Formula Girls

Formula Girls

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This podcast highlights various formulations that have been created in our labs at Colonial Chemical. Hosted by Christine Anderson and Molly McEnery.

Formula Girls


    • Dec 13, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 6m AVG DURATION
    • 101 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Formula Girls

    101: #7010 Waterless Shampoo for Pets (Sulfate-Free)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2023 7:03


    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!

    100: 100th Podcast!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2023 20:10


    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.

    99: #7012 Natural Pet Conditioner

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2023 4:08


    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. 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 become disinclined with being wet.

    98: #7009 Natural Pet Shampoo

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2023 7:48


    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 for more details)!

    97: #1067 Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2023 9:12


    Molly and Megan talk about Colonial's very own 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 of apples are used in this hair rinse!

    96: #1066 Curl Repair Mask

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2023 7:20


    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.

    95: #4054 Brightening Tooth Powder

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2022 9:00


    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 first time and discovers an unusual side benefit to brushing with this formulation.

    94: #1059 Clarifying Shampoo (Sulfate-Free)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2022 8:23


    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 washes. Also good for deep scalp cleansing!

    93: #2080 Pure Pearl Body Wash

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2022 8:10


    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 LSDG and Suga®Det EcoPearl.

    92: #4048 Gentle Toothpaste (Natural Mint Flavored)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2022 7:31


    Molly and Megan discuss this sulfate-free toothpaste featuring Suga®Nate 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.

    91: #1062 4X Concentrated Clear Liquid Shampoo

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2022 7:15


    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.

    90: #1063 90% Biobased Shampoo

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2022 20:24


    Molly and Megan talk about this no-salt-added, foamy shampoo formulation that's been carbon tested at 90%! Using Cola®Det COCO and Poly Suga®Quat TM8610P, it provides rich lather with light conditioning. Molly describes how hemp-based Cola®Teric HBS helps to boost viscosity and Megan talks about her passion for Pomegranate.

    89: #2081 95% Biobased Foaming Face Wash - Sulfate-Free

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2022 7:50


    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, foam-boosting Suga®Det LSDG, and skin-conditioning Cola®Lipid C.

    wash sulfate biobased
    88: #1061 Smooth & Shine Conditioner (Palm-Free)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2021 5:55


    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.

    87: #2078 Detox Cleansing Balm

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2021 6:35


    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.

    86: #4047 Luxurious Full Body Detox Scrub

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2021 7:12


    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.

    85: #1053 Palm-Free Conditioner Bar

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2021 6:24


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

    84: #2076 Powder to Clay to Foaming Mask Formulation

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2021 8:38


    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.

    83: #4046 Gentle Foaming Hand Wash Concentrate

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2021 5:43


    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!

    82: #2075 Foaming Oil Cleanser

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2021 6:20


    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.

    81: #2074 5% AHA Facial Cleanser

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2021 7:15


    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.

    80: #4044 Bubble Bath Bar

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2021 5:11


    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! 

    epsom bubble bath sulfate himalayan pink salt
    79: #2073 Calming Face Wash

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2020 4:54


    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 affect viscosity.

    78: #1057 Deodorizing Shampoo

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2020 6:37


    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 Chief approved!

    77: #2072 Grapefruit Body Wash

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2020 6:26


    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.

    76: #4043 Charcoal Scalp Restoring Scrub

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2020 6:57


    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 application tips.

    75: #2071 Citrus Splash Body Wash

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2020 5:52


    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.

    74: #1025 Economy High Fragrance 2in1 Shampoo

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2020 5:30


    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!

    73: #2070 Clean and Simple Face Wash

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2020 7:35


    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 Arizona. Floria makes a surprise visit.

    72: #1055 Clean & Simple Shampoo

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2020 7:45


    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 rolling.

    71: #4028 Beard Wash Formulation

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2020 5:02


    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://www.colonialchem.com/fullpanel/uploads/files/4028-beard-wash--def-61--la-40--safl-.pdf) .

    70: #4002 Soft N’ Clean Foaming Hand Wash

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2020 5:25


    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.

    69: #2066 Foaming Cream Cleanser

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2020 5:37


    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.

    68: #2069 All-Natural Plant-Based Body Wash (Sulfate-Free)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2020 7:03


    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.

    67: #2051 Daily Facial Cleanser (Sulfate-Free)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2020 5:46


    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.  

    66: #4016 Natural Mineral Sunscreen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2020 4:50


    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.

    65: #4042 Natural Deodorant - Aluminum Free

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2020 5:15


    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 formula is free of aluminum, baking soda, preservatives, and dyes. Molly tried it out herself recently in a warm, indoor setting and wishes more had done the same.

    64: #2030 Exfoliating Jojoba Wash (Sulfate-Free)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2020 5:38


    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. 

    63: #4039 Creamy Coco Hand Wash

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2020 5:11


    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.

    62: #1024 Basic High-Fragrance Conditioner

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2020 4:58


    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. 

    61: #4041 Eco-Friendly Hand & Dishwashing Liquid

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2020 6:02


    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.

    60: #4040 Nourishing Hand Wash

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2020 4:25


    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.

    59: #3005 Weightless Lotion

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2020 4:43


    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.

    58: #7007 Waterless Conditioner for Dogs

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2020 6:01


    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 Formulation #7007 here. (https://www.colonialchem.com/formulations/pet-care/waterless-conditioner-for-dogs/)

    57: #4038 Antibacterial Foaming Hand Soap#

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2020 5:17


    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-hand-soap--lo--scmpa--lipid-c--00002.pdf)

    56: #1004 Moisture Lock Conditioner

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2020 6:17


    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.

    55: #4037 Peaches and Clean Hand Soap (Sulfate and Betaine-Free)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2020 5:40


    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-Dahl/dp/0425287653/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=)  to Christine's intense disapproval.

    54: #3015 Natural Glow Hand & Body Cream

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2020 6:24


    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.

    53: #1031 Wrap N’ Style Conditioning Foam

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2020 4:50


    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.

    52: #2019 Grapefruit Shower Gel

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2020 5:12


    Christine and Molly share birthday wishes while talking about this gentle, naturally-based body wash formulation that leaves skin feeling clean without excessive drying or irritation from harsh sulfates. Includes Molly's favorite ingredient trio plus a fragrance emulsifier. 

    51: #1036 Anti-Pollution Purifying Shampoo - For China!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2020 6:26


    Molly and Christine talk about this purifying shampoo that deeply cleanses to free hair of product and pollutant buildup without over-drying. Molly briefly explains regulatory requirements for China-compliant formulations and what conditioning is needed for more vibrant, healthy-looking hair.  This formulation offers a clean slate with fresh, apple fragrance.

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