• Formulating

  Triethanolamine in Lotion

  Posted by Zeeshan on April 27, 2021 at 8:18 am

  Hi All,

  When formulating a lotion, what role does TEA play? Is it just as a pH adjuster? 

  If so, is there a minimum amount required or should I just put enough to reach the desired pH.

  We are currently putting 0.8% of TEA 99%  but the pH is too high. If I half this, would it affect anything else other than the pH?

  Below is the current formula

  STEARIC ACID      2.00

  G. M. S                 2.00

  C. S. A                 1.00

  I. P. M                  0.50

  P. JELLY                1.00

  WHITE OIL            7.00

  GLYCERINE           2.50

  M.P.G                   0.50

  T. E. A                  0.80

  DIMETHICONE      0.25

  M. PARABEN         0.20

  H2O                     82.25

  Thanks,

  Zeeshan

  Zeeshan replied 2 years, 12 months ago 3 Members · 6 Replies

  • formulating
  • manufacturing
  • ph
  • stability testing
• 6 Replies

• 

  ngarayeva001

  Member

  April 27, 2021 at 8:53 am

  In this case, it’s a crucial part of emulsification system. Do not cut it as it will compromise emulsion stability. TEA-stearate emulsions are always above 7. Probably it’s 8-8.5 but that’s typical for this emulsifier.

• 

  ngarayeva001

  Member

  April 27, 2021 at 8:54 am

  and methylparaben alone isn’t broadspectrum

• 

  Zeeshan

  Member

  April 27, 2021 at 9:50 am

  @ngarayeva001 thank you for your response and feedback.

  For the preservative, what else should be used to make it broad spectrum?

  Thanks.

• 

  ngarayeva001

  Member

  April 27, 2021 at 2:51 pm

  i am not an expert on preservatives. the safest way is to use ready blend. phenonip for example.

• 

  Paprik

  Member

  April 27, 2021 at 7:08 pm

  Regarding the preservative - I’ve heard that methylparaben is fungicidal, however in creams and lotion can be broad spectrum.  
  I think the easiest one to work with is Liquid Germall Plus. Affordable, effective and almost fool prove. 

• 

  Zeeshan

  Member

  April 29, 2021 at 12:19 pm

  Thank you all for your responses - much appreciated.

  As I should not reduce the amount of TEA, how can I reduce the pH of the product? The limit in our country is 8.5 and I am on the higher end of the limit.

  Thanks.

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