The home of SwiftCraftyMonkey Formulating Inc.! Join Susan as she obsesses about cosmetic chemistry and other things (some possibly related to monkeys). Often strange, occasionally useful, and always worth a stop as a point of interest on your journey through the Intertron.
In the monthly Q&A, JimmieTF asked, Hi Susan, I’ve made 2 sugar scrub bases, one with sodium cocoyl isethionate or SCI (it’s thick like syrup, so it does not separate) and one with SCS (sodium coco sulfate), and both of course have a preservative in them. Optiphen Plus (INCI: Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol (and) Sorbic...
In the monthly Q&A, Anca asked, Hi Susan, I’d like to make a facial cleansing and conditioner bar. I was reading through your Body Cleansing Bars You Will Love zine, and I’m wondering if I could use AminoSensyl HC (INCI: Brassica Alcohol (and) Brassicyl Valinate Esylate) in place of BTMS-50 because it’s cationic but quat-free....
In the monthly Q&A, Samantha asked, I’m trying to learn more about gel facial cleansers thickened with more “natural” ingredients. I can’t seem to find the answer to this question after searching your blog. Should I not use hydrolyzed proteins in products thickened with xanthan gum? I’m learning to only use quaternized proteins in cationics, but...
In the monthly Q&A, Samantha asked, I’m trying to learn more about gel facial cleansers thickened with more “natural” ingredients. I can’t seem to find the answer to this question after searching your blog. Should I not use hydrolyzed proteins in products thickened with xanthan gum? I’m learning to only use quaternized proteins in cationics, but...
In the monthly Q&A, Christi asked, Hi Susan- I’m a recent groupiey🤣. Been formulating for a year and I’m currently enrolled in multiple courses at Formula Botanica. I my question is about honey, primarily Manuka Honey and the huge honey debate about if it’s safe to use in lip balm. I have made balms with...