The home of SwiftCraftyMonkey! 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, Donna asked, Hello, I am trying to duplicate a body oil that has seaweed/algae as an ingredient, undaria pinnatifida powder to be specific. I can’t find a similar ingredient that will work in oil. All other ingredients are oils or extracts. Does anyone have a suggestion? The body oil is OSEA Undaria Algae...
This is a neat new anionic (negatively charged) cold process gelling agent that’s considered green, eco-friendly, and natural. Siligel (INCI: Xanthan Gum (and) Lecithin (and) Sclerotium Gum (and) Pullulan) can create gels, be used as a stabilizer in emulsions, suspend things like exfoliants in gels, and enhance skin feel. (They say it may be a...
In a message I received from a Q&A subscriber, I was asked this important question: How we can tell if an ingredient is gluten free? The short answer is to check the listing or data sheet from the supplier or manufacturer. If something contains gluten, it will usually tell you. If it doesn’t contain gluten, it...
Yogurt hydrolysate SF (INCI: Hydrolyzed yogurt protein) is a slightly thickened, yellow liquid derived from yogurt proteins, used for hair and skin as a film forming, hydrating, conditioning ingredient that contains probiotics. It can be used in cleansing products to counteract the drying or irritating properties of the foamy, bubbly, lathery™ surfactants, As the molecules...
Milk hydrolysate PF (INCI: Hydrolyzed milk protein) is a clear to slightly cloudy, light yellow, water soluble liquid we can use in skin care products as an anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, film forming ingredient that soothes irritated skin, increases hydration, and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL). In hair care products, it increases hydration and elasticity, which increases...