Essential Oil Ideas -

Cinnamon: Spicy, warming. Use sparingly, as the oil is very strong.

Clove: Spicy, warming. Use sparingly, as the oil is very strong.

Ginger: Warm, spicy, and exotic. Great for winter blends. Use sparingly, as the oil is very strong.

Grapefruit: Fresh, uplifting, light citrus scent.

Lemon: Fresh, uplifting, citrus scent.

Lime: Fresh, uplifting, citrus scent.

Peppermint: Cooling, refreshing, and invigorating. Use sparingly, as the oil is very strong.

Spearmint: Cooling, refreshing, and invigorating. Use sparingly, as the oil is very strong.

Sweet Orange: Refreshing, uplifting, sweet, citrus scent. Blends well with many oils.

Source: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=329026789&blogId=465920503

FUNNEL SWIRLS by Lomond Soap

How they're done!

1. Set up your mould, fully lined. You will need to rig up a device to hold your funnel in place. Mine is 4 chopsticks tied together with bag ties! So long as it doesn't fall over whilst pouring, anything will do. For this technique I find that soaping cool to cold gives you the time to separate, colour & fragrance your batch. You can always put it on the radiator once you're done to kick start the gel.

2. Make up your soap base as normal. Stickblend enough to combine your oils & lye. You want thin trace not thick! (If it's too thick it won't flow through the funnel).

3. Split your soap batter into 2 halves, colour & fragrance each one. Again, only stir enough to combine the additives well. You do not want a thick batter. If you are adventurous you could try 3 or 4 colours. In the pic below I'm adding Titanium Dioxide powder to this half. For pictures go to http://fresholi-bites.blogspot.com/2008/10/funnel-soap-tutorial-by-lomond-soap.html. In the next I'm adding a green colour to the other half.

4. Ok, so now you've got 2 pots of coloured batter. Pour those into 2 jugs ready for pouring. Don't hang around whilst doing this. Have everything ready before you start.

5. Start pouring first one colour, into the funnel, then the other. The amount you pour of each colour will affect the final look, it's trial and error in this part. The pic below shows the mould about half full, you can see how the swirls are building up ( http://fresholi-bites.blogspot.com/2008/10/funnel-soap-tutorial-by-lomond-soap.html).

6. Pour till all your batter is used up. And you're finished! The one I made above is called "Yo! Limey" and turned out like this...It's fun, no 2 bars look the same. For those like me who are swirly challenged, give it a try!

Source: http://fresholi-bites.blogspot.com/2008/10/funnel-soap-tutorial-by-lomond-soap.html

Make Your Own Stenciled Candles

by Kelley R. Taylor for CreatingHomeDecor

Decorate your candles in a tone-on-tone design using simple stencils.

You'll Need:
Vanilla candles
Stencils
Stencil Adhesive
White craft paint
Candle Painting medium (we used DecoArt's)
Tools Needed:
Cotton balls
Rubbing alcohol
Sponge brush
Newsprint for protecting surfaces

Instructions:

(1) Spray stencil adhesive on wrong side of stencil; allow to dry till tacky.

(2) Clean candle by rubbing alcohol soaked cotton balls on candle surfaces; allow to dry.

(3) Mix paint with candle painting medium. Center stencil on candle and press till adhered firmly into place on candle surface. Dip sponge brush lightly into paint; remove excess paint by dabbing brush onto newsprint. Paint stencil openings; remove stencil carefully.

Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/stenciledcandle

How to Make Your Own Raw Cacoa Butter Cream

Ingredients:
4 ounces raw cacoa butter
20 drops beautifying rose oil
2 dessertspoons MSM powder
1 dessert spoon hemp oil

Directions:

Put the raw cacoa butter in a pan and place it in another pan of hot water until it melts. Now add the other ingredients. Put it in a glass container and let it stand until it goes solid. Now lavish your skin with this divinely age defying super cream.

MSM powder is packed with sulfer… the beauty mineral. When our diet lacks MSM, the cells become rigid and lose the ability to flex back. These are cells that are associated with aging. In the body, MSM softens leathery internal tissues by rebuilding connective tissue with elastic sulfur bonds.

Hemp oil supplies the skin with essential fats that are necessary for beautiful, vibrant looking skin.

Rose oil has been used since ancient times for beauty and youthful skin. It was Cleopatra’s number one secret.

