[Shaine75]

ok interesting! yes my formula also uses other surfactants…  thanks so much for the reply!!!

[Shaine75]

Awesome - I will check it out!  Thank you so much again…

[Shaine75]

Thank you @ngarayeva001 !!!  It is the GelMaker Powder that I purchased  - THK-ACAC-02.

yes I am not a fan either, but I’m just starting out, and wanted to try with just small batch quantities in the beginning.

I’m not sure if this is a fair, non proprietary question, but may I ask where you purchase your PVP / DMAPA?

the PVP K 90 is easy to buy in large quantities (at VERY affordable rates) from China, however the Chinese market does not trade in DMAPA currently, and I’m looking to save by purchasing a 25 kg drum.

any ideas?

Thank You.

[Shaine75]

@Microformulation - thanks for the feedback! ? 

yes I happen to have Carbomer 940 (is that less clear / pure than 980?), but I am still able to achieve a near flawless and clear carbomer phase.  It’s only when I mix in the styling polymer phase that I lose the clarity.

im almost positive the culprit here is the “Acrylate Copolymer” from Making Cosmetics.  The product is probably fine - it’s just the wrong one to use for hair gel, as @ngarayeva001 pointed out.  I’m now reading up on it, and it mentions “heating the oil phase to 80°C before adding it,” so I know it can’t be used in gel, as normally a styling gel process does not require any heating.  The fact that I didn’t heat it probably also explains the grittiness of the mixture.  It must be more for shampoos and conditioners, so I just need to get my products straight.

Ahh the trials and tribulations of being a novice cosmetic chemist! Good learning experience tho, and looking forward to finally nailing down this prototype!

Thanks all for your assistance as it is greatly appreciated.

[Shaine75]

@Chemist77 - will do!  Appreciate the tip! ?

[Shaine75]

@ngarayeva001- thank you so much!  Yes as soon as the GelMaker powder arrives I will let you know how it turns out!  I also ordered some tetrasodium EDTA to replace the disodium.  Thanks again! ?

[Shaine75]

I’m thinking I MAY have used an incorrect product.  The “Acrylate Copolymer” from Making Cosmetics is an Acrylates Octylacrylamide copolymer, which I do not think is the same as DMAPA.  I just purchased “GelMaker” from them and will try that in its place.  Hopefully that fixes my problem!

[Shaine75]

Hi All:

My name is Stephen and I’m an engineer and children’s salon owner.  

Cosmetic formulating is completely new to me, however I have an incredible interest in learning how to formulate safe and effective hair care products for children.

I will try to help my fellow members whenever I can, but as a relatively new formulator, unfortunately I suspect that I will require a little assistance from more seasoned members as I get started.  I hope this is not a problem, and if it is, sincere apologies in advance! ?

So looking forward to meeting other cosmetic chemists in this forum and getting to know you a little better!

Best wishes!

-Steve