[Aniela]

Hi,

You know by now that a question like that would only receive answers if all the details were given, right?

An increase in any of the ingredients you’ve given could work or not, depending on your whole formula.

[Aniela]

Hi, I’m not familiar with benzoyl peroxide, but you have on this page quite a few formulae, plus the complete ingredient lists (when you click on a formula)- this might help you discover what’s missing in your own formula. https://incidecoder.com/search?query=Benzoyl+peroxide

[Aniela]

Still on my learning journey, so I have some questions, please😇

While I do understand your wish for a clear product, why do you consider your preservative system a good one? Does it really cover Gram+, Gram-, yeasts&molds?

And why no use of a chelating agent?

[Aniela]

Hello, I assume you forgot to post the ingredients and your possible approach to create the product. The more specific the question, the higher the probability to receive useful comments.

[Aniela]

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 5 months, 3 weeks ago by  Aniela.

[Aniela]

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.

[Aniela]

Hello, you could start here https://chemistscorner.com/different-water-used-in-cosmetic-formulating/

[Aniela]

You might find some answers here https://chemistscorner.com/cosmeticsciencetalk/discussion/my-first-aha-bha-toner-bombed-any-suggestions-for-what-i-did-wrong/

chemistscorner.com

My first AHA/BHA toner bombed: Any suggestions for what I did wrong? - Chemists Corner

Hi, all.Below was my recipe:Phase ACombine the glycerin, water (brewed white tea, basically), green tea extract, coffee seed extract, and sodium phytate, and then added…

[Aniela]

Hi Helike,

As one who made quite a few room-sprays using essential oils (for personal use), I suggest you take @ozgirl‘s advice.

Only a proper designed fragrance will have the qualities you’re looking for. Essential oils are not standardized- their smell can/will differ from batch to batch (due to weather, soil condition, etc), and also it can take ages to arrive at the best combination.

However, if you want to experiment by yourself, you could start with a proper base (not glycerin) like Isopropylideneglycerol.

Best of luck!

[Aniela]

Hello,

Not a soap-maker but bear with me, I’m bringing gifts😇

You say “What I don’t understand is how I can make a soap with only stearic acid and another with only palmitic acid.” but they say in the patent “Experimentation has proved that the soap or cream containing the specified palmitic-stearic mixture, glycerin, and water, as disclosed in this specification”- plus the obvious NaOH/ KOH.

On a older post (stick deodorant, but the theory applies), @Bobzchemist said “If you’re trying to make a solid stick, it would probably be easier to use Sodium Hydroxide and Stearic Acid. Heat your water/zemea mixture to no more than 85C, start stirring, add Stearic Acid, wait until it’s dissolved, add Sodium Hydroxide, mix 30 minutes while reaction completes, (it’s exothermic, so you will probably shoot up to 95C without heating further. If your starting water mixture is too hot, the extra heat from the reaction will make the batch boil - not a good thing) Add your other ingredients and cool down. Pour into sticks at about 60 - 70C” so I’d venture to say that if you replace the “zemea” with glycerin and follow the procedure, you’ll have your soap.

Here’s the link to the old post, it might help https://chemistscorner.com/cosmeticsciencetalk/discussion/making-deodarant/

chemistscorner.com

Making Deodarant - Chemists Corner

Hi Perry, I've recently challenged myself into making my own deodorant and never got past the first step which was dissolving sodium stearate in some…

[Aniela]

Best of luck with your deo😃

[Aniela]

Hello @PhilGeis ,

My supplier sells a liquid preservative, comprising of: aqua 55%, sodium benzoate 30%, potassium sorbate 15%; pH is 8.8-9.8.

Coming from a “natural” school, and after reading ALL comments/posts on this forum on preservatives, I might become a bit paranoid, but I feel like I want to understand everything: does your comment above applies to this combination as well? Or this combination is stable and can/does act as a preservative?

Thank you, indeed.

