Cosmetic Your Ways Blog
Chapter 2: Measurements and Problem Solving Video Lecture
Ready to learn more chemistry? Chapter 2 is ready for you to view.
Powder Binders Used in Color Cosmetics
Powder binders help pressed products hold together and stay in the pan. They can also increase the wear of products in loose products. We have access to three powder binders: Magnesium Stearate, Zinc Stearate, and Magnesium Myristate.
Fragrance Oils and IFRA
This is an important post if you want to use fragrance oils in your formulations. IFRA stands for International Fragrance Association. It is an association that ensures fragrance compounds, fragrances, and essentials oils are used in personal care properly, without causing irritation or sensitivities.
Working with Powdered Surfactants Video Tutorial + Formulation
This is going to be a two-for-one. I got a request for guidance on working with powder surfactants. I do have a written post on this topic too (Link). I was also going to make shampoo for my mom. She has curly hair and is color-treated. So my goal is to make something mild. I want her hair to feel moisturized after using the shampoo and conditioner.
Honey, Aloe, & Shea Hand Wash
In this post, I am going to share with you how to formulate a hand wash with decyl glucoside. I know many natural formulators use this, so I wanted to learn more about it myself. The decyl glucoside was gifted to me from Essential Labs (Link). No affiliate links or anything, just want to disclose that it was gifted from them. They are currently rebranding, so some information might not be on the site, but it will be soon.
Do we have to worry about chemical reactions when formulating?
If you know me by know I am quite into chemistry. I am getting a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Right now I am at a community college in my second semester of organic chemistry. Organic chemistry is quite hard, but it is quite rewarding. It is all the chemistry of our raw material, and how they are made. My first semester, with a month left, my professor had to go on medical leave. So it was quite hard to learn the last month. So, I am trying to build up my resources so that I can take the final exam. For my college the final exam is the American Chemistry Society's (ACS) exam. It is one of those standardized exams.
Evaluating your own formulas
In this post, we are going to talk about reviewing your old formulas.
You Cannot Just Add Urea into a Formulation (Blog Post Version)
I have been seeing people add urea into a formula; you cannot do that. This is a more advanced ingredient to work with. It can be dangerous if not properly formulated. I will make this a blog post so you can read the sources. It has been months of research.
Formulating with Optiphen Plus
I have a client who is using Optiphen Plus as the preservative system. I thought I would make an ingredient guide for it, since I now have experience with it. I have made ingredient guides before, but I have not used them. I now know it is not a good idea anymore. There are so many nuances that you really need to actually formulate with it.
Alkyl Sulfates & Alkyl Ether Sulfates
In this post, we will discuss two different chemical classes of surfactants.
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.