I'm going for a thin, easy to apply styling aid that's not too thick. I'm calling it a serum for now, but you can call it hair milk or a light cream if you prefer. I don't care if it's clear so I'm going to use the fabulous Lotionpro 165 (arlacel 165) to emulsify everything. It's a blend of Glyceryl Stearate and PEG-100 Stearate and it doesn't add any thickness.
I'm always working on #formulas, even when I'm not posting them at the website. For Patreon members, I post early versions of formulas so you guys can look at them, test them yourselves, see if they work, see how they feel, improve them etc. (✿◠‿◠)
This is what I have so far:
PHASE A
64.8 - 64.5% Distilled water
3% Propanediol
10% Fenugreek seed aqueous extract ("tea")
PHASE B
3% Shea oil
2% Pistachiol nut oil
2% Natrasil [Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables]
0.2% Polymulse Polymeric Emulsifier (OR 0.5% Sepimax Zen)
4% Lotionpro 165 [Glyceryl Stearate (and) PEG 100 Stearate]
PHASE C
4% Hairfix XH
3% VP/VA copolymer 70/30 liquid
3% LC 1684 [Cyclomethicone (and) Dimethicone]
0.4% Lemon Balm extract
0.6% Fragrance
q.s. color
What I Plan To Do
In Vessel #1
#Combine PHASE A ingredients
In Vessel #2
#Combine PHASE B ingredients
Continue...
#Heat PHASE A and PHASE B to 70℃
#Remove from heat
#Combine and mix well. High shear is preferred.
#Let cool to 40℃. Avoid high shear below this temp.
Continue...
#Add PHASE C ingredients
#Mix well.
#Transfer to final container.
TIPS
#The percentage of distilled water with depend on whether you choose to use Polymulse Polymeric Emulsifier (Pemulen EZ-4U) or Sepimax Zen. I have them at different amounts because the Pemulen is very strong at a much lower percentage.
#Cyclomethicone (and) Dimethicone here is the thicker one made to add shine to hair care products
#Lotionpro 165 is an allegedly 'cant-miss' emulsifier so you shouldn't have problems
#Lotionpro 165 does not add any thickening to the product on it's own. The polymulse polymeric emulsifier may help with that. But mostly it's an emulsion stabilizer.
#If you don't have the VP/VA copolymer 70/30 liquid blend, use Hairfix XH at 6% and replace the other 1% with another extract, glycerin or water. I want hold so a little initial "crunch" and humidity resistance is necessary.