All essays
Process notes, formulation choices, quality checks, and packaging thinking for solid hair-care products.
pH testing gets treated like the ultimate proof that a shampoo bar is “gentle.” I understand why: it’s a clean number, it feels objective, and it’s easy to...
You've heard the advice a hundred times. Spritz with alcohol. Cover your molds. Use a water discount. Keep your workspace draft-free. That advice isn't...
I’ve been making shampoo bars for over twenty years, and I’ve seen trends come and go. But nothing has surprised me more than the rush to shampoo bar refill...
You made the switch to a shampoo bar. You followed every tutorial you could find, rubbed the bar on your hair, lathered up, rinsed thoroughly, and waited...
You’ve seen the marketing: “Zero waste! No plastic! Save the planet!” And sure, shampoo bars are a huge step up from liquid shampoo in bottles. But let’s be...
Sodium lactate, the sodium salt of lactic acid, plays several crucial roles in shampoo bars, from improving their physical properties to enhancing their...
When I formulate a travel shampoo bar, I’m not thinking about making a smaller version of a shower bar. I’m thinking about survival. Travel is where solid...
Beer shampoo bars tend to get explained with the same recycled claims-“shine,” “strength,” “old-school tradition.” In the lab and on the production floor, beer...
Understanding Seborrheic Dermatitis and Shampoo Bars Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition often triggered by an overgrowth of...
A creamy, rich lather in a shampoo bar is the hallmark of a well-balanced recipe. The key lies in understanding which oils create stable, dense foam versus...