Soy Lecithin for 100% Natural Cream Texture and Preservative Need
Asked by: jan_nazyy
On: June 04, 2016
Product Type:
Cosmetics
Question
Regarding creating a 100% natural cream texture using Oil and Glycerin, I would like to ask:
- Can Soy Lecithin be used as an emulsifier instead of Beeswax?
- What is the recommended usage percentage for Soy Lecithin?
- Is a preservative necessary for this type of formula (Oil + Glycerin + Soy Lecithin)?
Answer
Subject: Re: Soy Lecithin (สร้างเนื้อครีมจากธรรมชาติ 100%)
Hello,
Regarding your question about making a face cream with Oil + Glycerin and using Soy Lecithin instead of Beeswax, and whether preservatives are needed:
- Using Soy Lecithin: Yes, Soy Lecithin can be used as an emulsifier to combine the oil phase with Glycerin. Glycerin acts as the water phase in this type of formulation.
- Usage Percentage: The recommended usage for Soy Lecithin is typically 3-5% of the total formula. You may need to adjust this percentage depending on the ratio of your oil phase to the Glycerin amount to achieve the desired texture and stability.
- Preservatives: While it's true that anhydrous (waterless) formulas generally do not require preservatives, your formula includes Glycerin, which is considered a water phase. Any formulation containing a water phase is susceptible to microbial growth (bacteria, mold, yeast). Furthermore, contamination can easily occur during product use, especially if the cream is stored in a jar where fingers are dipped in. Therefore, for the safety and stability of your product, especially if you plan to store it or if it will be used over time, it is strongly recommended to include a suitable preservative system, even when using Glycerin.
We hope this explanation is helpful!
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