Review and pH Adjustment for Gentle Liquid Cleanser Formula

Asked by: jai.79 On: September 30, 2014 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

I have formulated a liquid cleanser with the following ingredients and percentages:

  • AminoWash: 10%
  • Baby Foam: 5%
  • Glycerin 99.8%: 5%
  • Hydro Protein: 3%
  • SugarThick: 2%
  • Baby Bee Buttermilk: 1.5%
  • FloraSolve: 3%
  • Phenoxyethanol: 1%
  • Distilled Water: 69.5%

Could you please review this formula for its suitability, especially for dry/sensitive skin and babies, and advise on any necessary adjustments or considerations, such as ingredient compatibility, function, or processing steps?

Answer

Formula Review and Recommendations

Based on the discussion and the final formula you proposed, here is a review and some recommendations:

Your Proposed Formula:

  • AminoWash: 10%
  • Baby Foam: 5%
  • Glycerin 99.8%: 5%
  • Hydro Protein: 3%
  • SugarThick: 2%
  • Baby Bee Buttermilk: 1.5%
  • FloraSolve: 3%
  • Phenoxyethanol: 1%
  • Distilled Water: 69.5%

Review and Recommendations:

  1. Formula Suitability: The combination of gentle surfactants like AminoWash and Baby Foam, along with Glycerin for moisture, makes this formula suitable for dry skin and potentially for babies, as discussed previously.

  2. Baby Bee Buttermilk and FloraSolve: Including Baby Bee Buttermilk is fine, and the addition of FloraSolve at 3% is appropriate to help solubilize it in the water phase, as advised by the staff regarding oil-based ingredients like Rosemary oil.

  3. Hydro Protein: Adding Hydro Protein can provide some conditioning feel, although as mentioned, a significant portion may be washed off. It's not essential but can be included if desired and budget allows.

  4. SugarThick: Including SugarThick at 2% will help increase the viscosity of the liquid cleanser, as you and the staff discussed.

  5. Preservation: Phenoxyethanol at 1% is a standard preservative level to ensure the product remains stable and safe from microbial contamination.

  6. Water: Using distilled water is correct. As the staff mentioned, mineral water is not recommended as minerals can interfere with the formula.

  7. pH Measurement: This is a crucial point. While the staff didn't explicitly say it's mandatory for this specific formula, it is highly recommended to measure and adjust the pH for any cleanser, especially one intended for sensitive skin or babies. Cleansers should ideally have a pH close to the skin's natural pH (around 5.5-6.5) to be gentle and effective. Without measuring, you cannot guarantee the pH is within a safe and optimal range. If possible, acquire a pH meter or suitable pH strips to check the pH and adjust it using a mild acid (like Citric Acid solution) or base (like Sodium Hydroxide solution) if necessary. While the formula might be usable without pH adjustment, you risk potential irritation or reduced performance.

  8. Other Ingredients Discussed: Based on the previous conversation, ingredients like Double Hyaluron Liquid were deemed unnecessary for a wash-off product, and emulpearl was optional for pearlescent effect.

Conclusion:

The final formula you proposed is generally well-formulated based on the ingredients and previous advice. The ingredients are compatible. The most important step you should try to incorporate, if possible before making a large batch, is checking and adjusting the pH to ensure it is skin-friendly.

It's always a good practice to make a small test batch first to evaluate the texture, appearance, and how it feels on your skin and potentially on a baby's skin (if using for that purpose) before committing to a large quantity.