Shampoo Formulation: Solubilizing Essential Oil and Foaming
Question
In a shampoo formulation containing 15% Clarify-Wash and 2% essential oil in DI Water, what alternative solubilizer can be used for the essential oil instead of Flora Foam, and is 15% Clarify-Wash sufficient for a high-foaming shampoo for athletes, or should other ingredients be added?
Answer
Shampoo Formulation Advice
Here is some advice regarding your shampoo formulation using Clarify-Wash and essential oils:
1. Alternative Solubilizer for Essential Oils
Instead of Flora Foam, you can use Flora Solve™ Clear (Fragrance Solubilizer) to dissolve essential oils in your water-based formula. This product is designed to create clear and stable solutions of oils in water without needing alcohol.
How to use:
- Mix Flora Solve™ Clear with your essential oil at a ratio of 2-5 parts Flora Solve™ Clear to 1 part essential oil. The exact ratio depends on the specific essential oil, but a starting point of 2-3 parts is common. Some oils may require up to 5 parts.
- Stir or blend this mixture well until the essential oil is fully dissolved in the solubilizer.
- Slowly add this mixture to your main water phase (DI Water) while stirring until fully incorporated and clear.
2. Clarify-Wash Concentration and Foaming
Clarify-Wash, which is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, is a high-efficiency surfactant known for its excellent cleaning and foaming properties, making it suitable for clarifying shampoos and products for athletes.
A concentration of 15% Clarify-Wash is within the recommended usage range (5-35%) and should provide good, abundant foam for a shampoo designed for athletes.
If you desire even more voluminous and stable foam, you can consider adding a co-surfactant to your formula. Combining Clarify-Wash with other surfactants can help boost foam quality and longevity, although 15% Clarify-Wash alone is expected to provide significant foam.
