Anyone have experience with Plantapon SF in shampoo?

Formulating

Anyone have experience with Plantapon SF in shampoo?

Posted by suswang8 on May 14, 2022 at 8:15 pm

Hi, all.

I am attempting to make my first shampoo and want something that is very gentle and suitable for daily use. I have no plans to market it — it’s just something for myself. Any thoughts on the below as a recipe?

water 73%
Plantapon 15% (I believe the recommended minimum is 20%, but one blog claims it is a bit drying at this level?)
Symbiosolv Clear Plus 5% (mainly to help solubilize essential oils)
PCA glyceryl oleate 3%
panthenol 1%
Solagum 1%
essential oils 1%
preservative 1%
citric acid as needed to lower pH

Thank you.

suswang8 replied 2 years, 3 months ago 5 Members · 10 Replies
10 Replies

GeorgeBenson

Member
May 15, 2022 at 1:53 am

I tried using plantapon sf in a shampoo and did not like it, it was harsh and/or drying if i remember correctly, not pleasant. None of the surfactant blends i tried worked for me in a shampoo. Not saying they dont exist (if they do please tell) but for me i have most success combining individual surfactants to my liking.

btw 1% is A LOT of essential oil!
GeorgeBenson

Member
May 15, 2022 at 1:56 am

Also you may want to start closer to 30% surfactants, unless you mean % solids, but im guessing you dont.
suswang8

Member
May 15, 2022 at 4:35 am

Thank you, but I guess that is why I am trying to use a lower level of the product. Shouldn’t I use considerably less than 30% if it’s pretty harsh/drying?
GeorgeBenson

Member
May 15, 2022 at 6:58 am

If you have to use it then yes, using less may help with that, but it also probably wont clean or foam as much. Maybe try adding some Cocamidopropyl Betaine as well.
Abdullah

Member
May 16, 2022 at 1:03 am

Write the inci names
suswang8

Member
May 16, 2022 at 12:51 pm

INCI: Sodium Cocoamphoacetate (and) Glycerin (and) Lauryl Glucoside (and) Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate (and) Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate

Active surfactant matter: 30%
Abdullah

Member
May 16, 2022 at 2:10 pm

This formula will not condition your hair and may not clean your hair properly.

It may also make your hair dry because you will try use more and more to clean properly.

If you want to make a gentle shampoo, use a blend that has SCI or SLMI as primary surfactant.
grapefruit22

Member
May 17, 2022 at 11:16 am

@suswang8
I used Plantapon SF in a face cleanser and in my opinion:
- foaming was weak,
- it was drying even when used at low concentration,
- foam disappears in the presence of oil.

Try SCI with Cocamidopropyl Betaine. Actually, it is my favorite combination so far, and it is really gentle. Just try to choose a good quality Cocamidopropyl Betaine, some may make scalp itchy.
You can also double check if 3% PCA glyceryl oleate doesn’t irritate the eyes (I had that problem).
Microformulation

Member
July 25, 2022 at 3:07 pm

We have had great results with Plantapon SF. Use a refatter, Lamesoft PO65 is great.
suswang8

Member
August 13, 2022 at 7:08 pm

Hi, @Microformulation.
What % of each do you recommend for a mild shampoo?