Techniques

Tips & techniques: Testing and adjusting the pH of a emulsion with a pH meter

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Welcome to this detailed page on how to test emulsions – like lotions and conditioners – with a pH meter! If you’d like to read a longer post with even more information, you can find it here – Acids, bases, and pH – oh my! Part four: Testing our products with pH meters!  If you’d like...

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Tips & techniques: Why it’s ill advised to use Aloe Vera Gel in emulsions!

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I see questions about how to use Aloe Vera Gel in emulsions in every space online in which we discuss lotions, and I thought this topic needed its own post, so let’s take a moment to learn more about Aloe Vera, Aloe Vera Gel, and why I don’t suggest using the latter in emulsions. What...

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Tips & techniques: Why do I use 0.1% T-50 mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E) in my emulsions?

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You may notice that most of my emulsions contain 0.1% T-50 mixed tocopherols in the cool down phase to protect the oil phase ingredients from becoming rancid quickly. Why do I use that amount? Before we start! If you aren’t familiar with Vitamin E or T-50 mixed tocopherols, I encourage you to read this post...

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Tips & techniques: Waiting to package emulsions when they’re cooled – viscosity and contamination

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When can you judge the viscosity of your lotion after creating it? Well, that depends… When will an emulsion reach final viscosity?  In general, you can get kind of an idea when you’ve had it at room temperature for a few hours as all the butters, solid oils, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, solid esters, and...

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Tips & techniques: Never mix emulsions with whisks, spatulas, spoons, or other utensils!

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I think I might have been a little less ranty when I wrote this post two years ago – A helpful tip for making lotions, conditioners, and emulsions: Don’t mix by hand – but it’s still going on, and needs addressing. I’ve shared some of the original with some extra shouting and a few more...

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