Troubleshooting SweetWash™ Hand Base with Foaming Pumps

Asked by: bionano.solu On: December 22, 2025 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

I am using SweetWash™ Hand (Hand Wash Foaming Base) to create a hand wash. I followed the recommended ratio of 47% base to 53% water as suggested on the product page. However, when using it with a Kirei-style foaming pump, no foam is produced.

Current Setup:

  • Product: SweetWash™ Hand (Hand Wash Foaming Base)
  • Current Ratio: 47% Base / 53% Water
  • Packaging: Foaming pump head (Kirei type)

Issue:

  • The mixture does not produce foam when pumped.

How should I adjust the ratio or the formulation to ensure it works correctly with a foaming pump? Are there any specific technical requirements for the viscosity of the liquid when using this type of pump?

Answer

In the case where SweetWash™ Hand (Hand Wash Foaming Base) is mixed with water at the recommended ratio (approx. 47-50%) but does not produce foam when used with a foaming pump (like the Kirei pump), the most common cause is high viscosity.

Foaming pumps work by mixing air with a liquid that must have a very low viscosity (thin like water). If the mixture is too thick, the pump mechanism cannot pull the liquid through the fine mesh to create foam, or it may feel "stuck."

Recommendations to solve the issue:

  1. Check the Viscosity: If your current mixture feels slightly thick or "slimy," it is likely too viscous for the foaming pump. Try diluting it further by adding more water. Start by testing a small amount with a ratio of 20-30% Base to 70-80% Water. If this foams well, you can gradually increase the base concentration until you find the maximum thickness your specific pump can handle.
  2. Check for Clogging: Ensure that the base and water are completely homogeneous (well-mixed). If there are any undissolved parts or if you added a fragrance that didn't fully incorporate, it could clog the fine mesh of the foaming head.
  3. Fragrance and Additives: If you added fragrance or essential oils, ensure they do not exceed 3%. Adding too much oil can sometimes "deflate" the foam or increase the viscosity if the solubilizer in the base reacts with the oil.
  4. Preservation: Since the formula contains a high amount of water (over 50%), it is essential to add a preservative such as Mild Preserved Eco at 1% to prevent microbial growth.

Suggested Trial Formula for Foaming Pump:

  • SweetWash™ Hand (Hand Wash Foaming Base): 30%
  • Water: 68%
  • Mild Preserved Eco: 1%
  • Fragrance: 1% (optional)

If the 30% ratio foams well, you can try increasing the base to 40% to see if the pump can still handle it. Different brands of foaming pumps have different mesh sizes and tolerances for viscosity.

Tags

Dilution Foaming Foaming Pump Hand Wash Viscosity