Formula Girls

Megan, Molly and Christine dive into this minimal, eco-conscious conditioner bar featuring Cola®Lac SLB. Molly explains how this solid-format bar delivers rich conditioning and smooth comb-through without excess packaging or water. Christine shares her firsthand experience testing the bar and loving the results!

Megan and Molly discuss this sulfate-free waterless shampoo for quick cleanups and on-the-go touchups for your favorite pet. Molly discusses this biobased, dense-foaming shampoo that works in both pump-foamer and spray bottle. Includes some conditioning and anti-microbial properties. Megan has field-tested this formulation on her dog, Chata with excellent results!

Megan, Molly, Christine and Jim the Producer celebrate 100 podcasts together by reminiscing their favorite formulations, putting some general formulating questions before Molly and thinking back about how this all started. This is a special extended version that offers some interesting details about how formulating works in a chemical company R&D lab.

Megan and Molly talk about this gentle, plant-based pet conditioner formulation that is simply prepared with a combination of nourishing coconut oil and a ready-to-use conditioner concentrate, Cola®Lac SLB (https://colonialchem.com/products/colalac-slb/) . Megan talks about how shiny the conditioner left her dog's coat and that she wants to try it on her cat - who used to enjoy water but has be...

Molly and Megan talk about this high-biobased sudsy pet shampoo made from plant-based ingredients and specially designed with mildness in mind. pH balanced for your pet's skin, this cold-mix formulation builds a rich lather to clean a variety of coats. This formulation was field-tested at a local animal shelter (see our website (https://colonialchem.com/formulations/natural-pet-shampoo/) for mo...

Molly and Megan talk about Colonial's very own Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse (https://colonialchem.com/formulations/apple-cider-vinegar-rinse/) formulation that cleanses and conditions without stripping away natural oils. Megan talks about her own very personal experience with this product and Molly does a deep dive into how it all comes together. *Spoiler* Listen to the end to hear about what kind...

Molly and Megan talk curls! And how to hydrate and strengthen curls without weighing them down by using this new palm-free, deep-conditioning hair mask. Molly goes deep to discuss how Colonial's products smooth and detangle, improve the feel and gloss, and reduce breakage. Megan (and other users) testifies it works for her! Formulation #1066 here. (https://colonialchem.com/formulations/curl-rep...

Molly and Megan talk about making a sulfate-free dry tooth powder with Suga®Nate 160 Dry for cleansing with exceptionally low irritation potential and neutral flavor profile. Molly includes a lot of useful information about typical foaming, the procedure for including flavor and safety testing that's been done with the dry surfactant. Megan describes her experience using a tooth powder for the ...

Molly and Megan describe this plant-based, purifying shampoo designed to free hair of built-up product residue and pollutants without over-drying. Non-irritating ingredients build a rich lather that effectively removes impurities. Molly goes into useful detail about building a foaming, viscous formula with sulfate-free properties. Megan talks about good hair days that follow purifying shampoo w...

Molly and Megan talk about an easy-to-process pearled body wash that highlights safe, plant-based ingredients and effectively removes dirt, sweat, and excess oil without the use of harsh sulfates. Molly passes along some very helpful tips of formulating with these liquid blends including building viscosity and adding additional ingredients for a customized finished product. Features Suga®Det LS...

Molly and Megan discuss this sulfate-free toothpaste featuring Suga®Nate 160NC (https://colonialchem.com/products/suganate-160nc/) for cleansing, foaming, low irritation and neutral flavor. Molly gives a deep dive into how these tested ingredients work together to produce a pleasing, next-generation toothpaste.

Megan and Molly discuss how a little can go a long way and help reduce plastic along the way too. This formulation features plant-based, sulfate-free ingredients and is easily made with a cold process. Molly talks solids and ways to avoid bringing in water - helping to make this shampoo even more concentrated - and still keep typical viscosity for a shampoo.

Molly and Megan talk about this no-salt-added, foamy shampoo formulation that's been carbon tested at 90%! Using Cola®Det COCO (https://colonialchem.com/products/coladet-coco/) and Poly Suga®Quat TM8610P (https://colonialchem.com/products/poly-sugaquat-tm-8610p/) , it provides rich lather with light conditioning. Molly describes how hemp-based Cola®Teric HBS (https://colonialchem.com/products/c...

Megan and Molly discuss this highly biobased face wash, designed with gentle, non-drying ingredients and easily made with a cold process. Both agree this formulation has a great fragrance and doesn't leave you tight-skinned. Features ultra-mild sulfate-free Suga®Citrate L1C (https://colonialchem.com/products/sugacitrate-l1c/) , foam-boosting Suga®Det LSDG (https://colonialchem.com/products/suga...

Molly and Christine discuss this two-phase conditioner that's loaded up with nourishing oils, a palm-free conditioning aid and Quaternium-80 for silky locks and enhanced shine. Doesn't weigh down hair or make it greasy and features an all-new nature-scented fragrance!  Also great for coarser or curly hair.

Molly and Christine talk about this plant-based balm that features detoxifying kaolin clay and moisturizing butters to melt away makeup, dirt, sunscreen, and anything else when you're feeling lazy. This oil-based alternative cleanser comes as a solid and doesn't strip the skin.

