Awareness of using safe and non-toxic ingredients in beauty products continues to grow. As a result, the demand for natural, gentle, and low-irritation beauty products is increasing rapidly. This creates a unique challenge for formulators, because besides ingredient selection, product appearance also becomes a crucial parameter.
Introducing Supersurf AMIX 40, an amino acid-based surfactant with excellent transparency even at low pH conditions (pH 5).Read more to discover the advantages of this surfactant for clean and sustainable beauty formulations.
The “Clean Beauty” Trend in the Beauty Industry
“Clean Beauty” is a term commonly used for beauty products that do not contain ingredients considered harmful or potentially toxic to human health. In other words, clean beauty products focus on safe and non-toxic ingredients. Since 2018, this trend has continued gaining momentum as consumers increasingly prefer products that are gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. According to data from Statista, the global clean beauty market value is expected to continue growing and reach USD 15.3 billion by 2028.
(Figure 1. Global Clean Beauty Market Value Trend 2021–2028 | Source: Statista.com)
Challenges in Clean Beauty Formulations
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), one of the most widely used surfactants in personal care products, is gradually being replaced due to concerns over dryness and irritation on sensitive skin. As part of the clean beauty movement, many formulations are shifting from SLES to milder surfactants, especially amino acid-based surfactants. Over the past decade, this transition has continued to expand as consumer awareness of skin health increases.
However, amino acid-based surfactants still present several formulation challenges:
- Poor transparency at low pH (acidic conditions around pH 5)
- Difficulty controlling product viscosity
- Lower foam performance, especially at low pH conditions
Supersurf AMIX 40: The Solution for Transparent Low-pH Formulations
Supersurf AMIX 40 is an amino acid surfactant blend consisting of sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium cocoyl alaninate, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine with specially designed surfactant system delivers excellent in viscosity, transparency, and foaming performance even in low-pH formulations (pH 5), while remaining gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.
Table 1. Characteristics of Supersurf AMIX 40
Parameter | Description |
Appearance, 25°C | Viscous, yellowish liquid |
pH (25°C) | 8.0 – 10.00 |
Total Solids Content, % | ≥ 35.00 |
Viscosity (Spindle 3, 30 rpm, 25°C), cPs | > 2000 |
Advantages of Supersurf AMIX 40
1. Performance
- Dense and creamy foam
- Gentle cleansing performance
- Soft skin feel after use
2. Safety
- Gentle on skin
- Sulfate-free
- EWG Green compliant
3. Ease of Formulation
- Fast and hassle-free application
- Can be added without heating process
- Excellent transparency at low pH (pH 5)
- Mild and comfortable on skin at pH 5.0–5.5
Picture 2. Illustration of Transparent Liquid Soap Formulation
Panel Test Results of Supersurf AMIX 40
A panel test was conducted on 20 participants aged 20–40 years old using a formulation containing 50% Supersurf AMIX 40 and a comparison formula containing SLES + CAB. The panel test results showed improved user experience and gentler skin feel with Supersurf AMIX 40 formulations.
Picture 3. Supersurf AMIX 40 Compared to Other Surfactant Blends
Picture 4. Sensory Characteristics of Supersurf AMIX 40 Compared to Other Surfactant Blends
Recommended Applications of Supersurf AMIX 40
With its amino acid-based surfactant blend, Supersurf AMIX 40 can be used as a single surfactant system in skincare and haircare formulations. Recommended dosage:
- 30–40% for body wash applications
- 40–50% for shampoo applications
Formulation Recommendations Using Supersurf AMIX 40:
- Mix the desired concentration of Supersurf AMIX 40 into water
- Add active ingredients or conditioning agents and stir evenly before adding fragrance and preservatives
- Adjust pH using citric acid to achieve a low-pH cleansing formulation
Skincare Ingredient Supplier in Indonesia
Maha is the official supplier of Supersurf AMIX 40 from ECOORI in Indonesia. In addition, PT. Maha also provides raw materials for skincare, haircare, and homecare formulations. Consult your formulation needs and technical challenges with our experienced technical team. Contact us today for more information and request FREE sample!