Cosmetic Your Ways Blog

Hydrocarbons in Cosmetic Chemistry: Function, Formulation, and Feel
Zachariah Kovac Zachariah Kovac

Hydrocarbons in Cosmetic Chemistry: Function, Formulation, and Feel

Hydrocarbons are some of the most widely used—yet often misunderstood—ingredients in cosmetic formulations. From luxurious balms to lightweight serums, these materials play a critical role in texture, stability, and performance. This post breaks down what hydrocarbons are, why formulators rely on them, and how to use them effectively.

Read More
Zachariah Kovac Zachariah Kovac

Hard Water vs. Surfactants: What’s Really Happening in Your Formula?

If you’ve ever noticed a cleanser that worked beautifully in the lab but underperformed in real-world use, hard water might be the culprit. It’s one of those quietly disruptive variables that can completely change how a surfactant system behaves—impacting foam, cleansing efficiency, mildness, and even aesthetics.

Let’s unpack what’s going on at a chemical level, and more importantly, how different classes of surfactants respond.

Read More
Understanding Foam: How to Describe Surfactant Lather
Surfactants, Cleansing Products Zachariah Kovac Surfactants, Cleansing Products Zachariah Kovac
Preview

Understanding Foam: How to Describe Surfactant Lather

When formulating cleansers, it’s easy to say a product “foams well” or “doesn’t lather enough.” But in cosmetic chemistry, foam isn’t just about quantity—it’s about quality.

A rich, creamy lather feels very different from big, airy bubbles, even if both technically “foam.” Learning how to describe foam properly will help you formulate more intentionally—and communicate more clearly.

Let’s break down the language of foam.

Read More

Disclaimer:

You are at your own risk when making anything from this blog. I am not liable for any mishaps that may occur. I do my best to include everything in the procedure to minimize the likelihood of accidents. My recommendation is always to read the post entirely first and then make the product.
Please keep in mind that these recipes/formulations are NOT meant to be sold or reproduced in large quantities. None of my recipes has been appropriately stability tested. I recommend seeking professional help if you want to start your own line of business. (link)
Always test a patch of new ingredients before using them.
Comments and opinions written by authors on Cosmetic Your Ways are their own and do not represent the views of any past, present, or future employers.

Quick Links

Archive