Product development with ICHTHYOL® PALE –
what to consider

Generally, ICHTHYOL® PALE offers versatile formulation possibilities in a wide range of concentration (0.5 – 5 % recommended). However, some properties of this raw material have to be considered in order to get to the desired formulation result.

• ICHTHYOL® PALE is a sulfonate salt of a volatile, highly sulphuric shale oil fraction in watery solution. It is not an oil. The symbolized formula can be indicated by R-SO3Na (R = organic part of phytoplanktonic origin).
• As a sulfonate salt ICHTHYOL® PALE has properties of a surfactant (lipophilic (R) and hydrophilic constituent (SO3Na) in the molecule) and, therefore, is surface-active.
• Generally, hydrophilic creams are favoured compared to those with lipophilic character.
• Miscibility with oils without emulsifier in general is not possible. However, solubility of ICHTHYOL® PALE in water, glycerine or alcohol/water mixtures normally is problem-free.
• In solutions a precipitate can appear on addition of additional salts. Cations of higher valency as well as salting out have to be avoided.
• ICHTHYOL® PALE is stable in a wide range of pH. Only strong acids cause precipitations.
• ICHTHYOL® PALE has anti-microbial properties. Application of preservatives has to be tested.
• In well-closed, well-filled containers ICHTHYOL® PALE has a shelf-life of at least 48 months when stored according to requirements.

In hair care ICHTHYOL® PALE is established in rinse-off as well as leave-on applications as e.g. shampoos, conditioners or hair lotions. For skin care clarifying creams, cleansing milks or alcoholic-watery solutions are suggested.