I have got some information from two books, you can see it in references:
Saponification in herbal creams can lead to unwanted changes in texture, stability, and efficacy. To prevent this, careful selection of ingredients and proper formulation techniques are essential. Below are detailed steps and considerations to prevent saponification and successfully create a vanishing cream with herbal extracts.
Key Steps to Prevent Saponification
Choose the Right Emulsifiers:Use non-soap emulsifiers to stabilize the emulsion. Avoid using alkaline emulsifiers that can react with fatty acids to form soap. Examples include glyceryl stearate, cetyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol (Rähse, 2019).
Maintain Optimal pH:Formulate the cream at a slightly acidic pH (4.5-5.5) to prevent alkaline conditions that favor saponification. Use pH buffers like citric acid/citrate systems to stabilize the pH (Rähse, 2019).
Incorporate Antioxidants:Add antioxidants to prevent the oxidation of oils, which can lead to the formation of free fatty acids that might react with alkali. Common antioxidants include tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbyl palmitate (vitamin C), and alpha-lipoic acid (Rähse, 2019).
Select Stable Oils and Butters:Use oils and butters that are less prone to oxidation and rancidity, such as jojoba oil, shea butter, and fractionated coconut oil. Avoid oils with high levels of unsaturated fats that can easily oxidize (Rähse, 2019).
Use Airless Packaging:Store the cream in airless dispensers to minimize contact with air, reducing the risk of oxidation and microbial growth (Rähse, 2019).
Formulating Vanishing Cream with Herbal Extracts
Base Ingredients: Water Phase:Distilled water or herbal infusions (e.g., chamomile or green tea). Humectants like glycerin or propylene glycol to retain moisture. Oil Phase:Emollients like cetyl alcohol, stearic acid. Stable oils like jojoba oil or shea butter. Emulsifiers such as glyceryl stearate or cetearyl alcohol.
Active Herbal Extracts:Aloe vera extract for its soothing and moisturizing properties. Green tea extract for its antioxidant benefits. Calendula extract for anti-inflammatory effects.
Procedure: Phase A (Water Phase):Combine water, glycerin, and any water-soluble extracts. Heat to 70-75°C. Phase B (Oil Phase):Combine oils, butters, and emulsifiers. Heat to 70-75°C until fully melted. Emulsification:Slowly add Phase B to Phase A while continuously stirring. Homogenize the mixture until a stable emulsion forms. Cool Down Phase:Allow the mixture to cool to below 40°C. Add heat-sensitive ingredients like essential oils, preservatives, and any additional extracts. Adjust the pH to 5-5.5 if necessary.
Preservatives and Final Adjustments:Use preservatives suitable for natural products, such as phenoxyethanol or potassium sorbate, to prevent microbial growth (Rähse, 2019). Ensure the final product has a smooth texture and a pleasant feel on the skin.
Conclusion
By carefully selecting ingredients and maintaining optimal formulation conditions, you can prevent saponification in herbal creams and create a stable, effective vanishing cream. The use of non-soap emulsifiers, pH buffers, antioxidants, and airless packaging are critical in achieving this goal.
References
Rähse, W. (2019). Cosmetic Creams: Development, Manufacture, and Marketing of Effective Skin Care Products. Wiley.
Tadros, T. F. (2018). Formulation Science and Technology Volume 3: Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic and Personal Care Formulations. De Gruyter.