Water-Based Pomade Formula Concept

Based on your goal to create a water-based pomade similar to Mister Pompadour's Natural Beeswax Paste, but with easier washability and less hardness than your previous oil-based formula, a water-based system using an emulsifier like Ceteareth-25 is the right approach. Your previous formula was hard to wash out because it was predominantly oils and waxes, which are not water-soluble.

Water-based pomades use emulsifiers to blend water and oils/waxes, allowing the product to be rinsed out easily with water. They can also provide strong hold without excessive shine, depending on the formulation.

Here is a conceptual formula for a water-based pomade, incorporating ingredients you mentioned and the suggested Ceteareth-25:

• Water (Purified Water): The main base of the formula, providing the water-soluble aspect.
• Ceteareth-25: A key ingredient that acts as an emulsifier to combine the water and oil/wax phases. It also functions as a thickener and contributes to the hold and texture of the pomade, making it easy to wash out.
• Beeswax (Natural White Beeswax or Yellow Beeswax): Provides hold and texture. In a water-based formula, a lower percentage is typically used compared to oil-based pomades to maintain pliability and washability. Natural White Beeswax is deodorized and has a soft texture. Yellow Beeswax is natural and also provides softness.
• Sweet Almond Oil (NaturalProfile™ Sweet Almond Oil): A conditioning oil that helps moisturize the hair and scalp. It's rich in vitamins and fatty acids.
• Fractionated Coconut Oil: A light, non-greasy oil that is easily absorbed, providing conditioning without weighing the hair down or contributing to excessive shine.
• Vitamin E (Vitamin E Tocopheryl Acetate or Vitamin E dl-alpha tocopherol): Acts as an antioxidant to protect the oils in the formula from going rancid and can also offer conditioning benefits for the hair.
• Other Potential Ingredients (Not searched in this round but commonly used):
  • Glycerin or Propylene Glycol: Humectants that help the pomade retain moisture and prevent it from drying out in the hair.
  • Hold Polymers (e.g., PVP, VP/VA Copolymer): Can be added to enhance the hold strength.
  • Stearic Acid or Cetyl Alcohol: Fatty alcohols or acids that can help thicken the formula and contribute to a matte or low-shine finish.
  • Preservative: Absolutely essential for any formula containing water to prevent microbial growth.
  • Fragrance: For scent.

Sample Formula Percentage Ranges:

• Purified Water: 40-60%
• Ceteareth-25: 15-25%
• Beeswax (Natural White Beeswax or Yellow Beeswax): 5-10%
• Sweet Almond Oil (NaturalProfile™ Sweet Almond Oil): 3-7%
• Fractionated Coconut Oil: 3-7%
• Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate or dl-alpha tocopherol): 0.5-1%
• Other ingredients (Humectants, Polymers, Thickeners, Preservative, Fragrance): Balance to 100%

Manufacturing Process (General Steps):

1. Combine the water phase ingredients (Water, Humectants, Preservative - if water-soluble) and heat.
2. Combine the oil/wax phase ingredients (Ceteareth-25, Beeswax, Sweet Almond Oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Vitamin E, Thickeners) and heat until melted and combined.
3. Slowly add the heated oil/wax phase to the heated water phase while stirring or homogenizing until a uniform emulsion is formed.
4. Continue stirring while cooling.
5. Add any heat-sensitive ingredients (like some preservatives or fragrance) below 40°C.
6. Adjust pH if necessary.

This water-based approach will give you a pomade that provides good hold, can be formulated for a low-shine finish by adjusting oil and wax percentages and potentially adding ingredients like fatty alcohols, and will be significantly easier to wash out with water compared to your previous formula.

All the ingredients mentioned by name in the sample formula concept (Purified Water, Ceteareth-25, Natural White Beeswax, Yellow Beeswax, NaturalProfile™ Sweet Almond Oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Vitamin E Tocopheryl Acetate, Vitamin E dl-alpha tocopherol) should be available.