In today’s skincare market, there’s a growing demand for gentle yet effective products, primarily due to the increasing number of individuals with sensitive skin. The need for meticulously formulated cleansers has never been more pronounced. Sensitive skin requires products that not only cleanse effectively but also moisturize and protect the skin barrier. At Yeser Chemicals, we recognize this need and have developed many effective skincare formulas for sensitive skin. Today, we showcase an easy-to-follow formulation process to create a moisturizing facial cleanser tailored specifically for sensitive skin. This blog will guide you through the steps and explain the science behind each ingredient used in the formulation. Let’s get started!
Understanding Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin can be characterized by a heightened response to certain stimuli that would not typically cause irritation in other skin types. Common problems faced by people with sensitive skin include redness, itching, dryness, and a general uncomfortable feeling. The condition can be exacerbated by environmental factors, harsh skincare products, and certain lifestyle choices. Therefore, it is crucial to use mild and soothing ingredients that cater to the specific needs of sensitive skin.
Key Components of a Moisturizing Facial Cleanser
A well-formulated moisturizing facial cleanser combines effective cleansing with deep hydration. The goal is to create a product that removes impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Essential components include:
- Surfactants: Facilitate cleansing by breaking down oils and impurities. However, only mild surfactants are recommended in formulas for sensitive skin.
- Moisturizers: Hydrate and lock in moisture.
- Chelating Agents: Improve the effectiveness of surfactants.
- Preservatives: Extend shelf-life and ensure product safety.
Formula and Procedure for Making a Moisturizing Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
The Formulation Chart
| Phase | Ingredients | Role | w/w Ratio by % | Dosing Wt. (grams) * for a 200ml batch |
| A | Deionized Water | Solvent | 70.40 | 140.8 |
| B | EDTA-2Na | Chelating agent | 0.10 | 0.2 |
| Sodium Cocoamphoacetate (30%) | Mild Surfactant | 10.00 | 20 | |
| Cocamidopropyl Betaine (30%) | Mild Surfactant, Foam Booster | 8.00 | 16 | |
| Glycerine | Humectant, Moisturizer | 5.00 | 10 | |
| Lauryl Glucoside | Mild Surfactant, Skin Conditioning | 4.00 | 8 | |
| Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) | Moisturizer, Skin Conditioning | 1.00 | 2 | |
| C | Allantoin | Skin Soothing, Anti-irritant | 0.30 | 0.6 |
| Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E) | Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning | 1.00 | 2 | |
| D | Citric Acid | pH Adjuster (5-6) | q.s | q.s |
| Phenoxyethanol | Preservative | 0.20 | 0.4 |
Procedures
- Phase A: Water Phase Preparation
- Measure 70.40% (140.8g) of deionized water and pour it into a clean beaker.
- Add 0.10% (0.2g) of EDTA-2Na to the water. Stir until the EDTA is fully dissolved.
- Phase B: Surfactant Phase Preparation
- Sodium Cocoamphoacetate (30%):
- Measure 10.00% (20g) of Sodium Cocoamphoacetate.
- Add it to the water phase and mix using an overhead stirrer.
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine (30%):
- Measure 8.00% (16g) of Cocamidopropyl Betaine.
- Add it to the mixture and continue stirring until homogeneous.
- Glycerine:
- Measure 5.00% (10g) of Glycerine.
- Add it to the mixture and stir until fully mixed.
- Lauryl Glucoside:
- Measure 4.00% (8g) of Lauryl Glucoside.
- Add it to the mixture and stir until it is fully incorporated.
- Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5):
- Measure 1.00% (2g) of Panthenol.
- Add it to the mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
- Sodium Cocoamphoacetate (30%):
- Phase C: Active Ingredient Addition
- Preheat the mixture to approximately 60°C.
- Allantoin:
- Measure 0.30% (0.6g) of Allantoin.
- Add it to the preheated mixture and stir until fully dissolved.
- Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E):
- Measure 1.00% (2g) of Tocopherol Acetate.
- Add it to the mixture and continue stirring.
- Phase D: Final Adjustments
- Citric Acid:
- Adjust the pH of the mixture to 5-6 by adding Citric Acid (q.s.) and measuring with a pH meter.
