Q&A

Why do cationic ingredients like BTMS smell fishy?

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Cationic ingredients – those that are positively charged used as conditioners, like BTMS or BTMC – can smell fishy. It’s not a sign of the quality of the ingredient, it’s just what happens because of the nitrogen. It’s a you thing — like smelling or producing asparagus pee, smelling ants, or tasting cilantro like soap,...

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Categories Q&A

Q&A: What’s up with this preservative, AntiMicro Banana (INCI: Musa Sapientum (Banana) Leaf/Trunk Extract)?

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In the monthly Q&A, Chyrsslyn asked, Susan! I was just browsing MakingCosmetics’ preserivatives section and found this. I’m dying to know what you think/can find out about its efficacy. It claims to be broad spectrum. Product: AntiMicro Banana (INCI: Musa Sapientum (Banana) Leaf/Trunk Extract) CAS: 7732-18-5, 89957-82-4 Description: 100% plant derived preservative made of parts of...

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Q&A: Does isododecane or propanediol 1,3 go into the heated or cool down phase? What does lemon shine smell like? Questions about my epic rinse off conditioner formula!

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In the monthly Q&A, Susan asked, I recently made your Epic Rinse Out Conditioner and am very happy with it but I have a couple of questions … If I’m correct, isododecane is a volatile ingredient so I’m wondering why it’s added to the warmed water phase rather than at cool down. Also, I’ve seen propanediol...

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Q&A: Can I use tetrasodium EDTA in an acidic formulation? If so, how?

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In the monthly Q&A, Free Drey asked, Hi Susan, I had some questions about Tetrasodium EDTA. I know it’s suggested to be used in high alkaline formulations, whereas Disodium EDTA is better for pH under 8. If I only had Tetrasodium EDTA, could I use it in formulations under pH 8 if I adjusted the pH...

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Q&A: What do “fish eyes” look like when we use rheology modifiers?

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In the monthly Q&A, Chavi asked, You also use the term “fish eyes when using rheology modifiers. Could you provide a photo so I know what to look for? Thanks! “”Fish eyes” are agglomerates of partially hydrated powders characterized by a tough outer layer which prevents the complete wetting of particles within the interior.” (Reference) Basically, they’re...

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