Shower Gel Separation Issue with Apricot

Based on the shower gel formula you provided, the separation issue occurring after standing for half an hour is likely due to the "Apricot" ingredient you used, which is expected to be Apricot Kernel Oil.

Apricot Kernel Oil is an oil-based ingredient that is not soluble in water. In your shower gel formula, which has a water base thickened with Carbopol, adding the oil directly without a suitable solubilizer prevents the oil from dispersing properly within the water-based gel matrix. This leads to the oil separating and settling at the bottom over time.

Solution:

It is recommended to use a suitable solubilizer to help dissolve the oil in your water-based formula, such as Polysorbate 20. Here are the revised mixing steps:

1. Prepare Part A ingredients (water, Carbopol SF1, 10% Sodium Hydroxide). Stir until a gel is formed.
2. In a separate container, pre-mix the Apricot Kernel Oil (0.2g) with a suitable solubilizer (e.g., Polysorbate 20) at an appropriate ratio. Generally, you can start with a solubilizer to oil ratio of around 2:1 to 4:1 (e.g., use approximately 0.4 - 0.8g of Polysorbate 20 for 0.2g of Apricot Kernel Oil). Stir until the oil is clear and well-integrated with the solubilizer.
3. Gradually add the solubilized oil mixture into the main Part A gel base in small portions, stirring continuously to ensure good dispersion.
4. Add the remaining Part B ingredients (Salt, EDTA D40, CDE, N70, Betaine, CG). Stir to combine.
5. For the Liquid Pearlizer, it is recommended to disperse it in a small amount of the surfactant mixture (like N70 or Betaine) or water first, then gradually add it to the main batch while stirring gently to avoid excessive foaming.
6. Add the fragrance and color in the final step. Stir until well mixed.

Using only 0.2g of Apricot Kernel Oil is a very small amount and may not provide significant skin benefits. If you wish to enhance the properties from the oil, you may consider increasing the amount of Apricot Kernel Oil, but you will also need to increase the amount of the solubilizer accordingly to maintain formula stability.