Recommended Sulfate-Free Shampoo Formula for Oily, Itchy Scalp with Hair Loss

For issues like oily, itchy scalp and hair loss, choosing a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo is crucial. We have several interesting shampoo bases that can be adapted for this purpose, such as:

• Sulfate-Free Foaming Base (pH 6, Clear, Foaming) or Sulfate-Free No-Tear Foaming Base (pH 6, Clear, Foaming): Both bases have a pH around 6, which is close to the scalp's natural pH. They provide good foam and can be easily thickened with various thickeners.
• Alternatively, consider Sulfate Free Shampoo Base (pH 7, Clear, Foaming) or Sulfate Free No-Tear Shampoo Base (pH 6, Clear, Foaming), which are also sulfate-free bases.

These shampoo bases are concentrated and must be mixed with clean water before use. Generally, use about 25-35% base and the rest water.

Enhancing Shampoo Properties

To achieve the desired shampoo properties, you can add other ingredients:

• Moderate Foam, Easy Rinsing: Most bases provide relatively high foam. Mixing with water at the recommended ratio should result in moderate foam that is easy to rinse off.
• Hair Doesn't Tangle After Drying: Primary shampoo bases focus on cleansing. To make hair easy to comb after washing, you should add a Conditioning Agent to the formula. We recommend Poly-Conditioner Eco, which is a conditioning agent that helps make hair soft, smooth, and tangle-free, and is compatible with shampoo bases.
• Can Mix with Essential Oil or Herbal Extracts: This is possible. Mix the Essential Oil or herbal extracts into the base mixed with water. However, Essential Oil is oil-based, so mixing in large amounts might require a solubilizer or emulsifier to help the oil disperse well and prevent separation. Water-based herbal extracts can be mixed directly.

Are Additives Necessary?

• Thickeners: Thickeners are necessary if you need to adjust the viscosity of the shampoo to your desired level. Some bases can be easily thickened with salt, or you can use other thickeners like Xanthan Gum, EasyThick™, depending on the base you choose.
• Preservatives: Absolutely necessary. Although the shampoo bases contain preservatives, when you add clean water (which may contain contaminants) or water-based herbal extracts in significant amounts, the preservatives in the base will be diluted and may not be sufficient to prevent microbial growth in the finished product. Adding an appropriate amount of additional preservative will help extend the shelf life of the shampoo and prevent contamination by microorganisms.

Example Basic Formula Structure

• Sulfate-Free Shampoo Base (choose one of the recommended bases) 25-35%
• Clean Water 60-70%
• Poly-Conditioner Eco 1-3% (adjust as needed)
• Essential Oil or Herbal Extract 0.1-2% (adjust as needed)
• Thickener (if needed) Amount as recommended by the supplier
• Preservative 1% (or as recommended by the supplier for the chosen preservative)

Mix all ingredients together. Stir or blend gently to combine (avoid vigorous blending to prevent excessive foam).

This formula is just a basic structure. You can adjust the ratios or add other extracts with properties that help reduce oiliness, soothe itching, or nourish the scalp and hair as needed.