Tone-Up Body Wash Formulation: Titanium Dioxide Coverage and Stability

Question

Seeking advice on formulating a tone-up body wash with acne treatment properties. Using a formula with Water, Soft Cream Maker, Sweet Almond Oil, Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, Tea Tree Oil, preservatives, and Disodium EDTA, I'm facing issues with Titanium Dioxide WaterProof™ variants (300nm and 250nm). The 300nm version gives a natural look but lacks coverage, while the 250nm version provides good coverage but looks unnatural/white cast. How can I improve the coverage and dispersion of the 300nm variant? Should I mix the 250nm and 300nm versions? What ingredients should I add to prevent pigment separation/settling in the formula? Can the new Titanium Dioxide 400nm WaterProof™ (Super Coverage) be used in this body wash application?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Tone-Up Body Wash Formulation Tips

Here are some recommendations for your tone-up body wash formula using Titanium Dioxide:

Improving Coverage and Dispersion of Titanium Dioxide 300nm WaterProof™

You've noticed that Titanium Dioxide 300nm WaterProof™ gives a natural look but less coverage compared to the 250nm version. To improve its performance:

Optimize Dispersion: Ensure the Titanium Dioxide is thoroughly dispersed in the oil phase (Sweet Almond Oil) using a high-shear mixer before emulsifying. This helps break up pigment clumps for better color payoff.
Consider a Dispersing Agent: Adding a dispersing agent designed for pigments in oil or emulsion systems can significantly improve how evenly the particles are distributed, leading to better color intensity and reduced settling.

Mixing Titanium Dioxide 300nm and 250nm WaterProof™

Yes, mixing Titanium Dioxide 300nm WaterProof™ and 250nm WaterProof™ is a viable approach. By blending them, you can balance the natural look of the 300nm with the higher coverage of the 250nm to achieve your desired tone-up effect.

Preventing Pigment Separation

To prevent the Titanium Dioxide from settling in your body wash:

Ensure Emulsion Stability: Make sure your emulsion created with Soft Cream Maker™ is stable by following the recommended mixing procedure, including heating and continuous stirring while cooling.
Improve Pigment Suspension: Incorporate a rheology modifier or thickener into your formula. Ingredients that increase the product's viscosity and yield value, such as Glyceryl Stearate SE or Cetyl Alcohol (as suggested in the Soft Cream Maker™ description), can help suspend the pigment particles evenly.

Using Titanium Dioxide 400nm WaterProof™ (Super Coverage)

Titanium Dioxide 400nm WaterProof™ (Super Coverage) is primarily intended for make-up products, particularly powders, to provide maximum coverage. While it is waterproof, it is generally not recommended for rinse-off body wash applications. It's best to use the 250nm and 300nm WaterProof™ variants which are suitable for shower products.

Your inclusion of Tea Tree Oil is beneficial for addressing body acne due to its antibacterial properties.