[LLarson]

Perry, would you completely hydrate the HEC prior to adding surfactants/additional ingredient phases?

Mark, I actually experimented with this and it did seem to improve the process. I’m trying to formulate a 3-in-1 product. Would xanthan gum interfere with cationic guar? That’s why I initially avoided it.

Bill, I found a different supplier of HEC. Seems to be much easier to work with than the first product I was using. They are marketed as similar ingredients, but perform vastly different. 

Thanks, everyone. 

[LLarson]

Thanks, Bill. This was helpful. 

[LLarson]

Should have been more specific. I’m having issues with lumps. I think there is an issue with my process. 

HEC=2% of total formula

1. Hydrate in water (~50% of formula) for 30-60mins. This yields a very thick gel base. 
2. Add additional water phase ingredients (3% of formula)
3. Stir and heat to 75 C
4. Add surfactants (40% of formula) to above gel mix and stir
5. Lumps

Once the surfactants are added the agitation required to break up the lumps would result in bubbles.

I’m having trouble thinking my way around this one. Any advice? 

[LLarson]

Thanks everyone!

[LLarson]

Citric acid + Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate?

Open to other preservative suggestions as well. I’ve seen a few sources claim a combo of Sodium Benzoate + Potassium Sorbate + Benzyl Alcohol. Not sure if anyone has experience with those. There doesn’t seem to be as much information on preserving shampoos and body washes as there is for other products. It’s always nice to be well informed. 

[LLarson]

Please remove.