Recommended Thickeners for Potassium Laurate 30%

For a formulation containing Potassium Laurate (30%), which is a liquid saponified soap, thickening can be more challenging than with synthetic surfactants (like SLES) because it typically has a high pH and does not respond well to salt (Sodium Chloride).

To effectively increase the viscosity of this system, I recommend using non-ionic thickeners that are stable in alkaline environments:

Recommended Thickeners

1. SugarThick™ (PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate):
   • This is highly recommended for liquid soaps. It provides excellent thickening, is very mild, and helps reduce irritation from surfactants.
2. EasyThick™:
   • A liquid thickener specifically designed for surfactant systems. It is easy to use because it can be mixed into the formula at room temperature without requiring heat.
3. PEG-150 Distearate:
   • A standard and cost-effective thickener for surfactant products. However, it requires heating the water phase to approximately 70-75°C to melt and incorporate the pellets.
4. FoamThix™ Liquid:
   • Another liquid option that is easy to stir in and provides good clarity and viscosity.

Formulation Tips

• Avoid Salt: Traditional salt thickening usually does not work with pure potassium soaps like Potassium Laurate.
• pH Stability: Ensure your chosen thickener is stable at the pH of your soap (usually pH 9-10). The options listed above are generally stable in this range.
• Mixing: If using liquid thickeners like EasyThick™, add them slowly while stirring at the final stage of mixing.

You can explore more options in the Liquid saponified soap category.