And of course raw cacao butter is the basis for this cream… packed with antioxidants and moisturizing compounds.

Source: http://www.younglivingguide.com/2009/01/02/raw-cacoa-butter-face-cream/

Comestic Clays

If you put clays into your products, I found this lesson from Wholesale Supplies Plus's Website that provides great information. It is worth checking out!

http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/PDFS/CosmeticClaysLesson1.pdf

Emollients with high antioxidant properties

Human studies have convincingly demonstrated pronounced photo protective effects of 'natural' and synthetic antioxidants when applied topically before UVR exposure. Particularly with respect to UVB-induced skin damage such as erythema formation, the photoprotective effects of antioxidants are significant when applied in distinct mixtures in appropriate vehicles. One of the basic criteria for cosmetic and personal-care formulations is for them to have a shelf life sufficient enough to ensure product quality when purchased within a reasonable period of time. The ability of a product to resist oxidation is an important component of customer satisfaction. A stable formula will help ensure that the desired functionality and appearance of the product will not be significantly altered over time because of exposure to air. Oxidation and rancidity are primary adversaries to the cosmetic formulator. They have been and will continue to be a challenge in formulating.

Linoleic acid is as part of the upper skin (stratum corneum) vital for the skin's barrier function and exhibits important skin-care and restorative properties. Linoleic acid is very susceptible to oxidation. On contact with air and light, it rapidly develops a highly rancid odor. Complexing the linoleic acid with cyclodextrins (example: Cavamax W6/linoleic acid) stabilizes the active linoleic acid by encapsulating in alpha-cyclodextrins. Linoleic acid is thus shielded against air and chemical attack.

Natural oils are good sources for tocopherols and phytosterols, components offering both antioxidant activity and bioactivity for skin care applications. Many common natural oils such as rapeseed oil, sunflower oil and soybean oil are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly linoleic (18:2n-6) and "-linolenic (18:3n-3) acids. These natural oils are desirable emollients for skin care applications.

Wheat Germ Oil is an antioxidant with more Vitamin E than any other natural oil making it more resistant to light and heat than other vegetable oils. Wheat Germ Oil also contains smaller amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin B (B1, B2, B3 and B6), Vitamin F and lecithin. It is primarily used as an emollient to moisturize and relieve dry, irritated skin. Wheat Germ Oil possesses cell regenerative properties that make it a good choice for anti-aging formulas.

Avocado oil - is deeply hydrating and highly compatible with your skin's own oils. It is also a powerful anti-oxidant and is brimming with high levels of chlorophyll, vitamin E and omegas 3 and 9 to improve the health and vitality of your skin.

Disodium Lauriminodipropionate Tocopheryl Phosphates (Vital ET) is a unique bio-functional form of Vitamin E with excellent skin lubricity. It is easy to formulate into oil and water based systems and is compatible with a broad range of raw materials.

Hazelnut oil contains a non-polar fraction (98.8%) almost completely composed by triacylglycerides and almost 90% of the unsaturated fatty acids are monounsaturated ones, which results in less oil oxidation . The polar lipids (1.2%) are phosphatidylcholine, hosphatidylethanolamine and phophatidylinositol. Hazelnut oil is highly recommendable to formulate cosmetic products to protect the integrity of skin and hair against the oxidation process. Hazelnut oil can delay the oxidation process because of its high vitamin E content.

Jojoba oil has excellent inherent emollient and moisturizing properties - coupled to its oxidative stability properties. It is one of the world's top lipid cosmetic ingredients often used in anti-aging skincare.

Cocoa Butter is one of the most stable fats known, loaded with natural antioxidants that prevent rancidity and give it a shelf life of two to five years. It softens and lubricates the skin, assisting in reducing stretch marks and scars making it an excellent massage cream. It performance as an antioxidant, emollient, and lubricant.

Sweet almond oil has a long historical use that includes restoring itchy, dry and inflamed skin as well as being a simple emollient. It contains 24% linoleic acid, an incredibly high amount of the antioxidant EFA. Many massage therapists use this oil as a lubricant. Almond oil performs as an antioxidant, emollient, and lubricant.

Shea Butter is used as an emollient and moisturizer in cosmetics. High in vitamin E, an anti-aging antioxidant that increases micro-circulation, it also contains the antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin A.

