Family Gentle Syndet Shampoo Bar

Batch Size: 1000g (makes 20 bars at 50g each)
Bar Size: 2" × 2" rounds
Ages: 2+ years, all hair types
Duration: 40-60 showers per 50g bar; two-bar case lasts 2-3 months per person
Target pH: 5.1-5.4

Ingredients by Weight (1000g batch)

• SCI — 47% = 470 g

• CAPB — 16% = 160 g

• Cetearyl alcohol — 10% = 100 g

• BTMS-50 — 6% = 60 g

• Glycerin — 4% = 40 g

• Cetyl alcohol — 3% = 30 g

• Panthenol (B5) — 2% = 20 g

• Sodium citrate — 1% = 10 g

• Neodefend — 0.9% = 9 g

• Distilled water (processing) — 12.1% = 121 g

Optional curl/long-hair version only: 

• PQ-10 0.2–0.3% (2–3 g) taken out of the water amount.

Target temps

• Melt/working phase: 160–170°F (71–77°C)

• Add heat-sensitive ingredients (panthenol, Neodefend): ≤105°F (≤40°C)

Steps

1. Prep

• Mask recommended (SCI dust).

• Set up a double boiler or low heat pot.

2. Melt structuring phase (160–170°F)

• Add: cetearyl alcohol + cetyl alcohol + BTMS-50

• Heat until fully melted and clear.

3. Add liquids

• Add CAPB + glycerin + distilled water.

• Stir smooth; keep around 160°F.

4. Add SCI gradually

• Add SCI in 3–5 additions while mixing.

• Mix until it becomes a uniform dough/paste (no dry SCI pockets).

• Keep mass 150–170°F (warm dough presses best).

5. Add sodium citrate

• Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.

6. Cool-down

• Remove from heat.

• Let mass drop to ≤105°F.

7. Add cool-down ingredients

• Add panthenol, mix well.

• Add Neodefend, mix very well.

• Add citric acid solution at cool-down to adjust pH

8. Mold

• Press firmly into molds (avoid air gaps).

• Smooth tops.

9. Set + dry

• Set 24–48 hrs, unmold.

• Air dry 5–7 days before use/sale (longer = harder bar).

Playing with Percentages:

Cleansing System

• SCI (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate): 470g (47%)

• CAPB (Cocamidopropyl Betaine): 160g (16%)

Structure & Conditioning

• Cetearyl Alcohol: 100g (10%)

• Cetyl Alcohol (optional, for extra luxury): 30g (3%)

• BTMS-50: 60g (6%)

Support Ingredients

• Glycerin: 40g (4%)

• Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): 20g (2%)

• Sodium Citrate: 10g (1%)

Optional (for curls/long hair)

• Polyquaternium-10: 2.4g (0.24%)

Water & Preservation

• Distilled Water: 48g (4.8%)

• Preservative (Leucidal SF or equivalent): 10g (1%)

pH Adjustment

• Citric Acid Solution (50%): q.s. to pH 5.1-5.4

Instructions

1. Heat water phase: Heat distilled water to approximately 160-170°F (71-77°C).

2. Melt fatty alcohols: In separate container, melt cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol (if using), and BTMS-50 together.

3. Combine SCI and CAPB: Add SCI powder to melted fatty alcohols. Stir thoroughly. Add CAPB and mix well.

4. Add water phase: Slowly add hot water to the mixture. Stir constantly to create a thick paste.

5. Add support ingredients: Mix in glycerin, panthenol, sodium citrate, and polyquaternium-10 (if using).

6. Cool and preserve: Allow mixture to cool to approximately 120°F (49°C). Add preservative.

7. Adjust pH: Test pH. Add citric acid solution drop by drop until pH reaches 5.1-5.4.

8. Mold: Press firmly into 2" round molds while still warm and pliable.

9. Set: Allow to set for 24-48 hours. Unmold and allow to air dry for an additional week for best texture.

Notes

• Hard water safe: Sodium citrate at 1% helps prevent mineral buildup

• Low-sting formula: Gentle enough for kids' eyes

• Curly hair option: Add polyquaternium-10 for extra slip

• Cetyl alcohol: Optional ingredient adds luxury feel; safe for all ages but not necessary for children

• Store in silicone travel case; use rotation system (one bar in use, one drying)

Troubleshooting

• Too crumbly: Add more water next batch (up to 60g total)

• Too soft: Reduce water or increase cetearyl alcohol

• Doesn't lather well: Check water hardness; may need to increase sodium citrate to 1.5%