Christine and Molly talk about this detoxifying black lava sea salt and fresh sugar scrub using low-irritation, sulfate-free ingredients. The formulation creates a foamy lather that allows for an easy, clean rinse-off. Molly and Christine discuss personal dislikes for scrub applicators.

Molly and Christine set aside the bottle and head to the bar to talk about this quat-free, eco-conscious conditioner that leaves hair soft, bouncy and doesn't "glob up" like others. Features palm-free ingredients and doesn't require a bottle. Molly personally recommends this bar from frequent use.

Molly and Christine discuss a new mask formulation that comes in powdered form, mixed easily and water and creates a mild foam when rinsed off. This episode also is featured here in video on YouTube (https://youtu.be/pVEohnxnOws) .

Christine and Molly talk about a highly-concentrated hand wash formulated with ultra-mild, plant-based ingredients for use in refillable bottles, allowing for reduced plastic waste. Christine recites the longest INCI list in the history of podcasts and Molly gives a hint about more formulations to come!

Molly and Christine talk about this PEG-Free, Sulfate-Free foaming oil face wash that transforms into a creamy milk with water. Gentle foam lifts away dirt without stripping skin and leaves it silky smooth. Molly discusses how oil cleaners use "like dissolves like" and Christine throws in a great suggestion for use.

Christine and Molly talk about this sulfate-free AHA facial cleanser that gently removes dead skin without harsh abrasives. Molly discusses the higher biobased content in this cold-mix formulation that foams, thickens easily and is ready-to-go in a pump bottle.

Christine and Molly talk about an indulgent, bubbly bath bar that's more than just a fizzy color show. Sulfate-free surfactants used to make foam along with the inclusion of both Epsom and Himalayan Pink Salt - and doesn't leave a slick oily ring around the tub! 

Christine and Molly discuss a calming lavender face wash made with safe, mild, and effective ingredients to give you a clean slate. Featured ingredients include Cola®Det EQ-18 (https://colonialchem.com/products/coladet-eq-18/) and Cola®Teric OAB (https://colonialchem.com/products/colateric-oab/) for a sulfate-free, economical cold-mix formulation. Molly goes into detail about how fragrances can...

Molly and Christine talk about getting rid of unwanted odor in hair (both human and pet) with this formulation featuring a gentle, creamy lather. This is not a formulation packed with fragrances to mask any malodors - it features Soyethyl Morpholinium Ethosulfate (https://colonialchem.com/products/colaquat-sme/) to neutralize specific organic molecules and remove bad smells. Podcast mascot Chie...

Christine and Molly discuss a new sulfate-free formulation that brings back an older product for boosting viscosity response in an easy, cold-mix process.  Includes Cola®Moist 200 (https://colonialchem.com/products/colamoist-200/) for long-lasting moisturization and ultra-mild ingredients that refresh the skin. Clear grapefruit-scented body wash for everyday use with a nice after-feel.

Molly and Christine discuss all the benefits of this detoxifying black lava sea salt and fresh sugar granule scalp scrub for soothing skin, nourishing roots and promoting healthy hair growth. Molly explains why she utilizes dry ingredients, the importance of Colonial Monolaurin MB in the formulation, and options formulators have for using RSPO-approved materials. Christine gives some applicatio...

Molly and Christine talk about the latest sulfate-free body gel that leaves skin clean, hydrated, and lightly scented with a fresh invigorating citrus aroma. Features ultra-mild Suga®Citrate L1C, and Cola®Teric CHGL and Cola®Teric CBS combine for a rich foamy lather to effectively clean the skin without the use of harsh sulfates. Cola®Moist 200 provides continuous hydration even after washing off.

Christine and Molly discuss this easy-to-assemble blend-based economy-priced shampoo that features DEA-free ingredients for both cleansing and conditioning. Uses high-foaming surfactant blends that go together quickly.  Molly details how the conditioning works on the hair using the higher molecular weight cationic guar. Pearled appearance!

Molly and Christine talk about this all-new sulfate-free daily face wash designed with safe, mild ingredients. Featured products include plant-based ingredients to create a gentle lather that effectively lifts away dirt and oils. Also featured are skin-conditioning and moisture-locking products to leave skin feeling healthy, not tight or dry.  Molly describes her successful field test in Arizon...

Molly and Christine jump into a brand new product, Suga®Citrate L1C (https://www.colonialchem.com/sugacitrate-l1c/) , with this all-new formulation that offers safe, mild, plant-based ingredients to create a gentle, sulfate-free, silicone-free shampoo that effectively washes away dirt and oils.  Molly explains coacervation and what Zein score means. Christine and Molly try their hands at drum r...

Molly and Christine talk about men - namely their beards - and this useful, carefully crafted sulfate and betaine-free formulation that's tough on coarse facial hair but gentle on the skin underneath. The formulation features a combination of several popular and effective surfactants mild enough for daily use. Both ponder the not-too-fruity fragrance of "Artistic Man."  Formulation here (https:...