Extracted from the husk of a rice plant, rice oil is a lipid with UV-absorbent and antioxidant properties, which are actually enhanced in the presence of amino acids. The natural emollient also has a high content of unsaturated acids that help to maintain healthy skin. Its smooth, non-greasy feel makes it a good natural emollient and conditioner in skin care, sun care and hair care products.

Finally, Lecithin is a natural anti-oxidant and emollient mainly derived from common egg yolk or from naturally occurring phospholipids derived from soybeans. Lecithin is used commercially in substances requiring a natural emulsifier and/or lubricant, from pharmaceuticals to protective coverings. Lecithin is a mixture of various phospholipids, and the composition depends on the origin of the lecithin. A major source of lecithin is Soybean oil.

Source: http://www.specialchem4cosmetics.com/services/articles.aspx?id=3873

Exfloiating Foot Masque Recipe

by Allison B. Kontur (http://www.bathbodysupply.com/)

Put a spring in your step with this exfoliating foot masque! Pumice powder exfoliates while bentonite clay, parsley powder and essential oils keep foot odor at bay.

You will need:
4 oz Bentonite Clay
4 oz Pumice Powder
1 oz Parsley Powder
4 oz Vegetable Glycerin
10 ml (2 tsp) Enzyme Blend, Tincture (Organic)
2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) Orange, Sweet Essential Oil
1.25 ml (1/4 tsp) Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil
2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) Germaben II (Preservative)

Phase 1: Combine dry ingredients in a sterile glass or stainless mixing bowl until well-blended. Set aside.

Phase 2: In a separate sterile glass or stainless mixing bowl, combine glycerin, enzyme blend, essential oils & preservative. Mix thoroughly to combine before adding to dry ingredients.

Phase 3: Package in an airtight jar or bottle.

To Use: Massage exfoliating masque into feet, paying special attention to rough areas. For additional benefits, leave masque on feet, wrap in plastic and allow to sit for up to 20 minutes before rinsing. Follow with a balm or butter to seal in moisture.

Source: http://bathbodysupply.blogspot.com/2009/02/recipe-exfoliating-foot-masque.html

What is Rice Bran Oil?

There are many body product recipes that include the carrier oil, rice bran oil.  You are wondering what is rice bran oil because you rarely see it in your local grocery store. According to wisegeek.com,

"Rice bran oil is a natural oil that is created using the hull of the rice grain. Considered to be rich in antioxidants and several vitamins, rice bran oil is used for cooking as well as in the creation of creams and other skin care products. When prepared as a cooking oil, the rice oil will usually keep for anywhere from six months to a year when stored at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.

One of the advantages of using rice bran oil in cooking is that the oil has a high smoking point. This means the oil is ideal for frying foods without running the risk of overheating and burning the food before the meat or coated vegetables are cooked all the way through. Many cooks prefer rice bran oil because the ability to achieve a crunchy texture and a uniform color to the coating enhance the visual appeal of the finished product.

The creation of rice bran oil involves the pressing of the hull or bran of the rice grain. By pressing on the hull, small amounts of oil can be extracted and collected. The oil released from the rice bran contains a hefty amount of Vitamin E as well as fatty acids that lend a great deal of taste to the oil. The presence of a number of antioxidants also help to make rice bran oil a healthier alternative for use in salad dressings and as an ingredient in baked goods.

Another attribute of rice bran oil is the mild degree of flavor that the oil lends to many recipes. When used in drying, the oil gently enhances any herbs and spices that are used in the coating of the meat or vegetables. As an ingredient in a salad dressing, rice bran oil provides a slightly sweet taste that mixes very well with flavored vinegars and various spices. When used as oil in baked goods, the rice bran oil can help to provide a slightly nutty flavor to the overall taste of the baked good without interfering with any flavoring that was included in the batter.

While rice bran oil is thought to have originated in Japan, the oil has been used in many different countries. Until recent years, purchasing rice bran oil in the United States required a trip to a local health food store. However, as more people search for healthier ways to prepare their favorite foods, rice bran oil has begun to appear on the shelves at many larger supermarket chains."

Source: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-rice-bran-oil.htm

Body Massage Sticks Recipe

From "Craft Lab"episode DCLB-143

Project designed by Sabrina Collins.

Create the gift that keeps giving—body massage sticks.

