Shampoo and Leave-on Hair Treatment Formula Review (pH, Preservation, Clarity)

Asked by: chuachom On: January 04, 2018 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

I have two hair product formulations I would like to review:

  1. Shampoo Formula:

    • Aims: Soft, moisturized, gentle, sulfate/silicone/paraben-free, pH 7.
    • Includes 10% Oat Oil.
    • Questions:
      • Is the formula usable, and are there any ingredients that need adjustment?
      • What will the pH be after mixing?
      • If the pH is not 7, what acid or base is suitable for adjustment?
  2. Leave-on Hair Treatment Formula:

    • Aims: Softness and detangling.
    • Includes 1% Fragrance.
    • Questions:
      • Is the formula usable, and are there any ingredients that need adjustment (specifically regarding clarity and preservation, as staff previously recommended Phenoxyethanol SA)?

Answer

Shampoo Formula Review

Regarding your shampoo formula aiming for soft, moisturized, gentle, sulfate/silicone/paraben-free, and pH 7:

  1. Is the formula usable, and are there any ingredients that need adjustment?
    The formula is usable. However, please note that using a high percentage (10%) of Oat Oil in a shampoo (a wash-off product) means that most of the oil's conditioning benefits will be washed away by the cleansing agents. The primary conditioning effect in this formula will likely come from the Poly-Conditioner Pro, which is designed to adhere to hair even after rinsing. While the Oat Oil contributes to the marketing claim, its functional benefit in a shampoo at this concentration might be limited.

  2. What will the pH be after mixing?
    Based on the ingredients, which are generally neutral, the pH of the final mixture is expected to be around 7. It should be close to your target pH.

  3. If the pH is not 7, what acid or base is suitable for adjustment?
    If you need to adjust the pH:

    • To increase pH (if it's too low): Use Triethanolamine.
    • To decrease pH (if it's too high): Use Citric Acid or Lactic Acid. Lactic Acid is often preferred in hair products due to research suggesting hair benefits.

Leave-on Formula Review

Regarding your leave-on hair treatment formula for softness and detangling:

  1. Is the formula usable, and are there any ingredients that need adjustment?
    The formula is usable and contains several beneficial ingredients for hair conditioning and strength. However, the fragrance (น้ำหอม) at 1% might cause the formula to appear cloudy. If you prefer a clear product, you could consider using Flora Solve Clear (around 2-3%) to help solubilize the fragrance into the water phase. Additionally, as this is a leave-on product containing water and various ingredients, it is highly recommended to include a preservative to prevent microbial growth. Phenoxyethanol SA (Optiphen Plus) at 1% is a suitable choice, as previously recommended by the staff.