How to Use AccessMINE LP in Your Formulations
Understanding AccessMINE LP
AccessMINE LP is a multi-functional ingredient that can play two important roles in your formula: a gentle cleansing agent (surfactant) and an ingredient that mixes oil and water (emulsifier). Its chemical structure, Lauryl Phosphate, is similar to the natural phospholipids found in the skin barrier. This makes it incredibly mild and biocompatible, so it cleanses and emulsifies without causing irritation.
As a surfactant, it’s the engine behind a gentle cleanser. Unlike harsh sulfates that can strip the skin, AccessMINE LP effectively removes dirt and oil while respecting the skin’s delicate balance. It helps create a dense, creamy foam that feels luxurious and leaves skin feeling soft, not tight or dry.
As an emulsifier, it helps create stable oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions—the basis for most lotions and creams. It forms a protective layer around oil droplets, keeping them evenly dispersed in the water phase. The result is a stable product with a wonderfully smooth, silky texture that glides onto the skin.
Formulation Tips
AccessMINE LP is typically used at 1–5%. Use the lower end of the range (1–3%) when using it as a co-surfactant or as an emulsifier for lotions. Use the higher end (3–5%) when it is the primary cleansing agent in a facial wash.
This ingredient is an acid and must be “activated” through neutralization. First, disperse AccessMINE LP into your water phase (it may look cloudy). Then, slowly add a base—such as Sodium Hydroxide, Triethanolamine (TEA), or Arginine—while stirring until the pH reaches about 6.5–7.0. As pH increases, the solution typically becomes clearer and slightly more viscous, indicating activation. Once neutralized, it will perform effectively as a surfactant or O/W emulsifier.
For emulsions, neutralize in the water phase, then proceed with standard emulsification: heat water and oil phases, combine, and apply high-shear mixing. For cleansers, after neutralization, add other surfactants, humectants, and actives to complete the system.
Key Formulation Benefits:
- Extremely Mild & Gentle: Structure mimics skin lipids for exceptional mildness to skin and eyes—ideal for facial cleansers, baby care, and sensitive skin lines.
- Luxurious Silky Skin Feel: Delivers a distinct smooth, conditioned, and silky after-feel in both rinse-off and leave-on formats.
- Effective O/W Emulsification: Reliably produces stable, elegant oil-in-water emulsions with professional-quality texture and appearance.
- Rich, Creamy Foam: Generates dense, creamy, and gentle foam in cleansers without the need for sulfates.
- Sulfate-Free Solution: Enables high-performing, sulfate-free cleansing systems that meet consumer demand for mild, clean formulations.
- Versatile Multi-Functionality: Acts as a primary surfactant, co-surfactant, and emulsifier to meet multiple performance goals with one ingredient.