Guest Sabrina Collins joins host Jennifer Perkins and shows you how to create massage sticks. She pours melted shea butter and beeswax into a wax paper mold to make the sticks. She then wraps the sticks in a corn husk with ribbon to present as a gift.

Materials:
1 finished tissue tube
3 to 4 sheets wax paper
3 oz. of pure coco butter
3 oz. of pour shea butter
4 to 6 drops of essential oil or fragrance oils
4 Tbs. of beeswax
corn husk
ribbon
hot glueembellishments (optional)

Body Massage Sticks

(1) Line the inside tube with two sheets of wax paper, leaving about 1/2" of wax paper from the bottom.

(2) Cut off some of the excess wax paper from the top (about 2"). Pinch together the bottom tube and wax paper close.

(3) Fold over the wax paper to one side. With strong wide packing tape, secure the bottom of the tube a few times to minimize leakage (figure A).

(4) Stand the tube up against the inside wall of a medium bowl. Use a few garden rocks to hold the tube in place.

(5) Melt the butters and beeswax on low heat on the stove or microwave in intervals of 20 to 30 seconds ensuring that the ingredients do not boil or burn. This mixture should be warm to touch.

(6) Stir in the essential oils and mix well.

(7) Pour the mixture inside the tube with a small funnel.

(8) Place in the freezer for 25 to 30 minutes to solidify.

(9) After the stick has hardened, gently peel away the tube and wax paper with your hands. As you are working you way to the end, use a pair of scissors to cut the bottom out carefully.

(10) With the remaining piece to wax paper, roll the massage stick and tape the center. Wrap a corn husk around the finished stick and secure it with a 2" piece of ribbon in the center of the tube. Hot glue desired embellishments.

(11) Make up a card with the ingredients on one side and a poem on the other.

Source: http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/cr_special_days_gifts/article/0,2025,DIY_13777_5122888,00.html

Moisterizing Milk Recipe

by Allison B. Kontur (http://www.bathbodysupply.com/)

You will need:
4 oz Avocado Oil
4 oz Stearic Acid
5 ml (1 tsp) Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)
2 oz Vegetable Glycerin
16 oz Distilled Water
7.5 ml (1.5 tsp) Liquipar Optima (Preservative)
7.5 ml (1.5 tsp) Fragrance (optional)

Phase 1: Combine avocado oil and stearic acid in a double boiler over low heat until it becomes a clear liquid. Remove from heat and set aside. (At the same time, you should be heating the ingredients from Phase 2 in a separate double boiler.)

Phase 2: Combine distilled water, baking soda and vegetable glycerin over a water bath or in a double boiler. Heat until it boils and slowly add the water solution from Phase 2 to the oil solution in Phase 1. The mixture will foam slightly as carbon dioxide (CO2) is released from the baking soda.

Phase 3: Pour the entire mixture into a mixing bowl (or blender). Whip on high speed for 2-3 minutes. The mixture will be light, white & fluffy. Cover and allow the mixture to cool completely.

Phase 4: Add fragrance (optional) and preservative when cool, and mix again to incorporate completely before packaging.Note: This recipe yields a very watery, thin moisturizer. It could be dispensed in a spray application, but we used a standard PET Bullet bottle with an Orifice Reducer and Silver Phenolic Cap.

Source: http://bathbodysupply.blogspot.com/2009/01/recipe-moisturizing-milk.html

Beeswax Website

Diane from my bath balms and butters class recommend an interesting site about beeswax that I wanted to share. The site has recipes, melting safety tips (It melts between 143-148 degrees and should not be melted in the microwave because it could ignite) and more! I would highly recommend you reading this informational page.

Rachels Supplies - http://www.rachelssupply.com/bwax.htm

Thank you Diane for sharing!!!

Packaging: Jars

Regular Wall Straight Sided

The Regular Wall Straight Sided jar is a packaging basic. It is used in just about any industry for food, chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, storage or any number of other applications. These are made of either Polypropylene (PP) or Polystyrene (PS). Remember to always check the container you a filling to make sure it is compatible with your material. Polypropylene (PP) can handle higher heat products, while Polystyrene (PS) is more suitable for cold or very low heat filling. You can select from a variety of plastic and metal closures.

