As you might know I am trying to reformulate my sulphate-free shampoo to use less thickener.
It occurs to me that I might try using MEA, which is a base, to neutralise the primary surfactant (Akypo RLM 45, a carboxylic acid)
At the moment I use NaOH to neutralise it.
MEA is a foam enhancer as well as a thickener. I'll have to try it and see.
Comments
@belassi - can you try neutralizing with 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol? I've had success with this and the similar carboxylic acid you're using. MEA can be damaging to hair over time, and if someone is using oxidative color and there are unreacted dye molecules in the hair, it can be a nightmare on their color. Of course, all depends on how much you're using... But as a color chemist a main reason I avoid MEA.