Questions on Body Wash & Shampoo Formulation: Surfactant Concentration, Essential Oils, Aloe Vera, and Silicone

Asked by: candle.sitting On: November 30, 2016 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

I have several questions regarding the formulation of body wash and shampoo:

  • Is a surfactant concentration of 5-10% sufficient for body wash? What about for children or active individuals?
  • What is the typical shelf life of surfactants? What concentration is recommended for dog shampoo?
  • How should essential oils be incorporated into the formula? Is it better to use Flora Solve or Flora Solve Clear instead of Polysorbate 80?
  • Is it cost-effective to include Aloe Vera Extract in shampoo for moisturizing purposes, considering it is rinsed off?
  • How does the effectiveness of water-soluble silicone (Silicone Quick-Cond) for hair conditioning compare to non-water-soluble silicones and Poly conditioner?

Answer

Here is a summary of the staff's responses to your questions:

  • Sufficiency of 5-10%: The staff mentioned that 10% is generally sufficient for body wash, while 5% might be better for children or face wash. Higher concentrations might be needed for active lifestyles.
  • Shelf Life and Dog Shampoo: Surfactants typically last at least 2 years. The staff did not specify the concentration for dog shampoo but gave guidelines for human use.
  • Incorporating Essential Oils: Small amounts can be mixed directly. For larger amounts, the staff recommended using Flora Solve or Flora Solve Clear to dissolve them, rather than Polysorbate 80.
  • Aloe Vera Extract: The staff advised against using Aloe Vera Extract in shampoo for moisture as it gets rinsed off and is not cost-effective.
  • Water-Soluble Silicone (Silicone Quick-Cond): This type of silicone is safer as it washes off easily but is less effective for coating hair than non-water-soluble silicones. The staff could not compare its effectiveness to Poly conditioner.

Tags

Cosmetic Formulation Ingredient Suitability Shampoo Solubility Usage Percentage