Double Wall

Double Wall Jars offer you the opportunity to package less in a larger container. Very often found in the cosmetics industry, these unique designs protect your product and give an excellent visual impact. You have the choice of several different closures to match or contrast with this white jar.

Round Wide Mouth

The Round Wide Mouth Jar has numerous applications for both small and large quantities of product. You will find these used in the food, chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and many other industries. These containers in sizes from 8 ounce up to 1 gallon made from HDPE for cold filling or Polypropylene (PP) for hot filling. Round Wide Mouth Jars lend themselves well to both printed adhesive labels and silk screening.

Source: http://bottlesolutions.com/article/item-0cd1b0f6-e146-4c26-b3dc-487f8f408ac6.aspx

Special Offer to My Students!

For those would took my body balms and butters class on April 18th, I want make a special offer.

I will be selling 2 oz of Natrasorb for $2.00 plus shipping and handling. For each additional oz it will be a $1 more.

If you would like to purchase Natrasorb for your whipped body butters recipes, please email me with your request. And we can make arrangements where I should ship the products to.

Please note, I will only be able to except cash or check as payments.

Important: This promotion will expire on May 31, 2009. Mention code: 203203.

Early Registration For Classes

I would strongly encourage anyone interested in signing up for my classes to do so at the earliest possible moment. The reason is that one it would possible prevent the class from being cancelled. And two it helps determine on how much supplies I order.

For example, yesterday I had a Body Balms and Butters class at the Palo Alto Adult School. I had 5 students sign up for the class. But when class started there were 3 students who had signed up online but somehow did not make the list. Then 45 minutes into the class three women came in for the class stating they signed up online. I could not take them because I had only enough supplies for the students in the class.

It really helps when registering early because it helps determine the amount of supplies to order and having the right amount of handouts copied. For planning purposes, I contact the school's a week and a half prior to the class to see how many students are in the class. Then I will add on enough supplies for 2-3 students then I place the order. Most of the supplies I get come from out of state and it takes time for the supplies to arrive in time for the class.

I know that there are last minute sign ups that cannot be avoided but if you sign up online or the night before I highly recommend bringing your confirmation to the class. IT really helps the instructor confirm that you are in the class.

Thanks for understanding.

Packaging: Plastic Bottles

Boston Round

Boston Round Plastic Bottles, like glass, come in a variety of sizes from ½ ounce to 16 ounce to fit your many applications. The Boston Round design is applicable in the chemical, food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and a broad variety of other industries. They can be used with numerous plastic closures including caps, pumps, sprayers, fine mist sprayers, discs tops, and even some metal caps. It is always best to first test out your product with the bottle and closure to assure compatibility. Make sure to remember to put on a label or have this attractive container silk screened with your unique brand.

Ovals Plastic

Oval Bottles are used in many different cosmetic, health and beauty aid applications. A unique product called a Corporate Oval. This unique design includes a flat panel that easily lends itself to adhesive and silk screen labels. Try this out for a unique look!

Cosmo Round

Cosmo Rounds come in a variety of sizes, are made of HDPE and are great for sprays, lotions, cosmetics, household toiletries, pharmaceuticals, pet products and food. They will also work with a variety of other liquid and some dry applications. Always make sure to test the contents with the container and closure to make sure they are a good chemical match. Cosmo Rounds look very attractive on any shelf. However, without a unique label that makes your statement they are simply generic. And this bottle offers the ability to put a label on both the front and the back. So remember to always order your label along with your container.

HDPE Cylinders - PVC Cylinders

Cylinder Bottles are used for most everything liquid. Just about every industry has an application for this basic container. You will also find a large selection of both HDPE and PVC types. HDPE and PVC are both excellent containers, with HDPE being the more economical choice. If you need more esthetics for your material, select the PVC container in either clear or white. In all sizes there are a variety of options in terms of color and neck finishes accommodating the many, many cap, pumps and other closures that will fit this container. The cylinder bottle easily accommodates a wrap around label, to fit all of your products descriptive information.

F-Style Oblong

The F-Style is great for liquids in larger quantities that need to be poured. You will find the F-Style used for food products, like oils and shortening, chemicals of all kinds, various petroleum products, and many other bulk quantity liquid applications. These are easy to fill and store due to their square oblong size. These come in natural or white.

