Recommended Water-Soluble Silicones for Clear Shampoo
Question
Please recommend Silicone ingredients for use in a clear shampoo formulation with the following properties:
- Provides hair softness and smoothness
- Water-soluble (to maintain formula transparency)
Which products are available and suitable for this application?
Answer
For a clear shampoo formulation that requires hair to be soft and smooth while maintaining transparency, you should use water-soluble silicones or specialized conditioning agents. Here are the recommended options:
1. Premium Performance (High Softness & Clarity)
- Clear-Cond™ (Quaternium-80): This is a highly effective conditioning agent that dissolves directly in water to create a crystal-clear formula. it provides superior softness and silkiness compared to standard water-soluble silicones.
- Usage: 0.2-2% in shampoo.
- SiliWater™ (silicone dissolved in water): A specialized silicone that has been restructured to be directly soluble in water. It provides the unique "silicone feel" (softness and weight) without causing build-up on the hair or scalp.
- Usage: 0.5-1.5% in shampoo.
2. Balanced Performance and Value
- Silicone Micro-Cond (Amodimethicone Microemulsion): This is an amodimethicone silicone in microemulsion form. It disperses in water while maintaining formula clarity. It offers better conditioning performance than basic PEG-12 Dimethicone.
- Usage: 2-5% in shampoo.
3. Standard/Economical Option
- Silicone Quick-Cond (PEG-12 Dimethicone): A standard water-soluble silicone that is very easy to use. It helps reduce hair tangling and provides basic smoothness.
- Usage: 0.5-1.5% in shampoo.
4. Non-Silicone Booster
- Poly-Conditioner Eco (Polyquaternium-7): While not a silicone, this water-soluble polymer is often used in clear shampoos to enhance hair softness and improve foam texture. It can be used alongside the silicones mentioned above.
- Usage: 1-3% in shampoo.
Mixing Instructions:
All the products mentioned above are water-soluble. You can mix them directly into the water phase of your formulation. For the best results in a clear shampoo, Clear-Cond™ or Silicone Micro-Cond are highly recommended for their balance of high performance and excellent transparency.
Follow-up Replies
Question:
Please recommend Silicone ingredients for use in a clear shampoo formulation with the following properties:
- Provides hair softness and smoothness
- Water-soluble (to maintain formula transparency)
Additionally, I have a question regarding the technical data for SiliWater™:
- Why does the product description state it "dissolves turbid"?
- Why does the SDS (Section 9) list it as "insoluble" in water?
- Is this ingredient actually suitable for a clear formulation?
Answer:
Thank you for your very observant question. You are absolutely correct, and I apologize for the confusion in the previous recommendation regarding SiliWater™.
Here is the clarification regarding the solubility and transparency of these ingredients:
1. Why does SiliWater™ "dissolve turbid" (cloudy)?
- Water-Dispersible vs. Water-Soluble: SiliWater™ (Dimethicone PEG-7 Cocoate) is technically "water-dispersible." While it mixes into water without separating, it creates a turbid or cloudy appearance because the silicone droplets are large enough to scatter light.
- SDS "Insoluble" Label: In a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Section 9 often lists the solubility of the base chemical. Since the core of the molecule is silicone (which is naturally hydrophobic/oil-soluble), it is often classified as "insoluble" in pure water according to standard chemical testing, even if the PEG-modification allows it to disperse in a formulation.
- Suitability: Because it results in a cloudy mixture, SiliWater™ is NOT suitable for a crystal-clear shampoo. It is better suited for pearlescent or opaque formulas where high conditioning is needed.
2. Recommended Silicones for a "Crystal Clear" Shampoo
If your requirement is a formula that remains perfectly transparent, you should choose ingredients that are specifically designed to be "Clear Water Soluble":
- Clear-Cond™ (Quaternium-80): This is the best choice for premium clear shampoos. It dissolves directly into water to form a perfectly clear solution and provides superior softness and silkiness.
- Silicone Micro-Cond (Amodimethicone Microemulsion): This is an amodimethicone silicone in a micro-emulsion form. The particles are so small that they do not scatter light, allowing the formula to remain clear while providing excellent conditioning.
- Silicone Quick-Cond (PEG-12 Dimethicone): A standard, economical water-soluble silicone that dissolves clear. It provides basic smoothness and reduces tangling.
Summary for Clear Shampoo:
To ensure your shampoo remains clear, please avoid SiliWater™ and instead use Clear-Cond™ (for high performance) or Silicone Micro-Cond (for a balance of performance and clarity).
Related Products Mentioned
SiliWater™ (silicone dissolved in water)
Silicone Quick-Cond (PEG-12 Dimethicone)
Poly-Conditioner Eco
