substitutions

Foundation subscribers and up: Ingredient substitution ideas for March 2025?

by

Because we’re in the busy season for our suppliers and because we’re seeing shortages of ingredients around the world for basics, like sodium cocoyl isethionate (SCI) – ethoxylated surfactant – and emulsifiers, I thought I’d start a new monthly page for potential substitution of ingredients where you can share your comments, questions, and formulas. This...

This content is for Foundation, Formulation, and Innovation members only.
Subscribe
Already a member? Log in here

Substitutions: Making changes to the oil phase of a lotion, including a bit on using tallow!

by

I’ve had a few people asking me how they can use tallow in lotions, and the answer is super simple – yes! And it’s really simple! Making substitutions for oils in the oil phase!  In any of my lotion formulas, unless I indicate otherwise, you can substitute any oil for any oil, any butter for...

This content is for Foundation, Formulation, and Innovation members only.
Subscribe
Already a member? Log in here

Let’s talk about making substitutions for preservatives in my formulas! (Very long post!)

by

This is a long post that didn’t have a logical place to make cuts, so rather than spend time re-writing it, here’s a few days of posts in one!  For a while now, I’ve shared charts with you so you can make substitutions for the preservatives that you have in your workshop if you can’t...

This content is for Foundation, Formulation, and Innovation members only.
Subscribe
Already a member? Log in here

Q&A quickie: What can you substitute for LSB in a solid shampoo bar (syndet bar)?

by

I don’t think we can find the surfactant blend called LSB any more – in North America at least – as it’s been altered to have a very short shelf life of 6 months, so what can you do as a replacement? The short answer is that you can use any liquid surfactant suitable for...

This content is for Foundation, Formulation, and Innovation members only.
Subscribe
Already a member? Log in here

Some thoughts on ingredient shortages, making substitutions, and trying different ingredients as we work through making changes for a conditioner bar formula

by

There’s a serious shortage of ingredients out there. As I mentioned in this month’s new substitution request page, it’s not only the busiest time of year for our suppliers as people buy supplies for Christmas markets and presents; we’re also in the middle of a pandemic that has disrupted the entire supply chain from the...

This content is for Foundation, Formulation, and Innovation members only.
Subscribe
Already a member? Log in here