- Phenoxyethanol:
- Measure 0.20% (0.4g) of Phenoxyethanol.
- Add it to the mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
- Citric Acid:
- Final Mixing and Packaging
- Ensure all ingredients are fully dissolved and the mixture is homogeneous.
- Transfer the formulation into a suitable container for foaming products.
- Testing:
- Test the final product to ensure it has the desired foaming properties, stability, and skin feel.
Final Product Features:
- Moisturizing: Deeply hydrates the skin.
- Skin Smoothing: Soothes and smooths irritated skin.
- Healing Properties: Supports skin repair and regeneration.
- Non-Irritating: Suitable for sensitive and irritated skin.
- Anti-Aging: Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Ingredients Breakdown
Deionized Water
Deionized water is used as a solvent in the formulation, ensuring the mixture is free from impurities that could negatively interact with the other ingredients. It forms the base of the cleanser, providing a pure and stable foundation.
Chelating Agent: EDTA-2Na (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Disodium)
EDTA-2Na serves to bind metal ions that may be present in the water, preventing them from interfering with the surfactants’ efficiency. This helps maintain the integrity of the formulation, ensuring consistent performance.
Primary Surfactant: SCA 30%
SCA 30% is a biodegradable surfactant known for its mildness, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin. It effectively cleanses without causing irritation, leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth. Additionally, its eco-friendly nature aligns with the growing trend towards sustainable skincare products.
Secondary Surfactant: CAB 35%
CAB 35% (Cocamidopropyl Betaine) complements the primary surfactant by boosting the foaming properties and enhancing the overall cleansing efficiency. It’s mild on the skin and provides a rich, stable lather that enhances the user experience.
Final Surfactant: Lauryl Glucoside
Lauryl Glucoside is a non-ionic surfactant derived from natural sources like coconut oil and glucose. It is exceptionally mild, making it suitable for sensitive and baby skin care products. This ingredient also helps stabilize the foam, ensuring it remains creamy and stable.
Moisturizing Agents
- Allantoin: Known for its skin-soothing properties, allantoin helps calm irritated skin and promotes healing. It’s widely used in formulations for dry and sensitive skin due to its ability to promote cell regeneration.
- Glycerine: A powerful humectant, glycerine draws moisture into the skin and helps retain it, keeping the skin hydrated and smooth.
- Panthenol (B5): Also known as pro-vitamin B5, panthenol is a deeply hydrating ingredient with anti-inflammatory properties. It enhances skin hydration, reduces transepidermal water loss, and improves skin’s elasticity.
Preservative: Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative used in cosmetics and personal care products to prevent bacterial growth, ensuring the product remains safe to use over an extended period. It is effective at low concentrations and compatible with a variety of other ingredients.
If you want to try this formula in other batch sizes, you can use the below Formulation Calculator:
Dynamic Formula Calculator
How to Use This Calculator:
- Enter your desired Batch Size in either milliliters (ml) or liters (L).
- Use the ml input for lab-scale formulations (small batches).
- Use the L input for production-scale batches (large batches).
- When you enter a value in one field, the other field updates automatically.
- Click the “Calculate” button to compute the dosing weights for each ingredient based on the batch size.
- The “Dosing Weight (grams)” column in the table will display the calculated amounts.
- For ingredients marked with “q.s” (quantum satis), adjust the quantity as needed for your specific formulation.
| Phase | Ingredients | Role | w/w Ratio (%) | Dosing Weight (grams) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Deionized Water | Solvent | 70.40 | 140.8 |
| B | EDTA-2Na | Chelating agent | 0.10 | 0.2 |
| C | Sodium Cocoamphoacetate (30%) | Mild Surfactant | 10.00 | 20 |
| Cocamidopropyl Betaine (30%) | Mild Surfactant, Foam Booster | 8.00 | 16 | |
| Glycerine | Humectant, Moisturizer | 5.00 | 10 | |
| Lauryl Glucoside | Mild Surfactant, Skin Conditioning | 4.00 | 8 | |
| Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) | Moisturizer, Skin Conditioning | 1.00 | 2 | |
| D | Allantoin | Skin Soothing, Anti-irritant | 0.30 | 0.6 |
| Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E) | Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning | 1.00 | 2 | |
| E | Citric Acid | pH Adjuster (5-6) | q.s | q.s |
| Phenoxyethanol | Preservative | 0.20 | 0.4 |
Testing the Formulated Moisturizing Facial Cleanser
After formulating the moisturizing facial cleanser, it’s crucial to ensure that the product not only meets the desired quality standards but also performs effectively on the skin. At Yeser Chemicals, we conduct thorough testing to evaluate the properties and efficacy of our formulations. In this section, we’ll discuss the testing process and the key features of the final product.
