Syndet Shampoo Bar Recipe
Tired of using shampoos filled with ingredients you can’t pronounce or don’t trust? Making your own syndet shampoo bar gives you complete control over what goes into your hair care routine. From choosing gentle surfactants to adding nourishing proteins and plant-based oils, crafting a shampoo bar at home allows you to tailor every ingredient to suit your hair’s unique needs. Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to a personalized, eco-friendly solution that cleanses your hair while keeping it healthy and vibrant.Syndet bars, short for "synthetic detergent bars," are formulated with surfactants that cleanse effectively without the high pH of traditional soap bars. This makes them perfect for hair care, as they maintain the scalp’s natural balance while removing dirt and grease. Plus, their compact and solid form means they’re travel-friendly and require no plastic packaging.In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating your own syndet shampoo bar at home, complete with tips on selecting ingredients, adjusting the pH, and customizing the formula to suit your hair type. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or simply want a more sustainable hair care option, this step-by-step tutorial will empower you to craft a salon-quality shampoo bar that’s as unique as you are.
Servings: 2 bars
Cost: $5
Equipment
- Scale
Ingredients
Heat Phase
- 137 grams | 38.5% Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)
- 21 grams | 16.5% Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSa)
- 18 grams | 9% Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- 4 grams | 2% Cetyl Alcohol
- 4 grams | 2% Cocoa Butter
- 7 grams | 3.5% Sodium Lactate
Cool Down Phase
- 2 grams | 1% Hydrolyzed Keratin
- 2 grams | 1% Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein
- 1 gram | 0.5% Germall Plus
- 4 grams | 2% Persephone's Kiss Fragrance Oil
Instructions
- In a crock pot combine SCI, SLSa, and Cocamidopropyl Betaine. These powders can become airborne, so wear a mask during this step.
- Put the lid on the crock pot and turn it onto high heat setting. Allow this to heat up the surfactants, mixing periodically.
- After the surfactants are melted place Cocoa Butter and Cetyl Alcohol into the crock pot with the surfactants. We are going to allow this to continue to heat up until fully melted, stirring frequently.
- Incorporate Sodium Lactate and stir until fully mixed.
- Check the pH of the mixture using test strips or a meter. Adjust as needed to achieve a range of 4-5.5 by adding a small amount of citric acid solution.
- Let the mixture cool slightly before adding heat-sensitive ingredients like Germall Plus, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, and Fragrance Oil. Mix thoroughly but gently.
- Scoop the mixture into silicone molds and press firmly to eliminate air pockets. Let the bars sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours until fully hardened.
- Remove the bars from the molds and store them in a dry, cool place. They’re now ready to use!