I love this handy chart from Innospec’s presentation: “Formulating High Performance Sulfate-Free Cleansing Products”. As you can see, surfactants have a working pH range. Some surfactants can hydrolyze at a low pH (SCI, Iselux, Sulfosuccinate). As most surfactants are diluted, we have a…
In this article we examine solubilizers, how to use them and review the performance of a selection of “natural” solubilizers. We are frequently asked how solubilizers differ from emulsifiers. Solubilizers and high HLB emulsifiers are both surfactants which help disperse oils in water. Solubilizers are more…
As an educator I find giving students practical exercises a powerful, interactive and fun learning tool. Every couple of weeks on instagram we will post a formulation quiz where you can test your knowledge and contribute: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/flawedformula/ Our fun formulation exercises are aimed at formulators (homecrafters…
We are passionate about education. Our founder, Jane Barber, teaches on a Cosmetic Science BSc Degree in the UK, heads up formulation groups (34,000+ members), and runs a free online course with Chemists Corner and Swiftcraftymonkey which has over 17,500 students. Our goal with this is website is to provide free formulas, tutorials, calculators, latest ingredient innovations and trends, and other essential information that chemists and homecrafters need to formulate professionally, effectively and safely. These resources can be accessed from the menu above.
With experience formulating for clients such as The Body Shop, our development consultancy helps brands, whatever their size, create innovative and effective formulas.
SCI (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate) is a commonly used anionic, sulfate-free surfactant, loved by syndet makers for it’s mildness and creamy lather. However, due to its poor water solubility it is usually replaced with SLMI (Sodium Lauryl Methyl Isethionate) in liquid products. SCMI (Sodium Cocoyl Methyl
As an educator I find giving students practical exercises a powerful, interactive and fun learning tool. Every couple of weeks on instagram we will post a formulation quiz where you can test your knowledge and contribute: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/flawedformula/ Our fun formulation exercises are aimed at formulators (homecrafters
I love this handy chart from Innospec’s presentation: “Formulating High Performance Sulfate-Free Cleansing Products”. As you can see, surfactants have a working pH range. Some surfactants can hydrolyze at a low pH (SCI, Iselux, Sulfosuccinate). As most surfactants are diluted, we have a
Formulations don’t have to be complex. This one is super simple and a breeze to dupe. Cold process, no oil phase, and all ingredients are easy to get hold of (https://makingskincare.com/cosmetic-ingredient-suppliers/). Ingredient wise, the formula is inexpensive apart from the sodium hyaluronate, (high molecular weight:
InstaMask™ from Vantage won the Silver award for best functional ingredient at In-Cosmetics Global in March last year. These customizable, instant, encapsulated clay mask granules are easy to use. Just add the water phase, mix and apply! We received a sample from Vantage’s UK distributors,
How to make your emulsion thicker or thinner. First analyze your formula to see what ingredients are contributing to viscosity. This is usually the emulsifier blend, gums/polymers and any fatty alcohols/acids (stearic acid, cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol) or waxes in your formula. If you wish
