Welcome to the home of SwiftCraftyMonkey Formulating Inc.! Join Susan as she obsesses about cosmetic chemistry and other things (some possibly related to monkeys)! Here you’ll find over 5,000 posts and formulas written over the past 16 years for everything from lotions, creams, and body butters to hair care products to fancy facial products filled with actives and cosmeceuticals! Enjoy the site without distractions – no ads, pop ups, sponsored posts, affiliate links, “one weird tricks” – all supported by readers like you.
The week of play in the workshop didn’t go as planned – my muscles have gone into spasm, no doubt from doing far too much over the last few weeks – so I have to take it easy and not stand for long periods of time formulating, teaching, and doing other things like that, so...
In the September Q&A, Charlette asked, Sorry, but have another question. With our recent use of so many different cold process emulsifiers–although I know we all use good production practices–are we giving up some preservation and ‘kill the beasties’ benefits which the heat-and hold process gives us? Don’t get me wrong! I’m loving the ease...
When we were at Windy Point Soap Making Supplies two weeks ago, we had great fun testing the pH of various Lush products, including three shampoo bars – Jumping Juniper, Montalbano, and Trichomania – as well as two “self-preserving” shower gels, Honey I Washed the Kids and The Olive Branch. Let’s take a look at...
It’s October already? I feel like this year is just flying by, and I need to catch my breath! We’re celebrating little Sasja’s third birthday today, then Raymond’s day on the 11th, so yay to happy October things! It also means we can break out the heartier fragrances, like vanilla pumpkin marshmallow, oatmeal milk & … Read more
It seems like a lot of you want to learn how to formulate your own products, which is awesome! This is why we created the Beginners! Start here section of the blog, which is filled with everything you need to know to start making your own stuff, including lotions, body butters, conditioners, and so so … Read more