Using EasyThick with GuarCat in Shampoo Formulation
Question
I previously used `Sugar Thick` for liquid soap and shampoo. When I tried making a liquid makeup remover (massage and wash off type) and added `Sugar Thick` until the desired viscosity was reached, it became very thick and difficult to massage onto the face.
Based on advice, I purchased `ClearClean` for use in shampoo, soap, and makeup remover formulations. However, I encountered an issue when making shampoo:
My shampoo formula uses `GuarCat` (Cationic Guar Gum) because I experienced scalp itching and hair loss when using silicone.
When using `ClearClean` with `GuarCat` in the shampoo formula, the mixture clumped and became unusable. I need to keep `GuarCat` in the formula.
Therefore, I plan to switch to `Easy Thick` for the shampoo formula. I need instructions on how to use `Easy Thick`:
1. What is the recommended usage percentage for `Easy Thick` in shampoo?
2. What is the correct mixing procedure for `Easy Thick` in a shampoo formula containing `GuarCat`?
Answer
Based on the product information for EasyThick and the previous explanation regarding the incompatibility, here is the information you need:
Regarding your failed batches using Clear Clean and GuarCat: As explained before, Clear Clean is anionic and GuarCat is cationic. When mixed, they react and form insoluble clumps, which is what you observed. Unfortunately, once this reaction has occurred and the product has clumped in this way, it is generally not possible to fix the batch to achieve a smooth, stable consistency. The failed batches should be discarded. You can contact care@myskinrecipes.com with case #FH90 and details of the damaged ingredients to inquire about a voucher.
Since you want to keep GuarCat in your formula and experienced issues with Clear Clean, switching to a compatible thickener like EasyThick is the correct approach. EasyThick is a non-ionic thickener, meaning it does not have a charge and will not react with cationic ingredients like GuarCat.
Here is how to use EasyThick based on its product description:
- Recommended Usage Rate: EasyThick can be used at a concentration of 3-15% of the total formula. The exact percentage will depend on the desired thickness of your final shampoo. You may need to experiment within this range to find the viscosity you prefer.
- Mixing Method:
- EasyThick is a thick viscous liquid.
- To dissolve it properly, you need to heat the mixture to at least 80°C.
- You can mix EasyThick with water first and heat to 80°C until it dissolves, then add your detergents and other ingredients.
- Alternatively, you can add EasyThick to your mixture of water and detergents, but you must still heat the entire mixture to at least 80°C for the EasyThick to melt and incorporate into the formula.
Using EasyThick and ensuring it is properly dissolved by heating to 80°C should help you achieve the desired viscosity in your shampoo formula without the clumping issue you experienced with Clear Clean and GuarCat.
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