WHAT GOES INTO CREATING A DETAILING PRODUCT? 

There are so many things to consider when formulating a product beside application such as the raw materials and properties of the detailing product. These properties are a result of different functions that act together to make the product work as expected or intended when cleaning a car. We feel that with regards to thinking about private labeling or white labeling a detailing product, its important you understand some basic product components. 

These are some of the functions that are usually used: Shine agent, surfactants, solvent/solubilizer, builder, thickener/binder, humectant/emollients, chelating/sequestrant agent, cleaning agent, fragrance, preservatives, colorant, etc.

The following functions that are always included in every product.

What do surfactants do in detailing products? 

Surfactants are are compounds that lower the surface tension (or interfacial tension) between two liquids, between a gas and a liquid, or between a liquid and a solid. Surfactants may act as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, or dispersants. The word “surfactant” is a blend of surface-active agents. 

✅ Surfactants lift and remove particles and grime. Think Waterless Wash. 

✅ Surfactants emulsify oils. 

✅ Surfactant helps kill microorganisms

✅ Surfactants put particles and oil in suspension to act as dispersant and as wetting agent.

✅ Surfactants are used as fabric softeners. Think towel cleaners. 

✅ Surfactants are used as foam boosters (Soaps) 

✅ Surfactants are used in any cleaners. 

WHAT DO SOLVENTS DO IN DETAILING PRODUCTS?

A solvent is a substance that dissolve a solute, resulting to a solution. Water, alcohols, ethers, and mineral spirits are considered solvents or co-solvents. Solvent helps to lift/wash away suspended dirt, grime, and emulsified oils.

✅ Solvent solubilizes essential oil, silicone oil, powders, surfactants, etc.

✅ Solvent controls evaporation rate

WHAT DO CLEANING AGENTS DO IN CAR CARE PRODUCTS?

CLEANING AGENTS are substances used to remove dirt, stains, bad smells, and clutter on surfaces. These chemical substances can be acidic, alkaline, and neutral.

Acidic agents are mainly used for removal of inorganic deposits like calcium deposits, water spots and brake dust. Products that are acidic are wheel acids or Lo ph Foam soaps. Iron remover, while an acid, is actually non corrosive and needs to be relatively pH balanced. Acid agents will have a pH between 2 and 6 as far as detailing products go. To note - pH neutral is 7. 

Alkaline agents contain strong bases and are typically considered degreasers or have a pH between 8 and 14. Products that are alkaline are typically products like degreasers, All purpose cleaners and hi pH foam soaps. 

Neutral agent is pH-neutral designation that states the raw material has a pH of 7. 

SHINE AGENTS – are substances used to gives shine, insulate and protect surfaces, create hydrophobic layer, and used as lubricants. Raw materials that are shine agents are silicones, glycerin & waxes.

CHELATING / SEQUESTRANT AGENTS – are usually compounds that removes metal ions from a solution. Chelating agents or Chelants are used in water treatment to soften the water that will eventually help the cleaning agents maximize its function.

The typical chelating agent is EDTA that keeps these metal ions in a soluble form.

HUMECTANT / EMOLLIENTS – is a hygroscopic substance used to keep things moist. Humectant attracts and retains the moisture in the air nearby via absorption. Examples of humectants are Glycerine, Aloe Vera, Propylene Glycols, egg yolk and white, etc.

ABRASIVES – is a mineral that used to shape or smoothen, polish or finish a surface through rubbing. Abrasive minerals may be classified as natural or synthetic. Pumice, Aluminum Oxide, Silica are usually the abrasives.

PRESERVATIVE – a substance used to preserve products from molds, and bacteria.

FRAGRANCE – an essential oil or synthetic oil used to add scent to the product.

COLORANT – a colored pigment or dye used to add color to the product.