Kids Bubbles Solution

ZeeshanZeeshan Member, PCF student
in Formulating
Hi All,

I would like to make a bubbles solution for my kids, as they're crazy about it.

I have made one in the past which was basically a hand wash formulation but very slightly thickened with salt. I had used SLES, Cocamide DEA, Glycerine (thought it would help hold the bubbles) preservatives and water.

It sort of worked but the bubbles were not holding and burst immediately, which left the little ones quite disappointed.

Can anyone please suggest how to go about this?

Thanks,

Zeeshan
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Comments

  • helenhelenhelenhelen Member
    This is easy to do - add HEC (hydroxyethyl cellulose) into the mix. You can buy HEC easily online as it's also sold as a slime ingredient and it's safe on skin. You can get it unbranded or as Natrosol.

    Continuously stir it in water for a while to hydrate it until it turns viscous and slightly gel-like (it's not just a case of hand stirring it with a spoon but it also shouldn't take hours). Then add the bubble ingredients. I don't think glycerin is necessary.

    If you search online, there are instructions for creating bubble mixes for giant bubbles, which describe exact ratios of ingredients. But for a casual bubble mixture for kids, a teaspoon or so of HEC in a beaker is a good place to start. Add more to make the mixture more gel-like and for the bubbles to last longer.
  • ZeeshanZeeshan Member, PCF student
    @helenhelen thank you for the feedback.

    Instead of HEC, can I use Xanthan Gum? It is more readily available here in Kenya - I actually have some at home.

    If I increase the % of CDEA would that help as well?

    Thanks.
  • helenhelenhelenhelen Member
    Zeeshan said:
    @helenhelen thank you for the feedback.

    Instead of HEC, can I use Xanthan Gum? It is more readily available here in Kenya - I actually have some at home.

    If I increase the % of CDEA would that help as well?

    Thanks.
    Sorry I have no idea on either question! But I’m sure someone has asked the same xanthan question somewhere if you search Google.
  • PerryPerry Administrator, Professional Chemist
    Yes, you may be able to use xanthan gum in place of HEC.  But it depends on the system. You will not necessarily get exactly the same feel or performance.
    Learn to formulate cosmetics
  • ZeeshanZeeshan Member, PCF student
    Thank you for all the feedback - much appreciated.
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