Shower Foam Formulation with Chamomile: Adjusting Ingredients and Fragrance

Question

I need assistance with a gentle, moisturizing Shower Foam formula containing Chamomile extract, suitable for dry and sensitive skin, and designed for a foam pump dispenser. I plan to use the following ingredients:

Flora Foam
Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Coco Betaine)
WaterLock
PaeoniaPreserve (Paeonia Extract Preservative)
Chamomile Valley (Alpha Bisabolol)
DI Water

Please provide guidance on the appropriate percentages for these ingredients, considering the need for moisturizing properties and suitability for a foam pump. Also, advise on the cleansing effectiveness of this combination and any necessary adjustments, particularly regarding the high percentage of Chamomile Valley used for scent and extract.

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Subject: Chamomile Shower Foam Formula Inquiry

Thank you for your inquiry regarding a Chamomile Shower Foam formula. Based on your requirements for a gentle, moisturizing formula with chamomile extract and scent, and suitable for a foam pump, and considering the feedback from our staff, here is a revised formula:

Revised Chamomile Shower Foam Formula

Cleansing and Foam Stabilizing Agents:
- Flora Foam: 3% (Adjust to 5% if using 5% fragrance)
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Coco Betaine): 15% (Consider reducing if adding stronger cleansing agents)
Moisturizing Agent:
- WaterLock: 2% (This ingredient can remain on the skin even after rinsing)
Preservative:
- PaeoniaPreserve: 2%
Chamomile Extract/Scent:
- Chamomile Valley (Alpha Bisabolol): 5% (Note: 5% fragrance is quite high; consider reducing to 2-3% for a lighter scent)
Solvent:
- DI Water: Remaining percentage to total 100%

Notes on the Formula:

Removed Ingredients: Ingredients primarily for skin nourishment (like some emollients or extracts) are generally not included in high percentages in wash-off products like shower foam, as they are rinsed off quickly and provide minimal benefit. PPG-3 Myristyl Ether, Last Fix, and Flora Solve Clear were removed from the proposed formula based on this principle and the staff's revised list.
Fragrance Level: The staff noted that 5% for Chamomile Valley (used here for scent/extract) is a high concentration, typically used when a very strong fragrance is desired. For a milder scent, reducing the percentage to 2-3% is recommended.
Cleansing Power: Cocamidopropyl Betaine provides mild cleansing. If a higher cleansing performance is needed, especially for skin that is not lightly soiled (like for infants or the elderly), you might consider replacing some of the Coco Betaine with stronger cleansing agents such as Gluta-Clean, Cond-Foam, SulFoam, or Clarify-Wash. If using 5% fragrance, increasing Flora Foam to 5% is recommended to help solubilize the fragrance and prevent separation.

We hope this revised formula and the additional notes are helpful for developing your Chamomile Shower Foam.