sulfate-free cleansing products
Introduction
The demand for gentle and mild cleansing products without sulfates has increased significantly in recent years. More and more consumers are looking for alternatives to conventional sulfate-containing products, which are suspected of irritating and drying out the skin. In this article, we will be looking at the advantages of sulfate-free cleansing products, introducing the most important sulfate-free surfactants and presenting some innovative product ideas.
Advantages of sulfate-free cleansing products
Sulfate-free cleansing products offer numerous advantages over conventional products. Here are some of the most important advantages:
Mild cleansing: Sulfate-free surfactants are significantly gentler on the skin and prevent it from drying out and becoming irritated, which is particularly beneficial for sensitive skin.
Colour protection: sulfate-free products are gentle on coloured hair and help to preserve the colour for longer.
Environmental compatibility: many sufate-free surfactants are biodegradable and less harmful to the environment.
Listed sulfate-free surfactants and their physical and chemical properties
Sodium cocoyl isethionate (SCI)
Chemical formula C2H4NO3S.Na
Molecular weight: 185.19 g/mol
Appearance: white to cream-coloured powder
Solubility: water-soluble
Properties: mildly foaming , good cleaning power, non-irritant
Lauryl glucoside
Chemical formula C18H36O6
Molecular weight: 348.48 g/mol
Appearance Yellowish liquid
Solubility: water-soluble
Properties: very mild, biodegradable, good foaming properties
Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB)
Chemical formula C19H38N2O3
Molecular weight: 342.52 g/mol
Appearance: clear, light yellow liquid
Solubility: water-soluble
Properties: mild foaming, very good skin compatibility, antistatic effect
Decyl Glucoside
Chemical formula: C16H32O6
Molecular weight: 320.42 g/mol
Appearance: yellowish liquid
Solubility: water-soluble
Properties: very mild, good foaming, skin-friendly
Mode of action and advantages of sulfate-free surfactants
Sulfate-free surfactants work by forming micelles that envelop dirt and grease and remove them from the skin without destroying the natural skin barrier. Their milder chemical structures prevent the skin from drying out and retain its moisture. Sulfate-free cleansing products are particularly suitable for sensitive skin and coloured hair, as they are less irritating and maintain the skin’s natural pH.
Product ideas based on the listed formulations:
Mild cleansing gel
Ingredients: sodium cocoyl isethionate, lauryl glucoside, glycerine, water, essential oils.
Properties: mild foaming, mild cleansing, moisturising
Mild shampoo for coloured hair
Ingredients: cocamidopropyl betaine, decyl glucoside, panthenol, water, plant extracts
Properties: gentle on coloured hair, protects hair colour, moisturising
Soothing body wash
Ingredients: lauryl glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Aloe Vera Gel, Water, Essential Oils
Properties: mild cleansing, skin-soothing, moisturising
Consumer demand for mild, skin-friendly surfactants
Consumers’ demand for mild, skin-friendly surfactants has led the cosmetics industry to develop innovative products that are free of harsh chemicals. Consumers are increasingly well informed and pay attention to ingredients that do not harm their skin. This has led to an increased demand for sulfate-free cleansing products, which are considered safer and more skin-friendly. Manufacturers are responding to this trend by developing sulfate-free formulations that are both effective and gentle on the skin.
Thickening of sulfate-free cleansing products
An important aspect of formulating sulfate-free cleansing products is thickening. While thickening is often achieved by adding sodium chloride (salt) to products containing sulfates, this approach does not work with sulfate-free formulations. Sulfate-free surfactants require special thickeners to achieve the desired consistency. Examples of such thickeners are glyceryl laurate, all natural thickeners and/or sorbitan sesquicaprylate. These ingredients increase the viscosity of the products and provide a pleasant texture without compromising the mild properties of the sulfate-free surfactants.
Conclusion
Sulfate-free cleansing products are a good choice for those who want gentle and effective cleansing. The use of mild surfactants such as sodium cocoyl isethionate, lauryl glucoside and cocamidopropyl betaine offers numerous advantages for skin health and environmental protection. With the increasing demand for skin-friendly products, the development of sulfate-free formulations will continue to grow, offering consumers safe and gentle alternatives. Cosmacon has a wealth of experience in this area and we would be happy to help you if you would like to switch your products to sulfate-free.
Literature:
Surfactant irritations and allergies.
Salomon G, Giordano-Labadie F.Eur J Dermatol. 2022 Nov 1;32(6):677-681
Inami Y, Sasaki A, Andoh T, Kuraishi Y.Acta Derm Venereol. 2014 Nov;94(6):645-50