Q&A

Q&A: When making small test batches, which mixers can we use for high shear?

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In the monthly Q&A, Jaime asked, When making very small test batches what mixer is small and high shear? Thank you Darla very kindly answered, Hi Jaime, I know that Lotioncrafter has both a micro and mini high shear mixer! I purchased the micro and it is teeny (less than 1/2″ in diameter), but worked great for...

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Q&A: Should I add an antioxidant like T-50 mixed tocopherols to my natural oils or essential oils to extend their shelf life?

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A row of bottles of oils with different colours on a white table with a white background with some colourful spatulae. Shared for decorative purposes.

In this month’s Q&A, Darla asked, Hi there, newbie here! Reading up on oils and randcidity. Should I be adding 0.1% T-50 mixed tocopherols to each bottle of oil and then also refrigerate or freeze, to extend their shelf life? Does this also include essential oils? Thank you so much! Welcome to the site and welcome...

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Q&A: How can I make this cream formula less soapy?

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In this month’s Q&A, Flore asked, Hello Susan, I’ve formulated a simple body cream recipe that includes 8% BTMS-50, 4% Cetyl Alcohol, 27% soft oils, 53% distilled water, 5% glycerin, 1% optiphen. What would be your advice on decreasing the soaping effect without adding silicones? This recipe takes a long time to rub in and feels tacky...

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Q&A quickie: What can you substitute for LSB in a solid shampoo bar (syndet bar)?

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I don’t think we can find the surfactant blend called LSB any more – in North America at least – as it’s been altered to have a very short shelf life of 6 months, so what can you do as a replacement? The short answer is that you can use any liquid surfactant suitable for...

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Q&A: Can I dissolve a shampoo bar into water to make a liquid shampoo?

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I’m seeing these two questions asked quite a lot in the various solid shampoo bar groups I’m in – including the one I moderate, Syndet Shampoo Bars – and the short answer is no, you can’t dissolve a shampoo bar into water to make a liquid shampoo. Why? Let’s take a look at a few...

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