It is extremely difficult to create stable Emulsions, Suspensions, Creams, Lotions, Shampoos etc. containing plant-based skincare ingredients. I can say this with confidence because I have over 29 years of experience in the formulation and development of herbal cosmetics. A formulator must overcome a number of obstacles.In today’s blog, we’ll go over the various steps a formulator should take when incorporating plant material into cosmetic formulation.
Choose the right emulsifiers: Emulsifiers are ingredients that help to keep oil and water dispersed in a stable emulsion. There are a variety of emulsifiers available, but some are more suitable for plant-based skincare formulations than others. For example, some emulsifiers are derived from animal products, while others are plant-based. It is important to choose emulsifiers that are compatible with the other ingredients in the formulation and that will produce a stable emulsion.
Use a combination of emulsifiers: Using a combination of emulsifiers can be more effective than using a single emulsifier. This is because different emulsifiers have different properties and can work together to create a stable emulsion.
Use the right phase ratio: The phase ratio is the ratio of oil to water in the emulsion. It is important to choose the right phase ratio for the desired emulsion type. For example, oil-in-water emulsions have a higher water content, while water-in-oil emulsions have a higher oil content.
Use a thickener: Thickeners can help to stabilize emulsions by increasing the viscosity of the emulsion. This can help to prevent the oil and water from separating.
Adjust the pH: The pH of the emulsion can affect its stability. It is important to adjust the pH of the emulsion to ensure that it is stable.It is important to test the emulsion to ensure that it is stable and that it has the desired properties.
Use fresh ingredients: Plant-based ingredients can degrade over time, which can affect the stability of the emulsion.It is important to use the emulsion within a reasonable time frame to ensure that it is still safe and effective.
Store the emulsion properly: The emulsion should be stored in a cool, dark place. This will help to prevent the emulsion from degrading.
By using these strategies, formulators can overcome the challenges of creating stable emulsions in plant-based skincare formulations and create safe and effective products.
After a perfect formulation, it is equally important to check alternate sources for required materials for production. A formulator must overcome challenges to create products that are safe, effective, and sustainable.
- Identify alternative sources: This can be done by researching online, attending trade shows, or networking with other formulators.Once you have identified alternative sources, it is important to evaluate the quality of their ingredients. This can be done by requesting samples, reviewing certifications, and reading customer reviews.
- Test the ingredients: Once you have selected alternative sources, it is important to test the ingredients to ensure that they meet your quality standards. This can be done by conducting in-house testing or sending the ingredients to a third-party laboratory for testing.
- Adjust your formulations: Once you have tested the ingredients, you may need to adjust your formulations to accommodate any differences in the quality or properties of the alternative ingredients. Try multiple suppliers for the same products. Also it is advisable to consider using local ingredients which will help fast productivity.
Read the Part 1 of Plant-Based Skincare Formulation Ingredients: Benefits and Challenges
Regulations:
It is extremely important to overcome challenges by compliance with regulations in plant-based skincare formulations:
Understand the regulations: This can be accomplished by researching relevant regulatory agencies’ websites or consulting with a regulatory expert.Select ingredients that are compliant with regulations, this could imply using only ingredients approved for use in cosmetics in your target market.
Formulate products in compliance with regulations: Use certain manufacturing processes or avoiding certain ingredients which are banned.
Test products: This may involve testing the products for safety, efficacy, and stability. Label correctly which means including all required information on the product label, such as the list of ingredients, the directions for use, the safety warnings, etc. Regulations can change frequently, so it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest changes.
Benefits and challenges of Herbal Cosmetics
Plant-based skincare formulations offer a number of benefits, including:
Gentleness on the skin- Plant-based oils and butters contain fatty acids that can help hydrate and retain moisture in the skin, as well as hydrate the skin and stimulate cell regeneration. As a result, it has proven to be gentle on the skin.
Nourishment –Plant-based oils, butters, extracts, powders, and other constituents are high in nutrients such as vitamins, flavonoids, antioxidants, fatty acids, and waxes benefit the skin by providing nourishment thereby improving skin complexion.
Protection- Natural ingredients contains Vitamin C,E which are good for protecting skin from external environmental hazards.Vitamin A and vitamin C can help protect the skin from free radicals and UV rays.
Soothing and healing – Plant based activities containing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals help soothe inflamed skin as they possess anti-inflammatory properties and serve an excellent treatment for sunburns, insect bites, and minor cuts. Some essential oils are well-known for their calming and anxiety-relieving properties, and they can be used topically to treat sunburns, acne, and even headaches.
Anti-aging- Antioxidants present in plants scavenge harmful free radicals generate on skin thereby skin gets tightened and wrinkles are prolonged, hence acts as anti ageing.
Eco-friendly – The waste generated when plant materials are used are easily used in manure or biogas formation thus protecting nature from non biodegradability.
Sourcing and Regulation: It can be difficult to source high-quality plant-based ingredients that are sustainably and ethically produced. The consistency of plant-based ingredients can vary from batch to batch, which can make it difficult to formulate consistent products. The regulation of plant-based skincare formulations varies from country to country.
Future prospects of plant-based skincare formulations
Overall, the future of plant-based skincare formulations is very promising. As consumers become more aware of the benefits of using natural and sustainable products, the demand for plant-based skincare is expected to continue to grow. Companies are investing heavily in research and development to develop new plant-based skincare ingredients and formulations. This is leading to the development of more effective and innovative plant-based skincare products. Additionally, the growing popularity of personalized skincare and the rising demand for sustainable and ethical products are further fueling the growth of the plant-based skincare market.
As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative and effective plant-based skincare products emerge in the years to come.
Recommendations for consumers:
Choose plant-based skincare products that are made with high-quality ingredients. Look for products that contain ingredients that are certified organic or sustainably sourced.
Read the product label carefully to make sure that the product is right for your skin type. Avoid products that contain ingredients that you are allergic to or that are known to irritate your skin.
Store plant-based skincare products in a cool, dark place. This will help to extend the shelf life of the products.
Recommendations for manufacturers of plant-based skincare formulations:
- Use high-quality plant-based ingredients in your formulations. Source your ingredients from reputable suppliers and have them tested for purity and quality.
- Follow good manufacturing practices to ensure that your products are safe and effective. This includes using sterile equipment and following proper hygiene procedures.
- Test your products thoroughly to ensure that they are safe and effective. This includes testing the products for safety, efficacy, and stability.
- Label your products correctly. This includes all required information on the product label, such as the list of ingredients, the directions for use, and the safety warnings.
