mosquito Repellent Spray Formula for Children

Based on your formula and the issues you encountered, it seems the amount of Polysorbate 20 you used (5%) was likely insufficient to properly solubilize the total 5% essential oils, leading to cloudiness and separation. While increasing Polysorbate 20 can improve solubility, high concentrations might make the spray too thick, as you observed with Flora Solve™ Clear at 10%.

The staff's recommendations offer two good alternatives for creating a stable and sprayable mosquito repellent:

Option 1: Using Flora Solve™ Clear

If you prefer a clearer spray, you can try using Flora Solve™ Clear at the staff's suggested concentration of 6-7%. This solubilizer is effective for fragrance and essential oils in water-based formulas.

Formula using Flora Solve™ Clear (Example):

• Essential Oils (Lemongrass, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Geranium): 5% (Total)
• Flora Solve™ Clear: 6-7%
• Aloe Vera Extract: 2%
• Preservative (e.g., Mild Preserved™ COS): 1%
• Purified Water: Balance (approx. 85-86%)

Mixing Instructions:

1. Mix the essential oils thoroughly with Flora Solve™ Clear. While a 2-5:1 ratio of solubilizer to oil is often recommended, you can start with 6-7% Flora Solve™ Clear for your 5% total essential oils and adjust if needed to achieve clarity.
2. In a separate container, combine the Purified Water, Aloe Vera Extract, and Preservative.
3. Slowly add the oil/Flora Solve™ Clear mixture to the water phase while stirring or blending continuously until fully combined and clear or slightly translucent.

If 6-7% Flora Solve™ Clear still results in a mixture too thick to spray, consider Option 2.

Option 2: Using Oil Blender™

Oil Blender™ is recommended if a very liquid, easily sprayable formula is the priority, even if the final product is cloudy. It effectively blends oils into a water base while maintaining low viscosity.

Formula using Oil Blender™ (Based on staff suggestion):

• Oil Phase:
  • Oil Blender™: 2%
  • Essential Oils (Lemongrass, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Geranium): 5% (Total)
• Water Phase:
  • Purified Water: Balance (approx. 90%)
  • Preservative (e.g., Mild Preserved™ COS): 1%
  • Aloe Vera Extract: 2%

Mixing Instructions:

1. Combine the oil phase ingredients (Oil Blender™ and essential oils) and mix until uniform.
2. Combine the water phase ingredients (Purified Water, Preservative, and Aloe Vera Extract).
3. While continuously mixing or blending the oil phase, slowly add the water phase. Continue mixing until a uniform, cloudy but liquid mixture suitable for spraying is achieved.

Both options provide stable ways to incorporate essential oils into a water-based spray. The choice depends on whether you prefer a clear look (Option 1, may require testing) or guaranteed sprayability (Option 2, will be cloudy).

For the preservative, Mild Preserved™ COS is a suitable broad-spectrum, water-soluble option that works well in a wide pH range.

Products mentioned:

• Relax Lemongrass
• Lavender Essential Oil
• Eucalyptus Globulus Oil (China)
• Geranium (Pelargonium Bourboun) Oil
• Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20)
• Flora Solve™ Clear (Fragrance Solubilizer)
• Purified Water, TDS Limit 1PPM)
• Aloe Vera Extract (extraction ratio 10:1 FullAssay™)
• Oil Blender™ (Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate)
• Mild Preserved™ COS (pH 2-8, Broad Spectrum, No-Odor)