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 August Q&A, Kh asked: Question: about xanthan gum and the pilling issue, (cause if I’m stuck with the ECOcert emulsifiers, I might be stuck with xanthan). Is it possible that it is pilling because of it’s interaction with another ingredient, like a wax maybe, or one of the film formers? I have tried many...
In the July Q&A, Melanie asked: I am finding that the shampoos and conditioners I make based on your recipes leave my hair lovely and soft. This is great because my hair is naturally dry and processed, but it is making my natural curl less defined. Is there something I can add to my leave in...
We’ve spent the last week looking at various ways we can “improve radiance” and “brighten skin”. On Monday, we took a look at using hydrating and moisturizing ingredients to increase hydration and reduce dryness. On Wednesday, we created a hand & body lotion for more humid climates, and Thursday, we created one for more arid...
In the February Q&A, Cecilia asked: I’m picking up some new things again. Looking for more naturally-derived/natural adjacent stuff. Looking for thickeners, emulsifiers, surfactants (I have SCI, CB, decyl and coco glucosides I think), any cool actives, preservatives… doesn’t have to be natural. but what would be your top say 10 or so ingredients, I...
Yesterday, we took a look at some guidelines around making lotions with Varisoft EQ 65, an ECOcert cationic or positively charged emulsifier that can be used for conditioners as well as lotions. Let’s create a formula for a light, fluffy, mousse like lotion today. I’m on a serious ester kick right now – you’ll see...