🗳️ From The Question Box: “Hi! I’m trying to formulate an all-natural nipple balm using natural butters and oils, with the possibility of using beeswax, cetyl alcohol, or cetearyl alcohol or others. I’m facing crystallization/graininess in the balm. Is there a way to prevent this phenomenon while still keeping the formula natural?” – Sara
If you’ve purchased a pre-blended surfactant product like Iselux® Ultra Mild, Plantapon® SF NA, or STEPAN-MILD® BSB and you’re not sure what to do with it, here’s some guidance on how to figure it out & a simple starter formulation 😄
This one is surprisingly accessible! I’m really excited to try our starter formulation 😄
🗳️ From The Question Box: “Hi Marie. I’m wondering if I can add an essential or fragrance oil to a cream that has been left to « cure » 24 hours after making it without it settling at the top of the emulsion after mixing it in. There have been a couple of times I had forgotten to add the scent and/or decided the cream needed a scent to hide the smell of a preservative (like the scent of Geogard ECT). I know the oil won’t change the pH of the cream but will it incorporate so long after having mixed everything? I have added an essential oil to a batch of foaming hand soap days after making it but not cream. Thanks!” – Dina
This 2012 DIY was definitely due for a major update! I’ve nixed the gross colour, icky smell, and not-so-gentle elements to create something much, much nicer 😄
🗳️ From The Question Box: “What sort of things can I make with Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil other than oil cleansers?” – Julie
Make it Up: The Essential Guide to DIY Makeup and Skin Care is now available at booksellers all over the world!