Shampoo Formulation Review and Adjustment

Thank you for sharing your shampoo formula. Let's review it based on your goals for high foam and a non-comedogenic product, and address your specific questions.

Your current formula uses Baby Foam (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate) as the primary surfactant and Lauryl Glucoside as a co-surfactant. Baby Foam is a gentle anionic surfactant that provides a creamy lather, while Lauryl Glucoside is a gentle non-ionic surfactant. This combination provides mild cleansing.

Regarding your question about the surfactant concentration, your formula has a total surfactant concentration of 20% (15% Baby Foam + 5% Lauryl Glucoside), which is generally sufficient for a shampoo. The 5% Lauryl Glucoside is used as a co-surfactant, and while 5% of a single surfactant might be low, the total concentration is adequate. However, the type of co-surfactant significantly impacts foam volume and quality.

Lauryl Glucoside vs. Coco Betaine with Baby Foam

To achieve higher foam volume, using Coco Betaine (Cocamidopropyl Betaine) as a co-surfactant with Baby Foam is generally more effective than using Lauryl Glucoside. Coco Betaine is an amphoteric surfactant known for its foam-boosting properties and ability to create a smooth, fine lather, making it an excellent partner for Baby Foam to enhance the foaming performance.

Fragrance Addition

Fragrance should typically be added towards the end of the formulation process, after all other ingredients are mixed and the temperature has cooled down. You can add it directly to the water phase or the main mixture and stir gently until fully incorporated.

Suggested Formula Adjustments

To enhance foaming while maintaining mildness and incorporating your desired ingredients, here is a suggested revised formula:

• DI Water: qs to 100%
• Disodium EDTA: 0.2%
• Baby Foam (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate): 15%
• Coco Betaine (Cocamidopropyl Betaine): 8% (Added to boost foam)
• Lauryl Glucoside: 2% (Reduced, still contributes mildness)
• SugarThick (PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate): 2%
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5): 0.5% (Adjusted to recommended shampoo usage rate to avoid potential stickiness)
• Pure Keratin: 1%
• Hydrolyzed Silk Protein (Sericin): 0.5% (Adjusted to recommended usage range)
• Biotin Express (Biotin): 1% (Consider adding a UV filter if the packaging is clear, as Biotin is light-sensitive)
• Poly-Conditioner Pro: 0.5% (Adjusted to recommended usage rate to avoid excessive thickening)
• WaterLock (Polyquaternium-51): 2%
• Fragrance: 1%
• Preservative: q.s. (A broad-spectrum preservative is essential for water-based formulas)
• pH adjuster (e.g., Citric Acid or Lactic Acid): q.s. to pH 5.0-6.5

Notes on Adjustments:

• We've replaced some Lauryl Glucoside with Coco Betaine to improve foam volume and quality.
• Adjusted the usage rates of Panthenol, Sericin, and Poly-Conditioner Pro based on typical recommendations to optimize performance and texture.
• Added a placeholder for a preservative, which is crucial for product stability and safety.
• Emphasized the need for pH adjustment, especially when using Lauryl Glucoside.
• For a rinse-off product like shampoo, comedogenicity is less of a concern for the scalp compared to leave-on products. The ingredients used are generally suitable for this application.

This revised formula aims to provide increased foam while maintaining the beneficial properties of the other ingredients and ensuring a stable and pleasant product.