[MarkBroussard]

If you want to be extra cautious, you could add Caprylyl Glycol and/or Glyceryl Caprylate (and) Glyceryl Undecylenate … both are oil soluble.

There is also an oil-soluble version of mixed Honeysuckle Extracts (in jojoba oil) … The Honeysuckle Extracts are essentially Parabens, but not labeled as such.

[MarkBroussard]

@Mich:

Then switch to a Super Low Molecular Weight HA and you won’t have any problems.  You could hydrate the full 0.5% pre-emulsification and you should not have any problems.  Or, use 0.25% SLMW HA upfront and add 0.25% LMW HA post-emulsification.

[MarkBroussard]

LOL, Belassi! … I am just finishing up one of these Chlorhexidine/Ketoconazole products, so it is fresh in my mind.

But, on the cross-species issue … that’s mostly a marketing gimmick.  But, I do notice that I tend to shed more when I used the dog shampoo.  Oh! .. there’s a fire hydrant! … gotta go!

[MarkBroussard]

There are a number of “natural” preservatives that are just plain junk.  Don’t forget that preservation is not simply adding a preservative into a formula, but using hurdle technology … pH (low), glycols to reduce water activity, etc.

If you want to use Silver Citrate for label purposes … no problem.  But, couple it with other microbial hurdle ingredients and a reputable natural preservative of which there are several options.  I am particularly fond of the natural preservatives from Lincoln Fine Ingredients.

[MarkBroussard]

Yes … HA if added before you form the emulsion can inhibit formation of the emulsion, particularly if it is anything other than Super Low Molecular Weight HA.  Higher MW HA’s tend to form gels if used at 0.5% and above and this gel formation can interfere with emulsification.  Form your emulsion and then add the HA during the cool down phase at 50C or so … then mix, don’t homogenize.

I would also recommend adding the Urea and Sodium Lactate post emusification as both will elevate the pH and may interfere with the emulsifiers.

[MarkBroussard]

Your best bet are phone conversations or in person meetings to see if there is “chemistry” between the two of you and checking client references.  Although, you’re probably only going to get good client references when you ask, it can help you determine if past clients were satisfied with the services.

We’re all too familiar with the Contract Manufacturer sleight of hand of telling clients that the CM needs to “modify” the formula, even it it’s been fully stability tested and PCT challenged and passed all tests.

I had one client who found a CM, had a meeting with the CM and then called to inform me that the CM told him they would have to modify the formula in order to manufacture it for him.  I asked him … “Did you share the formula and method of production with the CM?” … I was confused as the product had passed all required testing.

My client’s answer “No” … I then asked him … if you did not share the formula with the CM, how would they possibly know the formula needed modification? … and, then proceeded to school him that by modifying the formula, the IP became the property of the CM and he would be locked into them and would no longer owned the formula that he paid to have developed.  It is unfortunate that I have had a few clients that this has happened to.

So do your due diligence and check references.  Read the contract thoroughly. 

[MarkBroussard]

The standard for these products is 2% Chlorhexidine and 1% Ketoconazole.  The issue you’re going to have is solubilizing the Ketoconazole so it does not precipitate out.

I often use my dog’s shampoo if I run out of human shampoo … it’s really not an absolute that you cannot use a shampoo cross-species, other than dog shampoo will be more like baby shampoo.  The shampoo doesn’t know if you’re a dog, cat or human.  The issue is the mildness and the pH.

[MarkBroussard]

Formulating for animals is not much different than formulating for humans.  The major exception is the skin pH of animals is in the pH 7.0 to 7.5 range, so you’ll want your end products to be in this range.  Their skin tends to be thinner than human skin and more subject to irritant, so keep your ingredients mild and gentle as though you were formulating baby products.  Other than that, you can consider animals to be humans with fur and no opposable thumb.

[MarkBroussard]

If you want to boost the preservative add some Dissolvine GL47 (Tetrasodium Glutamate Dictate) which boosts the effectiveness Geogard Ultra by almost 2X

[MarkBroussard]

@Doreen81:

Try the way I suggested.  Why are you keeping it in the fridge? … that may be your problem with the SA crystalizing out.

Add a little Citric Acid if you need to lower the pH

[MarkBroussard]

@Doreen81:

Are you pre-dissolving the SA first in Propylene Glycol (heated to 70C) and then adding that slowly to a heated solution containing water and your other ingredients?  Or, are you just trying to add this all in one pot?

Also, you might try adding in 2% Polysorbate 80.

[MarkBroussard]

If you’re concerned about preservation, which you really don’t need to be, try adding Glyceryl Caprylate (and) Glyceryl Undecylenate which is an oil soluble preservative.

[MarkBroussard]

Hydroquinone is banned in the EU at any concentration in cosmetics.  Unless you are operating in a jurisdiction where it is allowed, I’d look for other skin lightening alternatives.

[MarkBroussard]

Have you checked the regulations on creams containing hydroquinone in creams containing more than 2% HQ? … Where are you located/intending to market?

[MarkBroussard]

@kot:

If your final formulation is around pH 7, yes, it will disrupt the acid mantle barrier.  But, the acid mantle barrier restores itself quicker from an acidic pH disruption than from a basic pH disruption … it will restore in a few hours whereas with an acidic pH disruption, the acid mantle barrier restores within an hour or two.

[MarkBroussard]

It’s sold by subscription only … that should tell you all you need to know about whether it’s a farce or not

[MarkBroussard]

@kawina:

There are a number of “re-packers” who offer a variety of ingredients in small sizes:

Makingcosmetics
Lotioncrafter
Essential Wholesale
The Herbarie
Ingredients To Die For
From Nature With Love
Formulator Sample Shop

Often, if you inquire with the manufacturer telling them you need sufficient quantity to run batches for test marketing, they will sell to you by the kilo (or sample a kilo to you).

[MarkBroussard]

@varsha13vaibhav:

I generally include it at 0.5% in cleansing products and that amount is sufficient.

[MarkBroussard]

@LouiseB

Of the options you have listed, you might try:

(1)  Chealating Agent 0.2% (Dissolvine GL47 or perhaps Sodium Phytate)
(2)  1,3-Propanediol 6%
(3)  Gluconodeltalactone + Sodium Benzoate 1.5%
(4)  Glyceryl Caprylate 1.0%

Make sure your final product pH is <5.5

[MarkBroussard]

I don’t know that this can be avoided per se … to reduce it, you would have to include an ingredient that would bind the water to slow the evaporation.  

You would have to evaluate the value to you of doing that.  

Plus, you do want the water to evaporate when the product is placed in hair for the hold to develop.

[MarkBroussard]

The most simple solution to the product turning opaque when left uncovered is to put the cap back on the jar right after you have used the product.  

No offense, but leaving the cap off is kind of like peeling bananas and leaving them on the counter and wondering why they keep turning brown.

[MarkBroussard]

Yes, it is easy to emulsify.  No issues.

[MarkBroussard]

@Belassi:

Isoamyl Laurate is my go-to alternative for Silicones … just drop it in like any oil.  I have been very pleased with the results.

[MarkBroussard]

Your formula includes Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80 and PEG40 Castor Oil … why all 3 to solubilize 0.5% fragrance.  You might try cutting out a couple of these.

I would leave the Cocoate in as it can aid in wash-out, but you could probably cut that down to 2%.

[MarkBroussard]

If you use cold-process emulsifiers, then you will not need heat.  Otherwise, heat is a necessity with the great majority of emulsifiers.