Thickening Clear Herbal Shampoo

To make your clear herbal shampoo thicker while keeping it mild and safe, you can use specific thickening agents designed for liquid soap and shampoo formulations. Here are a few options:

• SugarThick™ (PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate): This is a plant-derived thickener that is very effective in detergent systems like shampoos. It helps create a clear gel texture and can also help reduce irritation from other detergents in the formula. It's recommended for use at 1-5% (typically 1-3% is sufficient). It dissolves best when warmed to 50-60°C.

• ClearClean™ (Acrylates Crosspolymer): This liquid thickener is easy to use and provides high clarity and viscosity in shampoos and liquid soaps. It works well within a pH range of 4-6, which is suitable for skin-friendly formulations. It doesn't require heat for mixing and can also help suspend particles if needed.

• EasyThick™ (POLYOXYETHYLENE GLYCERYL ISOSTEARATE): Another effective thickener for clear shampoos and liquid soaps. It is easy to use but requires heating the water phase to 80°C for it to dissolve properly. The usage rate is higher, typically 3-15% depending on the desired thickness.

When choosing, consider the desired clarity, ease of use (some require heat), and compatibility with your specific herbal extracts and other ingredients. SugarThick™ is a good choice if reducing potential irritation is a priority and fits well with a plant-derived theme.