[samf]

Dog Shampoo - boy oh boy what a huge task.  Here are a few things you need to know.

pH should be at 7 (It is a challenge finding the right preservative system).

You will need to have a spare 20K to register it as a pet medicine.  

Always use less than 1% essential oils or it will have to be registered as a pet medicine (never ever use eo’s for cat products).  

Find out if eo’s actually kill the larvae (I doubt it)

Research like crazy focusing on studies on the raw materials you want to use and their effects on dogs/cats.

Some eo’s are poisonous for dogs e.g pennyroyal, clove etc. 

Also heard that dogs react to potassium sorbate (not confirmed as I do not use it).

A so-called natural flea killer is linalool mixed with d-limonene but an effective dose is way too high to apply topically.

Good luck

[samf]

Thanks alot for your comments - really appreciated.

I have done so many knock outs my head is spinning but I will try again.  Not sure if I did a knock out of panthenol powder - I just replaced it with the liquid panthenol so will try without any panthenol.

Good point about the tank too.  It is very clean with the majority of my counts coming back at <30 but there still could be residual sludge. 

Will let you all know how it goes.

[samf]

Try Risdon International.  They’re based in Western Sydney and will custom make a fragrance/s for you with a 1kg minimum order and free postage.

[samf]

That’s good to know - thanks so much Ayla.  

[samf]

Wow thanks guys for all your comments.  I was planning to use 1.5-2% oils and it doesn’t separate when using Polysorbate 20.  I guess i’ll have to experiment but doesn’t seem likely i’ll be able to achieve a clear shampoo with the level of oils. Thanks Perry for your comment re. hlb.  Didn’t know that the hlb system didn’t apply to anionics (my formula contains 3% sodium cocoyl glutamate).

[samf]

I usually mix together 1 part Polysorbate 20 to 1 part EO’s and 0.1% Mixed Tocopherols then add it to the shampoo - never heard of buying eo’s diluted with alcohol - they’re usually diluted in alcohol when being formulated as a fragrance product.  I would not use eo’s for formulating purposes that were diluted with carrier oils (unless of course you’re using sandalwood or chamomile etc).

[samf]

I bought a fantastic overhead mixer from China (high torque, rpm up to 1400?) on ali express for only $400. It is the best $400 bucks i’ve spent to be honest - made my life so much easier especially for mixing shampoo. 

Here is a link to the store I bought it from: http://www.aliexpress.com/store/832549

[samf]

I’ve been able to achieve a clear shampoo using pretty much the same ingredients you use and adding polysorbate 20.