Q&A

Q&A: What’s the process to thicken surfactants with salt?

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In the monthly Q&A, Chavi asked, Hi Susan, I often see you mention if a surfactant blend can be thickened with salt. Could you describe the actual process of thickening with salt? Thanks! Adding salt – sodium chloride, table salt – is a good way to thicken certain surfactants and blends! It does this in two...

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Q&A: Creating a stable, well-preserved lotion with bee products? (Extra long post!)

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As a note, this is a giant post, but I wanted to share this without all the work of having to decide where to end the post, add new links, and do all that stuff that delays posts, so here’s what I would have shared over four days! If you have a formula you want...

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Q&A: Why is there white sediment at the bottom of my foaming face wash bottle?

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In the monthly Q&A, Chavi asked, Hi Susan! I made the attached formula for a foaming face wash. I needed to adjust pH and I did so using some citric acid solution. The next day, I noticed some white settling on the bottom; it disperses when shaken but then resettles. Any idea what it is or why this...

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Q&A: What’s the purpose of alcohol ethyoxylate and potassium hydroxide in a liquid detergent formula?

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In the monthly Q&A, Matt asked a question I completely missed. (I’m sorry, Matt!) Hi Susan, looking to reformulate this liquid laundry detergent recipe and had a couple questions about the ingredient lists. Here is the list: Fragrance (Parfum), Soft Water, Coco-Glucoside, Alcohol Ethoxylate, Coco-Betaine, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Hydroxide, Preservative. What is the purpose...

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Categories Q&A

#alltheingredients: Disodium 2-sulfolaurate (aka Disodium 2-sulfododecanoate) – a foamy, bubbly, lathery™ powdered or pasty surfactant!

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In the monthly Q&A, Chavi asked, Hi Susan! Amazon just recently recommended me the surfactant Disodium 2-Sulfolaurate Powder. I was wondering if you could share more information about what it is, how it can be used or what it can be substituted for. Thanks! Great question! I love delving into new surfactants, so let’s take a look at...

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