Shampoo Ingredients and Approximate Proportions (Exact Percentages Cannot Be Determined)

Dear Member,

We understand your interest in knowing the exact proportions of the ingredients in your favorite shampoo. However, determining the precise percentage of each ingredient in a finished product formula is very difficult, as these formulas are typically proprietary trade secrets of the manufacturer. The actual percentages used depend on extensive testing and optimization to achieve the desired texture, performance, and stability.

Based on the ingredient list you provided, we know that the natural extract (item 19) constitutes 33%, and the other ingredients (items 1-18) collectively make up 67%. These ingredients serve various functions in a shampoo formula, such as:

• Primary Cleansing Agents (Surfactants): Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine. These are responsible for creating lather and cleaning the hair.
• Viscosity Modifiers (Thickeners): Carbomer, Cocamide MEA, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, PEG-10. These help achieve the desired thickness of the shampoo.
• Conditioning Agents: Dimethicone, Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, Panthenol. These help to soften hair, reduce tangling, and improve manageability.
• Preservatives: Methylisothiazolinone, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylparaben. Used in very small amounts to prevent microbial growth.
• Other Ingredients: Fragrance, Triethanolamine (used for pH adjustment and neutralizing Carbomer), Disodium EDTA (a chelating agent for stability), Menthol (provides a cooling sensation).

To give you a general idea of possible proportions within the 67% blend of ingredients 1-18, here is an approximate breakdown by function (these are rough estimates and can vary significantly depending on the specific formula):

• Surfactant Group: This is typically the largest component within the 67%, often making up around 30-50% of the total formula (which is roughly 45-75% of the 67% blend). Ingredients include Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate. The inclusion of Cocamidopropyl Betaine helps create a softer lather and reduces potential irritation from primary surfactants.
• Thickener Group: Used in smaller amounts to achieve the desired viscosity, typically ranging from 1-5% of the total formula. This includes Carbomer, Cocamide MEA, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, PEG-10. Carbomer is a gelling agent that requires neutralization with Triethanolamine to thicken.
• Conditioning Agent Group: Helps make hair soft, smooth, and manageable, usually present at 0.1-5% of the total formula. This group includes Dimethicone, Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, Panthenol.
• Preservative Group: Used in very low concentrations to prevent microbial contamination, typically less than 1% of the total formula. This includes Methylisothiazolinone, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylparaben.
• Other Ingredients: Such as Fragrance (usually less than 1% for scent), Triethanolamine (for pH adjustment and Carbomer neutralization), Disodium EDTA (a chelating agent for stability), and Menthol (provides a cooling sensation, typically less than 1%).

The description of the shampoo as slightly thicker than normal but feeling very light and comfortable on the scalp, and lathering easily, suggests a well-balanced formulation. This is likely achieved by carefully selecting the types and ratios of primary and co-surfactants (like Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate) to create a gentle yet effective lather, combined with conditioning agents like Dimethicone and Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride to provide slip and reduce friction during washing.

In summary, while the exact percentages remain unknown, the 67% portion of the formula is primarily composed of surfactants, followed by thickeners and conditioning agents, with preservatives, fragrance, and other functional ingredients present in much smaller amounts.

We hope this information is helpful.