Cosmetic Your Ways Blog
Converting My Hair Spray Formulation to a Hair Gel
In this post, I am going to share how I converted my hair spray formulation into a hair gel formulation.
5 Common pH Meter Mistakes
In this post, I am going to be sharing the common mistakes that I see with pH meters that can cost you a pH meter. I know that pH meters can be daunting to use, but they are a powerful scientific tool to measure the pH of your creations. The final pH of the formulation is important for many reasons. When properly handled they are great and will last a long time. If not, they will be an expensive paper weight.
Introduction to Carbomer 940
In this post, I will introduce you to Carbomers. Carbomers are a line of synthetic polymers, so if you only want to formulate with natural ingredients, then this post will not be for you.
Some Thoughts
I have been taking inventory and cleaning out my formulation space. It has got me thinking about what I have. I have a lot and then nothing at the same time. Does anyone else have this feeling?
Can I let a Product Sit Overnight?
In this post, I want to talk about allowing product to sit overnight. The short answer is you can, but there are tons of things to consider before doing this.
Information About pH Meters: Important!
I got a question over on Instagram that I thought would make a good dedicated post. It lead me down a super interesting rabbit hole. I learned a lot of pH meters.
As a massive disclaimer. This post is based of research that I did from the Aprea and Hanna websites. Please make sure you do research for YOUR meter. I cannot stress this enough. Directions can be different for every meter even from the same company, so make sure you know for yours.
Salt Thickening
I have been having a lot of fun with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate, and
Sodium Alpha Olefin Sulfonate. One advantage of these surfactants is that they can thicken with salt. In this post, I wanted to talk about how these surfactants thicken, what surfactants thicken, and how to thicken surfactants with salt.
Key Equations for General Chemistry
I was inspired by @thebumbelingbiochemist on Instagram. She has posted free resources for people who want to learn biochemistry. I took the time to make a general chemistry version of all the equations you will encounter in a general chemistry course.
Scaling Up and Making Larger Batches
For a client, I am making a ton of samples for them to try and give to their friends and family. This is my first time really making larger batches like this. I avoided them since the beginning as I formulate in a garage, which I cannot make sanitary. As long as my client understands, then I am okay with it. I have been learning a lot about the process of making larger batches.
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.