A Practical Guide to Formulating with WS-23
WS-23 is remarkably easy to work with — but like any active ingredient, getting the best results requires understanding its behavior in different formulation contexts. This guide, compiled from Baisifu's R&D team's decade of formulation experience, covers the practical aspects of incorporating WS-23 into toothpaste, skincare, mouthwash, and personal care products.
Step 1: Understanding WS-23 Solubility
Before adding a single gram of WS-23 to your formula, know where it wants to live:
| Solvent / Carrier | WS-23 Solubility |
|---|---|
| Ethanol | Excellent (~50 mg/mL at 25°C) |
| Propylene Glycol (PG) | Excellent (~80 mg/mL) |
| Vegetable Glycerin (VG) | Good (~30 mg/mL, may require warming) |
| Water | Poor (<1 mg/mL — must use carrier) |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | Moderate-Good (~15 mg/mL) |
| Excellent (oil-phase soluble) |
Step 2: Recommended Starting Dosages by Product Type
Toothpaste Formulations
Typical commercial level: 0.02% – 0.03%
Note: Higher than 0.05% may be perceived as "too cold" for mainstream consumer acceptance
In toothpaste, WS-23 is typically dissolved into the humectant phase (glycerin/propylene glycol/sorbitol blend) before addition to the abrasive slurry. This ensures homogeneous distribution throughout the paste.
Skincare & Lotions
Typical commercial level: 0.01%
Note: Facial products should stay at lower end; body/foot products can go higher
For emulsion-based lotions, dissolve WS-23 into the oil phase during the heating stage. For gel-type products, pre-dissolve in a small amount of ethanol or propylene glycol before incorporating into the water/gel base.
Mouthwash
Typical commercial level: 0.01% – 0.015%
Note: Alcohol-based mouthwashes allow easier dissolution; alcohol-free versions may need a co-solvent
Step 3: pH and Temperature Considerations
WS-23 is chemically stable across a wide operating range:
- pH stability: Effective from pH 2.5 to pH 10 (covers virtually all cosmetic and oral-care products)
- Thermal stability: Survives pasteurization (up to 90°C for short durations) and hot-fill processes
- Storage stability: No degradation observed after 24 months at room temperature in sealed containers
Step 4: Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
❌ Pitfall: Adding WS-23 directly to water
Result: Poor dispersion, grainy texture, inconsistent dosing.
✅ Fix: Always pre-dissolve in PG, ethanol, or oil phase first.
❌ Pitfall: Using too high a dosage
Result: Product becomes uncomfortably cold; consumers reject.
✅ Fix: Start at 0.01% and conduct sensory panels before increasing.
❌ Pitfall: Ignoring flavor interactions
Result: Cooling can enhance certain flavors while muting others.
✅ Fix: Re-balance flavor system after adding WS-23; typically need slightly less mint flavoring oil.
Need Help? Baisifu R&D Support
Baisifu's technical support team has helped hundreds of formulators successfully integrate WS-23 into their products. We offer free consultation on formulation challenges, solubility troubleshooting, and sensory optimization.
