Silk Hair Conditioner

Mixture Instructions

Fragrance Compatibility & Testing Guide – Conditioner Bases

For Professional Use by Wholesale Customers

Hair conditioner bases can respond differently to various fragrances or essential oils. Some may become thicker, thinner, or separate over time, while others remain stable. These reactions depend on the types of oils, emulsifiers, and stabilizers present in both the base and the fragrance. Fragrance suppliers are not required to disclose all components in their blends due to proprietary rights. However, ingredients such as butylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, carrier oils, hexane, or other solvents can impact viscosity, stability, and appearance.

1. Common Reactions & Solutions
2. 1. Separation or “Oil Layer” on Top
   2. 1. Cause: The fragrance or essential oil is not fully blending with the conditioner base.
      2. Solution: Choose a fragrance that is known to be conditioner-compatible or reduce the percentage used.
   3. Conditioner Becomes Too Thick
   4. 1. Cause: The fragrance reacts with emulsifiers, increasing viscosity.
      2. Solution: Allow the mixture to sit overnight. If still too thick, add a small amount of distilled or deionized water to thin slightly.
      3. Important: If water is added, a preservative must be included to prevent microbial growth.
   5. Conditioner Becomes Too Thin
   6. 1. Cause: The fragrance disrupts the emulsion or thins the base.
      2. Solution: Reduce the fragrance percentage.
3. Before You Begin Testing
4. 1. Disinfect all utensils, containers, and equipment before contact with the product.
   2. Use a mist of rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol from a spray bottle as the preferred method of disinfection.
   3. This method avoids potential residue that could irritate skin or interact with ingredients.
5. Tools & Materials
6. 1. Mixing container
   2. Scale (preferred) or graduated measuring cup
   3. Spoons or silicone spatulas
   4. Plastic zip-lock or piping bags (for filling bottles)
   5. Fragrance or essential oils
   6. Colour (optional)
7. Testing Steps
8. 1. Measure Base
   2. 1. Place the mixing container on a scale and “zero” the reading.
      2. If no scale is available, use a graduated measuring cup.
      3. Recommended test size: 240 ml (8 oz) for ease of handling and observation.
   3. Add Fragrance or Essential Oil
   4. 1. Start with 0.5–1% of total product weight.
      2. Even a small amount can react with other ingredients, so starting low helps minimize irritation risk and product instability.
      3. Observe any immediate changes in texture or stability.
   5. Optional – Add Colour
   6. 1. Only if the conditioner remains stable after fragrance testing.
   7. Rest Period
   8. 1. Allow the mixture to sit overnight to confirm stability before making adjustments.
   9. Adjust if Needed
   10. 1. Too thick → Add distilled/deionized water in ½–1 tsp increment and add preservative.
       2. Too thin → Reduce fragrance percentage or reformulate with a compatible thickener during the heated phase.
   11. Package Product
   12. 1. Use a piping bag or zip-lock bag with a small corner cut for clean filling.
       2. Alternatively, spoon or pour directly if the mixture is fluid enough.