Molly and Christine talk about cushiony, pillowy, soft, dense foam in this simple but effective formulation for hand wash in a foamer. Mild, high-foaming surfactants allow for frequent hand washes without excessive dryness. Molly mentions that antibacterial quats can be added for an active ingredient claim.

Christine and Molly talk about a foaming cream cleanser that's easy to formulate in a cold-mix process.  Features eco-friendly ingredients for mild cleansing and a luxurious pearled appearance that won't require a lot of salt to build viscosity.

Molly and Christine talk about this 100% plant-based cleanser that generates a gentle but dense lather that lifts dirt and oil without irritation. It incorporates several surfactants and essential oils of your choice, all building on 100% plant-based ingredients. Molly talks about viscosity building tricks, and both make use of canny hand gestures to describe packaging.

Molly and Christine talk about this very mild daily facial cleanser that won't hurt your skin and leaves skin feeling hydrated. Sulfate-free formulation with two favorite ingredients, easy to put together, cold-mixable. Molly talks about how to get more viscosity if needed, and how ColaMoist 200 (https://www.colonialchem.com/colamoist-200/) gives long-lasting moisturization.  

Christine and Molly talk about a natural sunscreen utilizing physical blockers, 100% natural moisturizing, non-whitening and features broad UVA and UVB protection. Best of all, it just feels good on the skin so sun lovers are likely to use it more often. Environmentally safe and easy to put together.

Molly and Christine talk about body odor - getting rid of it - with an all-natural deodorant featuring Colonial Monolaurin MB (https://www.colonialchem.com/colonial-monolaurin-mb/) for long-lasting odor protection and Cola®Mulse 3GO (https://www.colonialchem.com/colamulse-3go/) for a creamy formula that glides on smooth and soothes sensitive underarms. In addition to powerful performance, this ...

Molly and Christine throw some love on Suga®Nate 100NC (https://www.colonialchem.com/suganate-100nc/) , talk about suspending jojoba beads, what aloe vera brings to the mix and many ways to customize this sulfate-free formulation into what you want. 

Molly and Christine talk about an all-new product, Cola®Det COCO (https://www.colonialchem.com/coladet-coco/) , a ready-to-use blend that provides high foam with a creamy lather. Molly talks about consumer hesitation to work with sulfates, although this one is less drying and milder - and she really likes the feel of it.

Molly and Christine talk about this very basic conditioner that features a product that Molly prefers, Colonial S18TP (https://www.colonialchem.com/colonial-s18tp/) , a vegetable-derived ingredient. This is a starting formulation that gives anyone an opportunity to build an effective, cost-efficient hair conditioner like you'd find on shelves everywhere. 

Christine and Molly interview John Baxter about an easy, high-performance and very green cleaning formulation featuring Suga®Boost 050 (https://www.colonialchem.com/sugaboost-050/) . It's gentle enough for skin but powerful enough for removing food soils and other proteins. John describes how it goes together, some ideas about thickeners and where it works well.

Molly and Christine discuss this easy, cold-process formulation that leaves hands moist and nourished, especially after a hard day of frequent hand washing and disinfecting. Features a pearled finish and light fragrance.

Molly and Christine talk about a great moisturizer formulation that works great as a lightweight body lotion in the summer months or as a face cream year-round. Molly describes the small oil phase that's great for glide and skin feel and options to make the formulation even more natural. Christine reiterates her aversion to lotions.

Christine and Molly talk about a leave-on conditioner for dogs that doesn't require water - simply apply to coat and comb through.  Great in direct spray or mousse form, excellent on sensitive skin as well as the coat. pH balanced for dogs, nourishes and moisturizes your dog’s coat and skin between washes. Note: No animal testing was used during development - Chief is NOT just a dog. Link to Fo...

Molly and Christine discuss what can be used for antimicrobial claims, how to develop a hand soap formulation that doesn't dry your skin with excessive washing and the benefits of using Cola®Liquid SCMPA (https://www.colonialchem.com/colaliquid-scmpa/) .  Chief makes a last second entrance. Formulation #4038 here. (https://www.colonialchem.com/fullpanel/uploads/files/4038-antibacterial-foaming-...

Molly and Christine talk about natural hair conditioning, how to get moisture-locking properties in your formulation, how to measure it accurately with a DiaStron and what each of the ingredients brings to the final product.  Also, a tip of another product that may be substituted.

Christine and Molly talk about this very effective yet gentle hand soap formulation that both cleans and soothes the skin. Peach fragrance is added to this low-odor combination, with some options for using unpreserved products for formulator flexibility. Molly discusses tinting possibilities based on her recollection of James and the Giant Peach (https://www.amazon.com/James-Giant-Peach-Roald-D...

Christine and Molly talk about the two emulsifiers combined in this formulation to give it an elegant, silky rub-out with a creamy texture. Molly gives a very in-depth explanation of what HLB means. Formulation includes Cola®Mulse 3GO (https://www.colonialchem.com/colamulse-3go/) , a new product just launched from Colonial.

Molly and Christine talk about saving your hair from blowers in a conditioning and smoothing foam formulation that protects hair against heat and breakage, giving your hair a healthy and shiny look.  Molly talks about cationic things and shea butter claims. Christine offers application advice.