Scrub Formulation Advice

Using fresh Noni leaves directly in a scrub presents a significant challenge regarding shelf life. Fresh plant material contains water and nutrients that are ideal environments for microbial growth (bacteria, mold, yeast). Without extensive processing and the addition of preservatives, a scrub made with fresh leaves would likely spoil very quickly, potentially within a few days.

To create a stable cosmetic product with Noni, it would be necessary to use a processed form, such as a dried powder or an extract specifically prepared for cosmetic use. Even with processed natural ingredients, proper preservation is crucial for safety and longevity.

Here are some ingredient recommendations for your scrub formulation:

Preservatives

To ensure the safety and extend the shelf life of your scrub, especially if it contains a water phase or natural ingredients, a broad-spectrum preservative is essential. Consider these options:

• Global Guard™ 221: A natural, water-soluble preservative effective in formulas with a pH between 2-7.
• Mild Preserved™ COS: A broad-spectrum, water-soluble preservative effective in a wider pH range (2-8) and is odorless.
• NaturePreserve™ LB2: Another natural origin preservative effective at lower pH values (2.0-6.5).
• Coco-Preserve™: A natural preservative derived from coconut extract, effective in formulas with a pH between 4-8.

The choice of preservative will depend on the final pH of your scrub formula. Always perform a challenge test to confirm the preservative's effectiveness in your specific formulation.

Scrub Base / Solvent

The base of your scrub helps to carry the exfoliating particles and provides slip and moisture to the skin.

• Oil-Based Scrub: For a simple, moisturizing scrub, you can use carrier oils. Mineral Oil (available in different viscosities like Heavy or Light) is a stable and non-comedogenic option. LipidSoft™ Palm is another emollient that can be used.
• Gel-Based Scrub: If you prefer a lighter, water-based scrub, you would need a gelling agent to create the base and suspend the particles. AnyGel™ is a water-gelling agent that can create a non-greasy gel texture.
• Emulsified Scrub: A cream or lotion base combines oil and water phases, offering both exfoliation and moisturization. You would need an emulsifier like Sucrose Cream Maker™ to bind the oil and water together.

Alternative Exfoliants

Besides Noni leaves, there are many effective and stable exfoliating ingredients suitable for scrubs:

• Physical Exfoliants: These are particles that manually buff away dead skin cells.
  • Sugarcane Scrub: Available in different mesh sizes (e.g., 80-100 Mesh for finer exfoliation). These are natural particles that have been sterilized.
  • Hydrated Silica Scrub: Available in different mesh sizes (e.g., 70 Mesh). This provides gentle exfoliation and can also help absorb excess oil.
  • CelluScrub™ Max: A natural cellulose-based scrub powder with high exfoliation efficiency.
    
    Choose the mesh size based on whether the scrub is for the face (finer particles) or body (larger particles).
• Enzymatic Exfoliants: These use enzymes to break down the protein bonds holding dead skin cells together, offering a gentler exfoliation method. Bio-S Protease™ is a stabilized natural enzyme suitable for this purpose.

Other Essential Ingredients

Depending on the type of scrub you are making (oil, gel, or emulsified), you may need other ingredients:

• Emulsifier: (As mentioned above, for cream/lotion scrubs) Sucrose Cream Maker™ is an example.
• Thickener/Gelling Agent: (As mentioned above, for gel or to thicken cream/oil bases) AnyGel™ is an example for water-based gels.
• Humectants: Ingredients that attract and hold moisture in the skin, like MOIST72™.
• Antioxidants: To prevent oils from going rancid, especially in oil-based or emulsified scrubs.
• Fragrance and Colorants: For aesthetic appeal, if desired.

In summary, while fresh Noni leaves are not practical for a stable cosmetic scrub, you can create an effective and safe scrub using processed natural exfoliants or other suitable scrub particles, combined with appropriate preservatives, a suitable base, and other beneficial ingredients.