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)
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
Heat water phase: Heat distilled water to approximately 160-170°F (71-77°C).
Melt fatty alcohols: In separate container, melt cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol (if using), and BTMS-50 together.
Combine SCI and CAPB: Add SCI powder to melted fatty alcohols. Stir thoroughly. Add CAPB and mix well.
Add water phase: Slowly add hot water to the mixture. Stir constantly to create a thick paste.
Add support ingredients: Mix in glycerin, panthenol, sodium citrate, and polyquaternium-10 (if using).
Cool and preserve: Allow mixture to cool to approximately 120°F (49°C). Add preservative.
Adjust pH: Test pH. Add citric acid solution drop by drop until pH reaches 5.1-5.4.
Mold: Press firmly into 2" round molds while still warm and pliable.
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%