Shampoo Viscosity & Foam Specs: How to Write a Brief So Samples Match Faster

When you brief a manufacturer for a new shampoo, vague terms like “rich foam” or “smooth texture” often lead to rounds of mismatched samples. The fastest way to accurate shampoo prototyping is to define viscosity, foam, and sensory targets using measurable specifications and reference standards. This guide helps sourcing managers prepare a concise, evidence-ready brief that accelerates lab development and minimizes reformulation cycles.

Why Shampoo Viscosity and Foam Specs Matter

Viscosity and foam directly affect consumer perception of cleanliness, quality, and product value. Defining these early prevents reformulation delays caused by unexpected texture or inconsistent performance during scaling. For brands aiming for premium-accessible or natural positioning, clarity on these specs helps maintain consistency across fragrance variants and regions.

• Viscosity: Controls pourability and how the shampoo spreads in hand.
• Foam Volume: Influences first impression of cleansing strength.
• Foam Stability: Affects rinse feel and reduces “flat lather” complaints.
• Temperature Stability: Ensures the texture doesn’t thin in summer or thicken in winter supply chains.

Key Specifications to Define in Your Brief

Include numeric ranges and evidence requirements in the initial brief.

Supporting Evidence Buyers Should Request

• Typical viscosity and foam test data from at least one reference batch
• Batch-level quality inspection template
• Stability report (3 months accelerated)
• Packaging compatibility comment if viscosity influences pump selection

How to Describe Your Target Texture and Foam

Use references and visuals instead of ambiguous adjectives:

• Texture: “Matching the viscosity of [brand/product example] at room temperature.”
• Foam behavior: “Slightly denser foam with smaller bubble size than typical anti-dandruff shampoos.”
• Rinse feel: “Leaves mild slip on hair ends, not squeaky clean.”

Provide the manufacturer with a sample or video clip demonstrating texture, pour, and lather type. The more concrete your starting point, the faster labs can match your sensory targets.

Packaging and Stability Checks

• Verify pump or cap orifice size suits viscosity target (2–3 mm for 8,000 cps range).
• Request manufacturer’s packaging compatibility summary—especially for plant-extract or sulfate-free formulas that might thin under heat stress.
• Always approve viscosity after 48 h of sample aging to account for final thickener development.

Checklist: What to Include in Your Shampoo Brief

• Viscosity target with test method and tolerance (e.g., ±10%)
• Desired foam volume and stability range
• pH range and fragrance load percent
• Main surfactant system preference (e.g., SLES/CAPB base vs. sulfate-free)
• Benchmark product name or reference video link
• Packaging type and desired consumer pour feel
• Test evidence required before pilot approval

FAQ

1. What if my viscosity changes under different temperatures?

Ask the manufacturer to provide a viscosity-temperature curve from stability testing (typically 5°C, 25°C, 40°C). If viscosity varies by more than 15%, the thickener system may need adjustment.

2. How can I ensure foam performance in hard water regions?

Request foam testing using local or simulated hard water samples (100–300 ppm CaCO₃). Performance drops can be mitigated with chelating agents or alternative surfactant blends.

3. What documents confirm a factory-controlled viscosity process?

Quality control records showing batch viscosity logs, rotor type, and RPM used are your verifiable proof.

4. Does viscosity affect fragrance diffusion?

Yes. Highly viscous systems can trap perfume microcapsules. Indicate if you need strong top-note release so the lab can adjust solubilizers accordingly.

5. When should I approve a shampoo’s sensory feel?

After both initial lab sample and stability repeats (>4 weeks) are consistent. Early approval may cause mismatched bulk feel after scale-up.

Request a Quote to receive sample guidance and a viscosity/foam test plan tailored to your hair care brand specifications.

Hi, I'm Alex Zong, hope you like this blog post.

With more than 20 years of experience in OEM/ODM/Private Label Cosmetics, I'd love to share valuable knowledge related to cosmetics & skincare products from a top-tier Chinese supplier's perspective.