There has been some talk about solid shampoo bars having high PH which is not particularly good for hair. A nice, PH balanced shampoo will keep your hair and scalp in good condition. It is all about the chosen surfactants.
We will keep updating and adding great information for changing up the formula for an enhanced finished product.
Benefits of our Solid Shampoo (Syndet)
- Ease of travel
- Gentle and silky
- Easy to make
- Low PH
The word “syndet” is derived from “synthetic” combined with “detergent”. Technically it refers to the binding that occurs between different detergents, also called surfactants. These detergents, which have an affinity for oils and repel water, surround dirt with small structures that are then removed by water.
Gentle Solid Shampoo Bar Recipe Yield approx 300 grams
1st Heated phase
1 3/4 tsp 3.4% BTMS 25 Conditioning emulsifier
1 tsp 1.9% Cetyl Alcohol emollient, emulsifier
3/4 tsp 1.5% protein of choice (Hydrolyzed Silk or Baobab Protein) improves elasticity, resiliency, and restore the moisture balance for smoother and softer hair.
Cool-down phase
Optional
1/2 tsp 1.14% Panthenol powder Humectant that helps give body & shine and detangling properties to hair. It can cause curly hair to frizz, however. If you omit this, add this % to the SCI or SLSA (add to 1 heated phase. Be careful to not let it burn)
1/2 tsp .57% scent (more can be added depending on your choice of scent)
Optional: Water-soluble dye or micas for color. Manganese Violet is known to brighten grey hair and reduce the brassiness in blonde.
Directions:
Melt your 1st heated phase over the stove at medium heat. At the same time in a separate vessel heat, your 2nd heated phase by totally melting the kokum butter then add remainder of the 2nd heated phase and continue to heat until melted. Combine both heated phases mix well and remove from the heat. If you find the 1st heated phase needs more moisture, multiply the Cocamidopropyl betaine by up to 3 times. It may take your final bar longer to harden.
Mix in your cool down phase. If adding color, this is the time.
Allow to cool to 80 Degrees Celsius or less and mix in the Optiphen Plus, and scent, color (judge this and use sparingly) if using and combine.
Press tightly into your mold and allow to firm up. (Not a smooth batter so beware) Your mold can be placed in the freezer for a couple of hours. No need to cure or cover. Can be used after 24 hours. Lather the bar in your hands at first, add to your wet hair and then use the bar directly on your hair for more lather.
Are your percentages given based on weight, or volume? Would appreciate this so much more if weight were included. If you’ve been a maker for 20 years than you know that formulas should always be by weight in order to assure consistent results. SCI comes in a lot of different forms from needles to powder. The weight of 5.5 tablespoons is gonna vary a lot depending on which you are using, throwing your percentages way off. Otherwise, looks nice!
Sorry I did not catch your message until now. % are based on weight
I made mine with only two surfactants, cocamidopropyl betaine and SCI and because I have oily hair I use BTMS 25. I found it works beautifully for my very long, fine hair. The lather is creamy and cleans beautifully. I did order some SLSA and will definitely try it in my next Syndet bar. Thank you so much for the complimentary Spirulina powder, I’m going to include that in my syndet bar too!
Thanks for your kind words, Naomi.