Viscosity issue - Chemists Corner

Formulating

Viscosity issue

Posted by Chemist77 on August 17, 2017 at 6:05 pm

Hello everyone,

Below is a formula which is sulfate free, the problem is that it turns almost jelly like at lower temperatures say around 20-25C. I am at wits end as to how to keep it flowable, pH is around 6.7-6.8 and I am thinking if it isn’t too bad a pH for the shampoo. Will appreciate any input on viscosity and comments on pH acceptance for shampoo.

DM Water QS
Na Cocoyl Isethionate 10.00
Stearamidopropyldimethylamine 0.50
Cocamidopropyl Betaine 25.00
Methocel 40-202 0.15
Dissolvine GL 38 1.00
Kathon CG 0.10
Fragrance QS
NaOH/Citric Acid to pH 6.8

I have Lauryl glucoside, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate that I can further make use of. I have Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate too in my lab.

Any input would be of great value. By the way the formula is otherwise pretty much acceptable in terms of foaming and wash off.

TIA

Chemist77 replied 7 years, 6 months ago 5 Members · 8 Replies
8 Replies

DRBOB@VERDIENT.BIZ

Member
August 17, 2017 at 10:59 pm

The problem is the cocoyl isethionate.You can replace it with a lauroyl sarcosinate. And in so doing improve texture with similar foaming and mildness.
belassi

Member
August 17, 2017 at 11:34 pm

The system I finally came up with to thicken non-salt-curve shampoo, is 1% cocamide MEA, 1% PE gel, and approx. 1.5% glucamate VLT.
OldPerry

Professional Chemist / Formulator
August 17, 2017 at 11:45 pm

Stearamidopropyldimethylamine in a shampoo? I’ve used it in a conditioner but not a shampoo.
Chemist77

Member
August 18, 2017 at 1:30 am

Thank you all for the suggestions.
@Perry we have used it in our regular shampoo formulations with good acceptance from the customers.
@Belassi PE Gel??
@DRBOB@VERDIENT.BIZ I replaced it with Lauroyl Isethionate before leaving the lab and I feel the clarity was a notch lower compared to Cocoyl. Is there anything I can do to improve clarity. Do you think the pH is acceptable upto 7.0 for a shampoo, although I have explained to the customer that here the pH is directly proportional to the clarity.
ozgirl

Member
August 18, 2017 at 1:53 am

The cocamidopropyl betaine seems a bit high to me but I am not sure what actives concentration you are using.

What happens if you reduce the pH to around 6?
Chemist77

Member
August 18, 2017 at 2:20 am

@ozgirl it loses viscosity and clarity both, CAPB is 30% active here.
DRBOB@VERDIENT.BIZ

Member
August 18, 2017 at 3:31 am

Try 1-2percent propanediol for clarity and Ph 7—7.5 should be fine.
Chemist77

Member
August 18, 2017 at 5:44 am

Thanks @DRBOB@VERDIENT.BIZ, as always you are very helpful. Will update once I am through.