Liquid Shampoo

Liquid shampoos made with glucoside surfactants are a popular choice for those looking to create gentle, sulphate-free cleansing products at home. This formula combines decyl glucoside and lauryl glucoside to create a mild yet effective cleanser, supported by coco glucoside & glyceryl oleate to help improve softness and manageability after washing.

A simple calendula infusion is used as the water phase, adding a botanical element while keeping the formula approachable and easy to make. This recipe is designed as a flexible starting point that can be customised depending on hair type and ingredient availability.

Because the formula contains water, a broad-spectrum preservative is required to help maintain product safety during use.

This recipe demonstrates how a balanced liquid shampoo can be created using a small number of well-chosen ingredients, while still achieving a pleasant skin and hair feel.

Why this formula works

This formula uses a blend of non-ionic surfactants to create a gentle cleansing system.

Decyl glucoside acts as the primary cleanser, offering mild but effective cleansing. Lauryl glucoside helps boost foam and viscosity, while coco glucoside & glyceryl oleate contributes a conditioning, refatting effect that helps reduce the stripped feeling sometimes associated with cleansing products.

The calendula infusion provides a simple water phase and allows for easy customisation with other botanicals if desired. Vitamin E can be added if desired to support the oil phase, while a preservative is essential to ensure the product remains safe over time.

Together, these ingredients create a shampoo that cleans effectively while maintaining a soft, manageable finish.

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Liquid Shampoo Formula

Ingredients
Makes 1kg – Adjust batch volume with Go Native NZ’s Batch Size Calculator 

73% | 730g calendula infusion (water phase)
15% | 150g decyl glucoside
7% | 70g lauryl glucoside
3% | 30g coco glucoside & glyceryl oleate
1% | 10g Microcare DB (preservative)
1% | 10g essential oil (optional, reduce or omit for sensitive skin)

Method

Prepare the calendula infusion by pouring boiling water over the dried flowers and allowing it to steep for around 30 minutes. Strain well and allow the liquid to cool to room temperature.

Add the decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, and coco glucoside & glyceryl oleate to the infusion. Stir gently to combine, avoiding excessive foaming.

Add the preservative and stir thoroughly.

If using essential oils, add them last and mix well.

Allow the mixture to sit for 12–24 hours to allow viscosity to develop. The shampoo will thicken slightly over time.

Transfer to clean bottles.

Substitutions

This formula can be adjusted depending on the ingredients you have available.

Simpler version: Use only decyl glucoside and increase its percentage to replace lauryl glucoside.

More conditioning: Increase coco glucoside & glyceryl oleate slightly for a softer after-feel.

Botanical variation: Replace calendula with chamomile or another mild herbal infusion.

Fragrance-free: Omit essential oils entirely.

Usage note

This is a water-based product and must include a preservative to help prevent microbial growth.

Essential oils are optional and should be used at appropriate levels. For sensitive scalps, reducing or omitting them is recommended.

As with any new product, a patch test is recommended before first use.

To Use

Apply to wet hair and massage gently into the scalp.

Rinse thoroughly and repeat if desired.

How much to use

A small amount is usually sufficient, depending on hair length and thickness.