[David]

If you want an ecolabel like ecocert - Glucolactone is to prefer. - or actually phenoxyethanol is not even allowed with ecocert.

[David]

Air should for every formulator be looked at as an ingredient in your formula.

It is therefore obvious that adding an unknown amount of an extra ingredient is a problem. Adding air in a controlled way can however give your product an extra feature -  like a bubbly hair gel.

The answer to your second question is simply: - NO!

[David]

If you are looking for a homemade recipe there is a service called google.

Try to google “Natural Face Wash Formula”

If you are working for a company ask your surfactant supplier.

After you have done some tests you are welcome to ask us how to improve your formula.

[David]

The CoA is the cerficate of analysis (quality control report) which should be accompanied with every raw material

The allergens declaration is the quantitative analyses of the 26 regulated allergens where it is applicable.

ask your raw material supplier for these documents

If you pay a qualified safety assessor for compiling your CPSR he should be able to answer the other questions for you.

[David]

if your formulas are already stable using your “old” method I don’t see enough reason to jeopardize stability by changing the production procedure.

If you are for some reason worried about the loss of your EO/FO you could dissolve only the remaining part (the part sticking to the container) in a bit of propyleneglycol or better - if there is alcohol in the formula - some ethanol.

in case your formulas are still in the development phase - it is worth testing - that is what development is all about! 

[David]

I wouldn’t classify marula or argan oil as cost effective oils. 

[David]

Hi amman177 

The improvement parameters (Viscosity, Looks, texture and after wash feel) you mentioned are unfortunately all very subjective and don’t mean anything for a formulator (except that the customer is not happy). You have to be more precise.

Regarding the transparency a solubilizer is the second thing to test after ozgirl s advice to make a sample without fragrance.

[David]

Laureths are common emulsifiers /solubilizers and can be used in a lot of cosmetic formulations including creams and lotions.  However, it is impossible to say if they will work in your formulation without knowing the other ingredients in the formula.

[David]

The main problem is that most people can’t handle concentration levels in a rational way (even some chemists). There is no doubt 1.4-dioxane is nasty chemical that you don’t want on your body. However, ppb-levels will not hurt you. Here is where our logical reasoning fails - How can the same chemical go from very hazardous to totally safe just by lowering the level? It is a dangerous chemical so it should be 0 if possible right?

In a way it is understandable - if I would give you two glasses of water: one with a safe level of 1.4 dioxane and one without dioxane - which one would you drink?

I addition to this the instruments an analytical chemist has available today are almost incredibly sensitive - some can detect down to femtogram. (10xE-15) The meaning of “0” and “free from” has simply been pushed a step further.

[David]

I saw that one also today (interesting!) - this is what the beautybrains say about it:

http://blackgirllonghair.com/2013/04/how-natural-oils-and-butters-can-irritate-dandruff/

(I couldn’t find the original article)

[David]

There is no general “machine” that can measure skin penetration rate. 

You have to:

1. Decide which compound(s) you want to measure

2. Develop a method - or find one in the scientific literature

3. Buy the necessary analytical equipment

Which machine you need depends on which substance/s you want to measure and the method you want to use (and your budget).

[David]

Interesting! Belassi and thanks

[David]

Since it is an ester it could probably be hydrolyzed - i would guess it would take an acid or base to catalyse the reaction though

[David]

adding water:

In formulating -yes I add the missing water (at least in the end prototype recipe)

In production there shouldn’t be any water loss since it will give to much batch to batch variations except if you have the whole vessel on a balance.

[David]

You can create anything you like - but stay away from nitroglycerin!

[David]

If you are anyway ok with parabenes - use a mixture. - make sure it is legal where you are located though.

[David]

@Bobzchemist I knew an African woman once - she put loads of oils and butters in her hair - afterwards the hair was still nice and fluffy 

[David]

@lynw

Although I agree fully with the arguing of  Bill_Toge . 

- there is only one way of finding it out for sure - make some tests.

Seeing the results with “your own eyes” will also make you feel more secure when reasoning with the customer

[David]

Exactly DavidW - The day our customers realize they don’t need another shampoo formulation - we are obsolete.

[David]

As Micro cited above - to avoid animal derived ingredients is not really hard for a formulator.

A standard sulfate shampoo will fulfill that criteria.

Better choose a natural certification standard or eventually make up one yourself together with the customer.

[David]

According to wiki Cillit contains sulfamic acid and phosphoric acid, maybe worth to try as well

[David]

Nothing totally wrong with it - it could work with the right marketing. (assuming you have the right pH)

However I think you could learn from this post:

https://chemistscorner.com/cosmetic-formulation-philosophy/

[David]

As far as I can see - It doesn’t say development takes 6 weeks - only taking it from development to production.

[David]

Never heard sorbitol will reduce tackiness..

[David]

More info is needed for help…the ingredients you posted are not the problem-and what is “cocodie”? google returns crocodiles….  I suppose you mean cocamide DEA