Home Cosmetic Science Talk Formulating Antibacterial Dishwashing Liquid

  • Antibacterial Dishwashing Liquid

    Posted by ChE28 on October 11, 2024 at 8:12 pm

    My client has reported that the formulation, which includes 0.1% Triclosan, 9% SLES, 1.5% AOS Liquid, 1.0% CDEA, and 0.5% SLS Needle, is not effectively removing grease. Which surfactant should I adjust to improve its grease-cutting capabilities?

    mikethair replied 1 week ago 9 Members · 12 Replies
  • 12 Replies
  • aniela

    Member
    October 12, 2024 at 7:46 am

    If I’m right (not an expert), the ASM in your product is close to the one for a face cleanser.

    I make a dishwashing paste for personal/family use which works quite well, and the ASM in it is 50.

    I’m not familiar with the surfactants in your formula, but aiming for a higher ASM would be my first step.

    • andy982183

      Member
      October 13, 2024 at 12:41 pm

      Sorry for the basic question, as I am non chemist.
      As per my understanding ASM of SLES 28% is 0.28*(% added).

      But how can ASM be calculated for secondary or tertiary surfactants like salt,caustic, citric. (thickener/neutralizer/pH adjuster)

      Thanks.

      • aniela

        Member
        October 13, 2024 at 1:30 pm

        No chemist either, so no worries.

        It would be great if you read this first, it might answer to some of your questions.

        https://yeserchem.com/unlocking-the-secrets-of-dishwashing-liquid-formula/

      • Juggsy

        Member
        October 13, 2024 at 7:34 pm

        @andy982183 So, so using your SLES example, you are correct, 28% becomes 0.28.

        But you would then multiply it by the concentration/input% of surfactant you’re using. For instance, if your formula uses 10 % of SLeS, the calculation would be:

        𝐴𝑆𝑀 = 10 × 0.28 = 2.8

        You then add all of them up together. I will base on known averages, but you would need to refer to datasheets in general as it changes from supplier to supplier. But using some averages so SLES (typically 30% or 70% active); AOS Liquid (typically 40% active); CDEA (Around 85% active); SLS Needle (Typically 95% active.)

        SLES 9% × 0.28 = 2.52%
        AOS 1.5% × 0.40 = 0.6%
        CDEA 1% × 0.85 = 0.85%
        SLS 0.5% × 0.95 = 0.475%

        So then you have 2.52% + 0.6% + 0.85% + 0.475% = 4.445%

        The total ASM is 4.445% and as @Aniela said that is around the ASM of facewash. I don’t formulate for homecare, so you would be best to refer to someone else about how much surfactant to use. But if the average shampoo is between 10% and 15% ASM, I would wager it’s a lot higher.

        • This reply was modified 1 week, 1 day ago by  Juggsy. Reason: formatting, didn't want to add bold
  • aniela

    Member
    October 12, 2024 at 8:05 am

    Forgot to add something: 1. I’m using in my product only surfactants accepted in “naturals”, and just because I’m familiar with them. 2. My suggestion only applies to manual washing, no idea of the ASM in dishwasher liquids.

    • This reply was modified 1 week, 3 days ago by  aniela.
  • mikethair

    Member
    October 12, 2024 at 6:10 pm

    No surprises here. In my case, I formulated and produced a liquid soap that was certainly very effective in removing grease. We exported this product globally from 2006.

    And yes, soap is antibacterial.

    • This reply was modified 1 week, 2 days ago by  mikethair.
    • This reply was modified 1 week, 2 days ago by  mikethair.
    • This reply was modified 1 week, 2 days ago by  mikethair.
  • ketchito

    Member
    October 13, 2024 at 7:26 am

    Just in case, Triclosan has been banned in the USA as antibacterial agent in soaps, so be careful about that.

    Regarding the grease removal, are you using a 27% or 70% version of your SLES. If it’s the 27% version, you definitely need to significantly increase its level. If it’s the 70%, you could increase your SLS up to 1%.

    • ChE28

      Member
      October 13, 2024 at 7:12 pm

      I plan to incorporate LABSA for its effectiveness in removing grease and dirt. However, I’m concerned it might affect the stability of my formulation. Previously, I used LABSA alongside SLES and CDEA in my dishwashing liquid, but the solution separated over time. What can you suggest?

  • PhilGeis

    Member
    October 14, 2024 at 9:36 am

    As ketchito said and if you’re in US, your client is marketing and you manufacturing an unapproved new drug. FDA banned triclosan 8 years ago.

    Separately, you should be a registered drug manufacturing facility.

  • ozgirl

    Member
    October 14, 2024 at 4:14 pm

    You could try adding an amine oxide surfactant and / or a non-ionic surfactant (e.g. alcohol ethoxylate or alkyl glucoside).

    There are lots of dishwashing formualtions on UL prospector that you could use to compare your formulation.

    Hope this helps 🙂

  • Microformulation

    Member
    October 14, 2024 at 5:14 pm

    Keep in mind that the term “antibacterial” must be supported with objective testing data. You can’t simply extrapolate the function based upon the Formulation. I have seen several cases where lines were cited for this reason.

    • mikethair

      Member
      October 14, 2024 at 5:34 pm

      Yes indeed, very important.

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