-
Mixing
Hey everyone! I’ve got a couple random questions I’d love your feedback on in regards to mixing. So my product is beard wash. One question regards heat. The other tools.
1. What’s the purpose of “heat phases?” In my research I’ve seen some folks say it isn’t necessary. I’ve found that when I’ve done it, my product turns completely watery. But when I don’t do it, my product is almost perfect. What gives?
2. Are stick blenders/immersion blenders okay to use when mixing large batches? Again, in my research I’ve seen stuff on both sides of the spectrum, so I just wanted to get y’alls take.
Thanks so much!
-
5 Replies
-
Some answers…
1. Heating phase is used when creating an emulsion. Typically, you want the emulsion to be created at a higher temperature as that will lead to smaller particles and a more stable emulsion. Also, you often use an “oily material” that is solid at room temperature (like Stearyl Alcohol) and you need to melt it to incorporate it into the emulsion. How fast you cool the system can also change the final viscosity. Without knowing more about the ingredients in your formula, there isn’t much more I can say about your system & why that happens.
2. That depends on what you mean by “large batches”. For a commercial enterprise making 100 gallon batch, no a stick blender/immersion blender is not appropriate. For a 1 kg batch, maybe. It’s not really ideal however because you want to be able to make a consistent batch. This requires you to get the same level of mixing each time. So, it’s better to have a mixing system in which you can control the speed / time of mixing without having to hold the thing yourself.
-
Copy that. A shampoo counts as an emulsion, correct?
-
Not typically. A shampoo and cream are both “Colloidal solutions”. But an emulsion is a colloidal solution that contains a large amount of oil suspended in the solution. A shampoo is simply a solution of water and surfactant. That is why you generally don’t need to heat up a shampoo (unless you have a pearling agent or silicone or something).
-
Very interesting! Thank you so much. This is all great info. I have so much to learn
-
-
-
-
For mixing large batches, here is a photo of what I used since 2006. It was hand held.
Log in to reply.