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Rosemary Shampoo

This made about 8 ounces.

Materials

Water Phase

  • 1/2 cup distilled water
  • 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
  • 3/4 teaspoon panthenol
  • 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum

Surfactant Phase

  • 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon decyl glucoside
  • 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons cocamidopropyl betaine
  • 2 teaspoons coco glucoside

Conditioning Phase

  • 1 tablespoon BTMS-50
  • 2 teaspoons cetyl alcohol

Cool Down Phase

  • Preservative of choice follow directions on yours for correct amount
  • 58 drops rosemary essential oil about 1/3 teaspoon

Instructions

  • In a heat-safe container, combine the vegetable glycerin, and xanthan gum. Once combined, add in the distilled water and panthenol.
  • In a separate heat-safe container, combine the BTMS-50 and cetyl alcohol.
  • Heat both phases using a double boiler until the conditioning phase is fully melted and both phases are around the same temperature (about 160-170°F).
  • Pour the conditioning phase into the water phase and mix well until smooth. You can use short bursts of an immersion blender in this step.
  • Gently stir in the decyl glucoside, cocamidopropyl betaine, and coco glucoside, mixing slowly to avoid excess bubbles. Do NOT use the immersion blender here, only a stick and go slowly.
  • Allow the mixture to cool below 100°F.
  • Stir in the preservative and essential oils. Wait 5 minutes.
  • Test and adjust the pH to around 4.5-5.5 using a diluted citric acid solution if needed.
  • Pour into bottles and allow the shampoo to fully thicken for 24 hours before use.

Notes

  • This formula creates a gentle, conditioning cleanser that works well for dry, damaged, or easily tangled hair.
  • Store in a cool, dry place.
  • Because this contains water, a preservative is necessary or it will not last.
  • To lower the pH, make a simple citric acid solution by mixing 1 teaspoon citric acid with 9 teaspoons distilled water. Add a few drops at a time after the shampoo has cooled, stirring well and re-testing the pH between additions until the shampoo reaches a pH of about 4.5-5.5.