Reducing Foam in Low-Water Formulation with 1,3-Propanediol
Question
In a formulation containing only 30% water, significant foam is observed after mixing.
- Is adding 3% 1,3-Propanediol sufficient to reduce the foam?
- If it can reduce foam, at which step should it be added?
Answer
Reducing Foam in Low-Water Formulations
Regarding your question about using 1,3-Propanediol to reduce foam in your formulation with 30% water:
1,3-Propanediol is primarily known for its properties as a humectant, solvent, and preservative booster. While its solvent properties might indirectly influence the formula's viscosity or surface tension, it is not typically used as a primary anti-foaming agent.
Adding 3% 1,3-Propanediol, while within its recommended usage rate (1-20%), is unlikely to be sufficient to significantly reduce substantial foam caused by surfactants or the mixing process itself in a low-water system.
If foam reduction is a critical concern, you might need to consider incorporating dedicated anti-foaming agents designed for cosmetic formulations.
If you still wish to include 1,3-Propanediol for its other benefits, it is water-soluble and can generally be added to the water phase or incorporated during the mixing process.