1. Foam Stability and Texture
One of the primary indicators of a good facial cleanser is the quality of the foam it produces. During our testing phase, the formulated cleanser was observed to create a rich, creamy lather, which is essential for effective cleansing. The foam was stable and maintained its consistency throughout the application, ensuring that it provides thorough coverage without dissipating too quickly.
2. Skin Feel and Moisturization
Post-cleansing skin feel is another critical factor. The cleanser was applied to the skin to assess its moisturizing and soothing effects. The product left the skin feeling exceptionally smooth and hydrated, thanks to the humectants and moisturizers like glycerin and panthenol. Allantoin, a key ingredient in the formulation, contributed to the soothing effect, making the cleanser ideal for sensitive and irritated skin.
3. pH Balance
Maintaining the correct pH is essential for skin health, especially for sensitive skin types. After the formulation was complete, the product’s pH was tested to ensure it falls within the optimal range of 5 to 6. This pH range supports the skin’s natural barrier function, helping to protect against irritation and maintain overall skin health.
4. Sensory Evaluation
A sensory evaluation was conducted to assess the overall experience of using the product. This included examining the cleanser’s scent, consistency, and ease of application. The cleanser was found to be non-irritating and easy to rinse off, leaving no residue, which is vital for a pleasant user experience. The mild surfactants used in the formula, such as Sodium Cocoamphoacetate and Lauryl Glucoside, contributed to its gentle yet effective cleansing action.
5. Anti-Aging and Healing Benefits
As highlighted in our formulation video, allantoin and panthenol were selected not just for their moisturizing properties but also for their ability to promote skin healing and provide anti-aging benefits. During testing, the cleanser demonstrated its ability to enhance skin texture over time, reducing the appearance of fine lines and contributing to a more youthful complexion.
6. Long-Term Stability
Finally, the product was subjected to stability testing to ensure it remains effective and safe for use over time. The formulation retained its consistency, efficacy, and aesthetic properties after exposure to various environmental conditions, ensuring a long shelf life without compromising on quality.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve demonstrated the formulation and testing of a moisturizing facial cleanser specifically designed for sensitive skin. This formula offers a gentle yet effective cleansing experience, enriched with soothing, moisturizing, and anti-aging benefits. It’s an ideal solution for consumers who prioritize skin health and seek a product that delivers both comfort and performance.
However, we recognize that each market has its own unique demands. While this formula is crafted to meet the needs of sensitive skin, we understand that different consumers may have varying preferences, whether it’s in terms of texture, fragrance, or specific skin concerns. That’s why at Yeser Chemicals, we don’t just offer off-the-shelf solutions—we work closely with our clients to tailor formulations that align with their specific product goals.
Our R&D team is equipped to help you customize this formula or develop entirely new products that cater to your target audience’s needs. Whether you require modifications in ingredients, consistency, or additional features, we are here to provide you with the expertise and innovation necessary to create products that stand out in the market.
At Yeser Chemicals, our commitment extends beyond just supplying ingredients; we are dedicated to being your reliable partner in success. With a focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation, we aim to deliver ingredient solutions that not only meet today’s consumer demands but also anticipate tomorrow’s trends. Whether you’re looking for dependable ingredient sourcing, custom formulations, or comprehensive support throughout your product development journey, Yeser Chemicals is here to help you achieve your objectives.
Connect with us at Yeser Chemicals today, and let’s collaborate to develop the perfect skincare solution for your market.
