Answering Your Questions about the Baby Shampoo/Liquid Soap Formula

Based on the example formula provided:

1. Regarding "distilled water": The "distilled water" referred to in cosmetic formulations, such as the Purified Water, TDS Limit 1PPM) (Product ID 838) available, is highly purified, de-ionized, de-mineralized, and sterilized specifically for use in cosmetics. It has very low levels of impurities (like 0 ppm Total Dissolved Solids, 0 ppm Chloride, 0 ppm Heavy Metals) and is tested to be free from microorganisms. Distilled water sold for car batteries may not meet these stringent purity and sterility standards required for cosmetic manufacturing and could contain impurities that are not suitable for skin products, especially for babies. Therefore, it is recommended to use cosmetic-grade purified water.

2. Regarding "Preservative": The term "Preservative" in the formula is a general category. You need to select a specific preservative product to use at the recommended 1% concentration. The choice of preservative depends on the specific requirements of your formula, including the pH. The Sulfate Free Shampoo Base (pH 7, Clear, Foaming) (Product ID 1107) has a pH in the range of 6.5-7.5. You should choose a preservative that is effective within this pH range. An example of a suitable preservative based on its effective pH range is Global Guard™ 221 (pH 2-7, Natural) (Product ID 33554), but there may be other options available depending on your specific needs and desired properties.

Always ensure the preservative you choose is suitable for rinse-off products and safe for use in baby formulations at the recommended concentration. It is also advisable to perform stability and challenge testing on your final product.