Stability Issue: Bubble Max™ LT Separation in Cleansing Gel at pH 5.5

The separation you are observing in your cleansing gel when adjusting the pH to 5.5 is likely due to the destabilization of the emulsion system, not a direct pH requirement of Bubble Max™ LT itself.

Key Points Regarding Bubble Max™ LT (Product ID 1210)

1. Solubility: Bubble Max™ LT is neither oil-soluble nor water-soluble. It is a volatile liquid that must be emulsified and dispersed within the formula.
2. Emulsification is Critical: As noted in the product description, Bubble Max™ LT "cannot be dissolved, must be emulsified and the formula must be thick enough to avoid separation."
3. pH and Stability: The separation you are seeing strongly suggests that the emulsifier or thickener system you are using is not stable at a pH of 5.5. Many common thickeners and emulsifiers (especially certain polymers) are highly sensitive to pH changes, which can cause them to lose their ability to stabilize the formula, leading to the separation of the Bubble Max™ LT component.

Recommendation for Stability

To resolve this issue, you should focus on the stability of your overall formula, particularly the emulsification system, at the target pH:

• Check Emulsifier/Thickener Compatibility: Review the specifications of your chosen emulsifier and/or thickener (e.g., Carbomer, Acrylates Copolymer) to ensure it maintains stability and viscosity at pH 5.5.
• Adjust pH Range: If your current system is pH-sensitive, you may need to:
  • Use a different emulsifier/thickener that is stable across a wider, more acidic pH range (e.g., pH 5.0-7.0).
  • Adjust the final pH to a range where your current system is known to be stable (e.g., pH 6.0-7.0), provided this is acceptable for your cleansing product.
• Review Mixing Procedure: Ensure you are following the critical mixing steps for Bubble Max™ LT: adding it in the last step, mixing gently at low speed, and keeping the temperature below 40°C (recommended below 30°C).