Hair Conditioner (Rinse-Out, Creamy) – Procedure for Making a Moisturising Rinse-Off Hair Conditioner

Have you ever considered creating your own hair conditioner? Whether you're a DIY formulator, a salon owner, or a new hair care brand on your first batch of product, knowing the basics of how to make hair conditioner or how conditioner is formulated can go a long way.

In this blog, we will take you through a foolproof recipe for a creamy rinse-off conditioner, where you will learn about the purpose of each ingredient, the steps to follow, and what makes this formula work to leave hair soft and manageable. Let’s dive into the basics of how to make your own hair conditioner at home.

Sample Hair Conditioner Formulation (Creamy Texture)

Phase	INCI Name	% w/w	Function
A	Water (Aqua)	q.s. to 100%	Solvent/Base
A	Cetearyl Alcohol	3.0%	Emollient, Thickener
A	Behentrimonium Chloride	1.5%	Conditioning Agent
A	Stearic Acid	1.0%	Emulsifier, Viscosity Enhancer
B	Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil)	2.0%	Emollient, Shine Enhancer
B	Argan Oil	1.0%	Conditioning & Nourishing
C	Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)	0.5%	Hair Strengthening, Shine
C	Glycerin	2.0%	Humectant
C	Preservative (e.g., Phenoxyethanol + Ethylhexylglycerin)	1.0%	Preservation
C	Fragrance / Essential Oil Blend	0.3%	Fragrance (e.g., lavender or fruity)
C	Citric Acid Solution (10%)	q.s. to pH 4.5–5.0	pH Adjuster

Function of Each Ingredient for making hair conditioner

Water (Aqua): The main component of your conditioner formulation. Water not only dissolves the water-soluble ingredients together but also adds a liquid to make a spreadable product.

Cetearyl Alcohol: This long-chain fatty alcohol gives body to the formulation with a smooth, creamy consistency without leaving a greasy feel.

Behentrimonium Chloride: This is the ingredient to know! Behentrimonium Chloride is a conditioning agent that smooths the hair, controls static, and makes combing easier.

Stearic Acid: Helps stabilise the emulsion and also acts as an additional thickening agent, which adds viscosity. Stearic acid also serves the formulation as a secondary emollient.

Coconut Oil & Argan Oil: Both of these cotonut and Argan oils work together to provide nourishment to the hair while hydrating and leaving it soft and shiny, without the feeling of weighing it down.

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): Known as a humectant, it binds moisture while adding strength to hair strands. Panthenol can also provide a soft gloss.

Glycerin: Attracts moisture from the environment and maintains hydration while reducing frizz.

Preservative: One of the most important ingredients in today's products, because it stabilises your formulation and keeps it safe for weeks if not months.

Fragrance or EO Blend: Whatever scent you would like for your conditioner. It could be floral, citrus, or herbal; it doesn't matter, it's your choice.

Citric Acid Solution: Used at the end to balance the pH so your scalp will appreciate your efforts (target pH, 4.5 - 5.0).

Hair Conditioner Preparation Instructions

How to prepare hair conditioner: This procedure is performed in phases, and while it is simple, there are some details you should pay attention to.

Let's Make 1kg of Conditioner

Phase A - Heat & Emulsify

1. Heat the water in a clean beaker to 75-80°C.

2. Add the Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, and Stearic Acid and stir until all solids melt and the mixture is uniform.

Phase B - Add Oils

Again, temperature is essential, so warm the Coconut Oil (as well as the Argan Oil) to 75°C (in a separate container).

Slowly add Phase B to Phase A while stirring in until a smooth emulsion is formed.

Cool Down Phase (Phase C)

1. Once the emulsion is cooled to about 40°C, you can add the Panthenol, Glycerin, Preservative, and your fragrance/essential oil.

2. Gently but thoroughly mix.

3. Adjust pH to 4.5 - 5.0 (use 10% Citric Acid Solution).

Finishing Touches

Homogenise if necessary for a more uniform, silkier finish.
Fill jars, tubes, or pump bottles.

Tips for Beginners

1. Always measure weights, never volumes. Utilise a digital scale.

2. Be clean at all stages of this process.

3. Double-check pH levels using a pH meter or pH strips.

4. Sterilise all containers before filling them with your formulation.

Why Choose Hiya India for your Conditioner Ingredients?

At Hiya India, we provide formulators, brands, and DIYers with sustainable, high-purity ingredients. Whether you are using a high-quality Cetearyl Alcohol or a high-quality pure Argan Oil, at Hiya India, our oils, emulsifiers, and additives are cosmetic compliant and finished with quality in mind.

When you source from Hiya, you can be assured that you receive:

Ethically harvested raw materials
Transparent documentation (COA, MSDS)
Bulk options and sample packs
Always consistent performance in every batch

With a solid understanding of what goes into your hair conditioner, you are in an excellent position to create your own rinse-off formula that performs and feels great.