Preservatives

Why are preservatives considered a “necessary evil”?

by

Surfing around the ‘net the last few days, I keep coming upon people commenting that “Preservatives are a necessary evil…” or “I don’t like preservatives, but I’m using them…” (I guess I should be happy you’re using them!) What’s not to like? Preservatives make it possible for us to make lotions that last longer than a week....

This content is for Foundation, Formulation, and Innovation members only.
Subscribe
Already a member? Log in here

Debate: Water soluble or oil soluble preservatives in a scrub

by

There is quite a lively debate ongoing in the bath & body community about what kind of preservatives to use in an oil or emulsified scrub. (Heck, there’s a debate about whether we need to use a preservative in a scrub, but I’m firmly on the side of “yes” for that one!) The question is...

This content is for Foundation, Formulation, and Innovation members only.
Subscribe
Already a member? Log in here

Weekend Wonderings: Why are you using willow bark in a rinse off product? Do we need preservatives in our cleaning products? Why doesn’t handmade soap make a good shampoo?

by

In this post, Experiments in the workshop: A 3-in-1 that might be good for swimmers, Marg asks: Can you explain your thinking on adding white willow bark extract to your 3 in 1? I love that product, and use it in my aftershave lotion to soothe tiny nicks or scrapes, but not sure if its...

This content is for Foundation, Formulation, and Innovation members only.
Subscribe
Already a member? Log in here

Weekday Wonderings: More comments! Can we add anti-oxidants to anhydrous products? Rocky Mountain Soap’s preservatives?

by

In this post, Lotion bars: Tweaking the waxes, Tracy asks: I was wondering if it would be okay to add an antioxidant like ROE or Vitamin E T-50 to extend the life of the oils? If so, does it matter which one is used? Yes, you can add anti-oxidants to any oil soluble product to extend...

This content is for Foundation, Formulation, and Innovation members only.
Subscribe
Already a member? Log in here

Weekday Wonderings: More comments! Measuring small amounts and the anti-bacterial properties of oils

by

In this post, Question: Doubling, tripling, and dodecahexing!, Stephanie asks: I have chosen to weigh everything as I think it’s the best way to do it according to all my research however, for ingredients that I have to suck out of a small bottle, can I use my syringe and assume that 1ml is equal to...

This content is for Foundation, Formulation, and Innovation members only.
Subscribe
Already a member? Log in here