Azlok's Pearly Shampoo Base (Ready to Use) is a pre-formulated liquid that lets you make your own shampoo without building a formula from scratch. It already contains the cleansing surfactants, conditioning agents and preservative system, so in most cases you only need to stir in fragrance or essential oils and your shampoo is ready to bottle. It is SLS-free, paraben-free and alcohol-free, with a soft pearly appearance and a mild pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
What is a Pearly Shampoo Base?
A shampoo base is a complete cleansing liquid that manufacturers and hobbyists use as a foundation for finished shampoo. This one is prepared from sugar-based (glucoside) surfactants along with gentle amino-acid derived cleansers like Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine. Together they give rich, stable lather while staying kinder to hair and scalp than harsh sulphate systems.
The "pearly" look comes from ingredients such as Glycol Distearate and Glycol Stearate, which give the liquid its characteristic soft shimmer. It also carries Aloe Barbadensis extract, glycerine and conditioning polymers (Polyquaternium 7 and 10) that help reduce dryness and frizz and improve wet combing.
Who it is for
- Small businesses and professional shampoo makers who want a consistent, tested base to brand as their own.
- Salons and clinics creating a house-label wash.
- DIY and hobby formulators who prefer a ready base over mixing raw surfactants.
How to use it
The base is genuinely ready to use, but a light customisation step gives you a more finished product.
- Weigh out the quantity of base you need into a clean, sanitised container.
- Add fragrance oil or essential oil, usually around 0.5% to 1% of the total weight. Start low and adjust.
- Stir slowly and thoroughly to avoid whipping in air bubbles.
- Optionally add a small amount of water-soluble colour if you want a tint.
- Check the pH; keep it in the 5.5 to 6.5 range for hair-friendly performance.
- Fill into clean bottles and label with the date.
Do not over-dilute the base with plain water, as this can thin it, reduce lather and weaken the preservative system. If you must thin it, do so minimally and re-check pH and preservation.
Tips and safety notes
- Test small first. Make a 100 g trial batch with your chosen fragrance before scaling up to a large pack.
- Keep everything clean. Use sanitised tools and containers to protect the product from contamination.
- Patch-test essential oils. Some, like tea tree or peppermint, can irritate sensitive skin; stay within safe usage levels.
- For external use only. This is a cosmetic base, not something to be swallowed. Keep away from children and avoid contact with the eyes; rinse well if it gets in.
- Store additions responsibly. Only add cosmetic-grade ingredients meant for leave-off (rinse-off) hair products.
Buying and storage
Azlok offers the Pearly Shampoo Base in 1 KG, 5 KG, 10 KG, 20 KG and 25 KG packs, starting at ₹439, so you can begin with a small batch and move to bulk once your recipe is finalised. It is manufactured in India and has a shelf life of about 2 years.
Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the container tightly closed between uses, and always use clean utensils to scoop or pour so the base stays fresh and stable.
FAQ
Do I need to add anything to this shampoo base?
Not strictly. It is ready to use as a plain shampoo. Most makers simply add fragrance or essential oils, and optionally a little colour, to create a finished, branded product.
Is this shampoo base SLS-free?
Yes. It is free of SLS, parabens and alcohol, and relies on sugar-based and amino-acid derived surfactants for a milder wash.
Can I add water to make it go further?
Avoid heavy dilution. Adding too much water thins the base, reduces foam and can compromise the preservative system. If you do thin it, keep it minimal and re-check the pH and preservation.
What is the pH of the finished shampoo?
The base sits at pH 5.5 to 6.5, which suits hair and scalp. Re-check the pH after adding your ingredients and keep it within this range.
Is it suitable for all hair types?
Yes. The gentle cleansing blend, along with aloe, glycerine and conditioning polymers, makes it appropriate for most hair types while helping reduce dryness and frizz.