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Understanding how to Formulate with Surfactants
Hi all,
I’m still fairly new at this and I have a couple of questions I was hoping I could get help with:
1. If you wanted to use 2 or 3 different surfactants when you’re making say a shampoo/body wash/face wash. How do you assign each surfactant their ASM?
2. Can you use 2 anionic surfactants plus an amphoteric or non-ionic when formulating?
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3 Replies
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1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjrRxDr30gw
2. Yes, companies always do this. Let’s take a look at classic Head & Shoulders shampoo:
INCI: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Xylenesulfonate, Cocamide MEA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Piroctone Olamine, Parfum, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Salicylate, Limonene, Polyquaternium-10, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Linalool, Sodium Hydroxide, Citronellol, Propylene Glycol, Menthol, Verbena Officinalis Leaf Extract, Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract, Triacetin, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, CI 17200, CI 19140
Sodium Laureth Sulfate - anionic
Sodium Xylenesulfonate - anionic
Cocamide MEA - non-ionic
Cocamidopropyl Betaine - amphoteric
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As to how much of a ratio you use between surfactants, that is just a matter of experimentation. You want to balance performance with gentleness and cost. The ratio / amount is different with different formulas.
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I see. If both of my surfactants are mild/gentle, do I just focus on finding a ratio that results in good performance I’d imagine?
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