Shikakai powder contains organic acids (a mildly acidic extract) that provide gentle cleansing and help reduce surface oiliness. It disperses well in dry blends and can be boiled/soaked in Aqua or glycols to create a gentle, plant-based cleansing phase suitable for gels and liquid washes. Use in moderation to manage its natural color/odor.

Benefits:

●      Gentle, plant-derived cleansing (saponin activity)

●      Helps reduce oiliness and surface residues

●      Low-residue, comfortable after-rinse feel

●      Supports foam/creaminess when combined with other surfactants

●      Biodegradable and plant-sourced

●      Works as a powder or as an aqueous/glycolic extract

How to use:

●      Powder formats (masks/cleansing grains/scalp powder): blend dry with clays; wet at use with Aqua or a hydrosol until a smooth paste forms.

●      Aqueous extract (boil/soak): boil the powder in Aqua for 10–20 minutes, cool, fine-filter, then preserve; use as the cleansing phase in gels or liquid washes.

●      Surfactant systems: combine the extract with mild amphoteric/anionic surfactants to improve foam/viscosity; adjust salt/polymer as needed.

●      Safety: patch test for sensitive skin.

Recommended usage levels in skincare:

●      Powder cleansers/cleansing grains/face masks: 5–30%

●      Scalp powder/shampoo: 5–25%

●      Aqueous/glycolic extract in gels/toners: 2–10% (as final extract percentage; depends on strength)

●      Liquid facial/body washes (using the extract): 2–8% (as extract percentage within the aqueous phase)

Solubility:

●      Insoluble as a raw powder in oils and Aqua; dispersible as a powder

●      Saponins are extractable in hot Aqua (also in glycols or a light hydroalcoholic mixture); filter to remove particulates

Applications:

●      Facial cleansers and clay/powder masks

●      Scalp-cleansing powders and shampoos

●      Mild gel and liquid facial/body washes based on botanical extract

●      Cleansing gels and makeup-remover bases (with auxiliary surfactants)

●      Scrubs seeking gentle cleansing support

Storage:
 Keep tightly closed, protected from light and moisture, at a moderate temperature (below 25 °C).