How to Reduce Eye Irritation in Your Water-Based Eye Remover

It sounds like you're experiencing eye irritation with your current water-based eye remover formula, which is a common challenge when formulating products for the delicate eye area. The irritation you're feeling is likely due to a combination of factors in your formula.

Based on your ingredients and the previous feedback:

• Surfactants: While your formula uses PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate and Lauryl Glucoside, even generally mild surfactants can cause irritation, especially in the sensitive eye area or at certain concentrations. Lauryl Glucoside, although a gentle non-ionic surfactant, has a high inherent pH (around 11.5) and requires pH adjustment to be mild. If the pH is not properly adjusted, it can be irritating. PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate (often used as a thickener in surfactant systems, like SugarThick™) is generally mild but could potentially contribute if the overall surfactant system is too harsh or the concentration is too high for the eye area.
• Solvent: Ethoxydiglycol is a solvent and carrier. While useful for dissolving ingredients, it can also enhance the penetration of other substances into the skin (or eye tissue), potentially increasing irritation from other components in the formula. The staff also specifically mentioned Ethoxydiglycol as a possible cause of irritation.
• pH Level: Your current pH of 5-6 is within the typical range for skin, but for products specifically used around the eyes, a pH closer to neutral (pH 7) is often recommended to match the pH of tears and minimize stinging. The staff's advice to adjust the pH to 7 is crucial, especially when using ingredients like Lauryl Glucoside.

To make your formula milder and reduce eye irritation, consider the following adjustments:

• Adjust the pH: As recommended, carefully adjust the pH of your final formula to be closer to 7. This is a critical step for eye products.
• Re-evaluate Surfactants:
  • Consider replacing or reducing the concentration of the current surfactants.
  • Explore very mild surfactant alternatives specifically recommended for sensitive areas or "no-tear" formulations. Coco Wash™ (PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate) was suggested by the staff and is described as having a high level of gentleness and being suitable for makeup remover formulations.
  • Other mild amphoteric surfactants like Mild-Wash L™ (Sodium Lauroamphoacetate) and Mild-Wash C™ (Sodium Cocoamphoacetate) are also known for their gentleness and are used in baby products and gentle cleansers.
  • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is another gentle anionic surfactant derived from natural sources that could be considered.
  • Alternatively, using a pre-made "no-tear" base like Sulfate Free No-Tear Shampoo Base or Sulfate-Free No-Tear Foaming Base, which are formulated to be non-irritating to the eyes, could simplify the process.
• Reduce or Replace Solvent: Consider reducing the concentration of Ethoxydiglycol or replacing it with a milder alternative solvent or humectant if its primary function is solubility or moisturization.

By adjusting the pH and carefully selecting milder surfactants and potentially modifying the solvent, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of eye irritation in your water-based eye remover.