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, 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...