[Aniela]

Hi, if I were you, I would take into consideration @PhilGeis‘ comment (more so, I would ask Dr Geis for preservation advice- after I’d have put together a formula, preservative of choice included).

Also, “everything is ok” is a less-than-ok statement, as long as you didn’t perform any relevant tests- beginners and professionals alike know that most of the “nasties” can’t be seen with the naked eye.

[Aniela]

Not sure if it helps, but I’ve found this in my notes: “PPG-15 Stearyl Ether also prohibits salts from crystallizing in a formulation. PPG-15 Stearyl Ether can have some side effects such as minor skin irritation. Therefore, a patch test is recommended prior to usage.-specialchem”.

[Aniela]

Thank you.

[Aniela]

This is their guidance, Dr Geis: “The infinitely reusable bottle comes with three tablets that, once dissolved in hot water, create up to 300ml of cleansing shampoo. This is a refill. It cannot be used on its own. Before use, take your Avril refill bottle and add hot water up to the mark. Then add the 3 tablets. Leave the cap open and wait 12 hours. Close the cap and shake to mix. Your shampoo is ready to use!”

Regarding the sodium bicarbonate and the pH, they also have citric acid in there- does that make any sense?

[Aniela]

Even it is in tablet form, it is not as difficult as it looks.

I would start with a powder form- it can be pressed later in tablet form.

You just have to use enough % of surfactants, as to have in the shampoo “portion” the right ASM.

You do know the ingredients, so I suggest you analize them one by one and when it starts making sense for you, design a simple formula and take it from there.

You do not need any emulsifiers.

[Aniela]

Hello @ketchito ,

May I ask you a question, please? Maybe a silly one, but… you live, you learn😇

If Tinogard TL “protects from UV-light induced decomposition reactions and thus prevents fading or discoloration of products that are exposed to light”, does that mean that it’s action can expand beyond the product containing it? Would it bring any protection for say hair, or it will be already spent in the product?

Thank you.

[Aniela]

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/

[Aniela]

Thank you. Have a lovely weekend🙂

[Aniela]

Thank you for taking your time to answer @fareloz

Still, another question, please: The Ordinary says to apply the oil suspension even on top of a different unhydrous product. Considering that oils “keep the water in”, would your previous answer be valid for this situation too?

Thank you.

[Aniela]

Thank you @Graillotion -pretty late because of some things going on, yet the same appreciation and gratitude for taking your time to help.

[Aniela]

Wow, such a comprehensive answer, thank you @Graillotion .

I guess I needed to hear (read) this to finally give-up on the idea that oils are far more than emollients.

The more you learn about the oils…. the less exciting cosmetics gets. Hence, I often encourage those starting out…not to learn the ins and outs of oils… as you can quickly lose your fervor once you really start to understand things.

Hard to swallow this bit, but I’m a big girl, so I’ll survive 🙂

Thank you for the link, I’ve watched the video a few years back, and you’re right, having to choose between the reality and myth, I chose the latter as I wanted to keep… the Christmas alive.

I’ll leave the Christmas for kids and focus on the essentials:

but then make sure you actually formulate with the functions you need…. elegance, moisturizing, a bit of barrier….and lots and lots of marketing.

PS- did anyone tell you that you’d make a wonderful teacher?

[Aniela]

The previous one is from The X Files😉 (too young?)

Thank you @nkpalaci for taking your time and sharing your experience.

It’s true, not every product needs a buffer. I’ll come back on this subject when in doubt about a specific formula.

PS -I hope your “gray-hair-growing” emulsion is on the right track. Best of luck🙂

[Aniela]

Thank you for your answer, @Perry44

Good question🤔 I’d say, because I’m not a chemist, I’m more scared, as I am not aware beforehand of the possible unwanted interactions/reactions in my products- therefore I try to “cover all bases”.

I was not aware that “It’s not really a thing that is given much attention in professional formulating.” so thank you for highlighting this.