Love Humblebee & Me?

Hey there! Like my blog? Want to know when I post an awesome new formulation? Subscribe to my once-a-week newsletter where I share my latest formulations, answer common questions, link to helpful resources, and generally let you know what I’ve been up to.

You can unsubscribe whenever you like, and I pinky swear I won’t do anything dastardly with your email address.

Check out some recent posts!

How to prevent graininess in natural balms

🗳️ 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...

What to do with pre-blended surfactant mixes

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 😄

Live Ingredient List Analysis: Josie Maran’s Whipped Argan Oil Firming Body Butter

This one is surprisingly accessible! I'm really excited to try our starter formulation 😄

Can I re-visit an emulsion the next day to add an essential or fragrance oil?

🗳️ 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...

Mini Formulation Makeover: Gentle Clay Facial Scrub (c. 2012)

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 😄

What can I make with PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil other than oil cleansers?

🗳️ From The Question Box: "What sort of things can I make with Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil other than oil cleansers?" – Julie