Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Liquid Soap Bases

For making shampoo and liquid soap free from SLS and SLES, MySkinRecipes offers several sulfate-free bases that are suitable for sensitive skin:

• Sulfate Free Shampoo Base (pH 7, Clear, Foaming): This is a versatile base for shampoo, cleanser, and liquid soap. It is sulfate-free, provides high foam, and is easy to thicken. Recommended usage is 5-40% (25-35% recommended).
• Sulfate Free No-Tear Shampoo Base (pH 6, Clear, Foaming): Similar to the above but formulated to be extra gentle and "no-tear," making it suitable for sensitive applications like baby products or facial cleansers. Recommended usage is 25-40%.
• Sulfate-Free Foaming Base (pH 6, Clear, Foaming): Another sulfate-free option for shampoo, cleanser, liquid soap, and intimate wash. It is gentle, provides high foam, and doesn't leave the skin feeling dry or tight. Recommended usage is 5-40% (25-35% for shampoo/liquid soap).
• Sulfate-Free No-Tear Foaming Base (pH 6, Clear, Foaming): A gentle, "no-tear" sulfate-free base suitable for various cleansing products, including those for sensitive areas. Recommended usage is 5-40%.
• SweetWash™ Hair (Shampoo Foaming Base Built-in fixative): This is a shampoo base designed specifically to help fragrance adhere better to hair. Based on its ingredients, it is also sulfate-free. It is used at a 50% concentration mixed with water.

All these bases are free from sulfate compounds, including SLS and SLES, making them suitable alternatives for individuals with sensitivities.

Using SulFoam™ (Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate)

Regarding SulFoam™ (Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate), this ingredient is a very gentle detergent and is also free from all types of sulfate substances.

• Yes, you can use SulFoam™ as the main ingredient in your shampoo or liquid soap formulation. The recommended usage rate when used as a stand-alone detergent is 15-30%.
• You do not necessarily need to mix it with another sulfate-free base if you use it as the primary detergent at the appropriate concentration.
• However, SulFoam™ can also be used in combination with other sulfate-free bases or detergents (at a lower usage rate of 5-10%) to enhance foaming or gentleness, offering flexibility in formulation depending on the desired cleaning power and foam characteristics.

In summary, you have several excellent sulfate-free base options available, and SulFoam™ is a gentle, sulfate-free detergent that can be used either as the main cleansing ingredient or in combination with other bases.