[mikethair]

This post is what I’d call a “dog’s dinner of misconceptions.”

Yes, fragrances are one of the highest causes of allergies and dermatitis in sensitive skin. Synthetics are probably the worst culprits here.

The key is to look at the CoAs and analysis of allergens for each EO. For example, in my 20+ years of formulating and distributing products globally, Patchouli was not an issue because the level of allergens is low. In contrast, Lavender EO is one of the worst with high levels of allergens.

There is a big difference between “fragrances” - mostly synthetics, and essential oils. The key here is the INCI name appearing in the product list of ingredients that should be placed on the product. If you need any help, email me at: mikethair@gmail.com

Kind regards,

Dr Mike Thair

Consultant: Skincare Product Development and Manufacturing.

[mikethair]

It’s not about adding more preservatives to make a product “safer.” It’s more about a preservative that is right for a particular product. And it is the product formulation and ingredients that will determine this.

“Conditioner bars”, if these are a saponified soap product, then a preservative should not be required, as saponified products (solid or liquid) are self-preserving.

And having said all of that, you still need to set up test protocols to validate this.

[mikethair]

As the co-founder of Indochine Natural in 2022, I formulated a simple hair oil using Pomegranate seed oil, Castor oil, Sunflower Seed oil, Vitamin E, and a range of essential oils for a Private Label client. It sold very well. It was a lot easier to produce than what you proposed, plus it fitted what consumers want—it was all-natural.

[mikethair]

It’s not guesswork. You need to do a Preservatives Efficacy Test if you are intending to sell/distribute.

[mikethair]

Have you thought of formulating a face oil instead of a cream? In my 20+ years experience as the co-founder and Master Formulator with a brand I founded in 2006, oils are more effective and less problematic.

The key difference with oils is that the actives are present at a much
higher concentration as they’re not diluted. This means they have a more
tangible effect on the skin. And, there is no need to add synthetic preservativres which for some can cause skin irritation.

The face oil products I formulated, manufactured and distributed globally 2006-2024 were fantastic sellers and very profitable.

[mikethair]

I paired Clove with Copaiba Balsam in my Clove Soap bar formulation. It sold well globally from 2006 until we shut up shop in 2024.

[mikethair]

The answer to “When do companies add collagen?” is simple. When they want to make money.

Products with added collagen are profit generators.

The research literature suggests that collagen cannot be incorporated into the skin via creams/lotions/washes.

[mikethair]

Hi Aniela,

Yes, attached to my production facility, I had a fully staffed analytical lab, and we did test that the CoA supplied was accurate.

• This reply was modified 1 week, 5 days ago by  mikethair.

[mikethair]

I may be able to help.

Please email me at: mikethair@gmail.com

[mikethair]

Hi,

It is best to email me directly at: mikethair@gmail.com

[mikethair]

I may be able to do that for you. Email me at: mikethair@gmail.com

[mikethair]

Hi, I’m interested.

I’m an Australian and the co-founder of a skincare manufacturing factory in Viet Nam and Malaysia since 2006.

My email is: mikethair@gmail.com

[mikethair]

I also suffer from sensitive skin, so when I co-founded Indochine Natural in 2006 and went on to establish factories in Viet Nam and Malaysia, my approach was limited, simple, plant-based ingredients and zero synthetics. Plus I did a lot of research and analysis of ingredient allergens. I established my own in-house analysis lab to test all products before release for sale, and ongoing product development.

My company did very well, and I manufactured and supplied products globally. I have now retired in Australia.

The key, in my opinion, is to sell your story and maintain very high product standards.

You can contact me directly at: mikethair@gmail.com

Good luck.

Kind regards,

Dr Mike Thair

[mikethair]

I co-founded a skincare manufacturing company in 2006 and established factories in Viet Nam and Malaysia. After a short period, we were operating 90% as a Private Label Manufacturer for brands globally.

In that period, I never needed to use the type of software you have mentioned. I set up my own systems based on Excels.

[mikethair]

Hi Perry,

Can you provide links to the scientific literature supporting natural compounds are much more likely to cause allergic reactions than synthetics?

This is something I’m interested in knowing about.

Thanks.

• This reply was modified 9 hours, 10 minutes ago by  mikethair.

[mikethair]

Yes indeed, with clove, a little goes a long way, and it can really transform an ordinary product.

[mikethair]

Hi Perrry44,

I would say that many synthetics can be hostile to sensitive skin, but this depends on the individual and their particular sensitivities. The thing to remember is that synthetic ingredients are continually evolving, and in comparison, EOs have been around for a long time and are very well-documented in the research literature.

I know from experience that I am sensitive to synthetic ingredients and need to avoid these at all costs. My wife is the same.

With EOs, it is all about formulating them intelligently into skincare products. That’s why I had a full research lab associated with my production facility. And three to six months development time for a new product was the norm.

From 2006, I formulated and produced skincare incorporating essential oils. These products I exported globally. I never had any negative feedback from customers. 90% of my turnover was from Private Label brands globally.

[mikethair]

Hi Abdullah,

OK, yes, there are allergens in Lavender, but with careful formulation, they never became a problem in my 20+ years of formulating and distributing products globally. But you need to know what you are doing when formulating lavender-containing products.

Your statement here is total nonsense: ” But when those
allergens are mixed with hundreds of other molecules in best ratios
that they can have, wouldn’t it make a synergy and become not allergen?” The answer is NO!! NO!!! NO!!!

[mikethair]

This is excellent advice !!!!

[mikethair]

Ok, when you formulate and manufacture products, and ship them globally for 18 years, you learn stuff. In fact a lot of stuff. One thing that I learnt over this period was that there was nothing wrong with these products and with all the safeguards I took, allergens were not an issue. The products sold very well, with zero complaints.

And by the way, do you have comparable experience and qualifications do you have? Would you like to share it here?

[mikethair]

It’s a matter of how you manage these chemicals. That’s why formulation is such an underappreciated craft.

[mikethair]

With respect, I can think of a few synthetics that are more hostile than EOs, which have been around for quite a long time and are well-researched and documented. The same can’t be said about synthetics.

Formulation using EOs requires a well-educated and experienced formulator. I formulated from 2006 until 2024, exported globally, and never had any issues. And I was backed up with a fully staffed on-site chemical/microbiol testing laboratory.

[mikethair]

Sorry, I don’t have the original CoA because I am now out of the game and not manufacturing. I have retired.

[mikethair]

I disagree. The science is there, it’s just that people don’t understand it or lack the capacity to understand.

[mikethair]

Hi Perry,

Yes, I do, and that’s why I do an allergen analysis for every formulation. This analysis is based on validated CoAs provided by the supplier.