Shikakai Liquid Extract is a concentrated, ready-to-use herbal extract of Acacia concinna that you add to shampoos, soaps, creams and hair serums at 1–2% to bring in Shikakai's natural cleansing and hair-friendly properties. Azlok's version is drawn from the leaves, bark and fruit pods, and is available in both water-soluble (glycerin-based, alcohol-free) and oil-soluble (soy oil) forms, so it slips easily into most personal care formulas.
What is Shikakai Liquid Extract?
Shikakai ("fruit for hair") has been part of Indian hair care for generations. Traditionally the dried pods were boiled or ground into a paste. A liquid extract does that work for you and standardises it. Here are the key details makers care about:
- INCI name: Acacia Concinna
- Raw material source: leaves, bark and fruit pods
- Extraction: water-soluble version uses vegetable palm glycerin (glycerol), alcohol-free; oil-soluble version uses soy oil
- Strength: 4:1 herb-to-extract ratio (4 kg of herb yields 1 kg of extract)
- Appearance: liquid, practically odourless and tasteless
- Preservative: none added to the extract itself
Shikakai naturally contains saponins, which are mild plant-based cleansing compounds, along with antioxidants and other nutrients that help clean the scalp without stripping its natural balance.
Where you can use it
The extract is designed for leave-in and rinse-off formulations alike. Common applications include:
- Shampoos and shampoo bars
- Handmade and melt-and-pour soaps
- Hair serums, masks and conditioners
- Face washes, lotions and creams
- General DIY personal care for hair, face, skin and body
Because it is nearly odourless and colourless, it blends in without fighting your chosen fragrance or the look of your finished product.
How to use it in your formulas
Keep it simple and stick to the recommended dose:
- Choose the right type. Use the water-soluble (glycerin) extract for water-based products like shampoos, face washes and toners. Use the oil-soluble (soy oil) extract for anhydrous or oil-phase products such as serums and balms.
- Add at the cool-down stage. For creams and lotions, blend it in once your emulsion has cooled below 40°C to protect the plant actives.
- Dose at 1–2%. That means 1–2 grams per 100 grams of finished product. There is no benefit to overdosing; more can affect texture and clarity.
- Add a preservative. Since the extract has no preservative and most of these products contain water, always include a suitable broad-spectrum preservative in your final formula.
Safety notes worth reading
Shikakai is for external use. A few honest reminders:
- Avoid direct contact with the eyes; rinse well if it gets in.
- Do a small patch test when trying a new formulation on skin or scalp.
- Not to be used during pregnancy.
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- No herb–drug interactions are known, but caution should still be observed with external applications used in prescribed amounts.
Buying and storage tips
Azlok offers Shikakai Liquid Extract from a 100 gm hobby size up to 25 kg bulk packs, priced from ₹349, which suits both home makers testing a recipe and small brands scaling production. Country of origin is India. To keep it in good condition:
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Keep the container tightly closed to avoid contamination.
- Shelf life is around 2 years when stored correctly.
- Ask for the COA and MSDS (available for both water- and oil-soluble grades) if you are formulating for sale.
FAQ
How much Shikakai Liquid Extract should I add to shampoo?
Use 1–2% of the total formula, so 1–2 grams per 100 grams of finished shampoo. Add it at the cool-down phase and always include a preservative in water-based products.
Does it contain alcohol?
The water-soluble version is alcohol-free and extracted using vegetable glycerin. The oil-soluble version is extracted using soy oil.
Does it have a strong smell or colour?
No. It is practically odourless and tasteless and blends discreetly into most formulations, so it won't overpower your fragrance.
Can I use it on its own directly on hair?
It is intended as a cosmetic ingredient to be added into formulations rather than applied neat. If you want a leave-on use, dilute it into a suitable base, patch-test first, and keep it away from the eyes.
What does the 4:1 ratio mean?
It describes concentration: 4 kilograms of herb are used to produce 1 kilogram of extract, so you get a standardised, concentrated form of Shikakai in a convenient liquid.