Sprayer Bottles

Sprayer bottles are easy to grip and easy to hold. They are excellent for many cleaning and janitorial / sanitation purposes with or without a sprayer attachment. These containers can also be used for household cleaning products, garden sprays, or even a convenient water sprayer at the beach. They come in 8 ounce up to 32 ounce sizes in both natural, white and clear. To complete your bottle select an appropriate sprayer or cap. Remember, when ordering a sprayer make sure the dip tube is the right length. All of the varieties we carry lend themselves to easy labeling. You can select a paper adhesive label, a printed silk screen or an easy to apply sleeve.

Modern Round

This timeless basic shape is designed to accommodate and protect your important label by providing a recessed panel area. We carry four different bottle sizes and you can select from natural, white and amber colors. Since we focus on the complete container, you will notice that we have Panel Label Dimensions available for every container, making it easy for you to pick out the right size.



Source: http://bottlesolutions.com/article/item-0cd1b0f6-e146-4c26-b3dc-487f8f408ac6.aspx

NATRASORB® HFB

INCI: Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate (and) Acrylates Copolymer (and) Magnesium Carbonate

Description: NATRASORB HFB starch is a hydrophobically modified starch that has a high capacity for loading oils. The product functions as a free flowing carrier for oil soluble ingredients. When loaded, the NATRASORB HFB starch maintains free flowing properties and good aesthetics, even in the presence of moisture. The product can also be used as an additive in anhydrous cosmetics to provide oil control, to help mitigate syneresis and to assist in high loading of oil into final products.NATRASORB HFB starch can be used, as supplied, in powders targeted for oil control. When incorporated into such a powder, the starch absorbs oil from the skin, helping control shine and providing a matte finish.

Function:
Function Description:
Enhance aesthetics
-
Increase slip / lubricity, Reduce shine
Naturally based product
-
Gamma irradiated for cleaner microbiological profile, Naturally derived
Oil control
-
Oil absorption
Applications: Antiperspirants / Deodorants, Bath & Shower Products, Color Cosmetic, Powder, Skin Cream & Lotion

Source: http://www.personalcarepolymers.com/PCP/Products/ProductOverview.htm?id=99

Santizing Containers

In a packaging class I took at The Nova Studio it was suggested to make a 1:4 ratio of bleach to water in a spray bottle. If choose not to use bleach and water, you can use alcohol.

It was recommended to spray the mixture on a paper towel and tipe the intended areas instead of directly on the container or lid. The reasoning is that you may not be able to reach a particular area and it may contaminate your recipe causing problems especially for lotions and cream recipes that contain water.

Powdered Milk for Milk Bath Receipes

For those who like making their own Herbal Milk Bath products, I just wanted to let you know that Wholesale Supplies Plus (http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/) sells the following milk in powder form: Buttermilk, Coconut Milk and Goat Milk.

Buttermilk starts out @ $10.50 for 1 pound
Coconut Milk starts out @ $9.55 for 1 pound
Goats Milk starts out @ $17.25 for 1 pound

If you would like to check the price for larger quantities, I recommend visiting Wholesale Supplies website at http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/ for more information.

Aromatherapy Spotlight on Lavender Essential Oil

Imagine a flower being able to calm your nerves, reduce inflammation and swelling, promote faster healing for minor burns, decrease muscle pain, alleviate insomnia, and work as a natural bug repellant? That purple colored flower named lavender, which is derived from the Latin word lavera meaning “to wash”, is one of the most versatile essential oils the plant kingdom has to offer. Additionally, it’s obtained without a prescription and the price is considered quite inexpensive.

Types of Lavender:

Lavandula angustifolia is the most common type of lavender and it hails from England It is oftentimes referred to as true lavender. Any true lavender will have the botanical name of “lavandula” as the prefix. (There are up to 50 different species, including lavandula officinalis and lavandula vera, yet they will all be simply lavender). Lavender grows all over the world, including many parts of the United States and Canada, France, Italy, Bulgaria, Russia, Croatia,China,and Australia. The reason the “true” lavandula angustifolia genus is so popular is due to the low rate of camphor, less than one percent, it retains after distillation. This lends the essential oil a strong floral aroma, but it also makes it quite effective in aromatherapy usage, especially in accelerating the healing of minor burns. Camphor is a chemical constituent that you don’t want near a burn, and other versions of lavender, such as lavandin, lavender’s cousin, which can contain up to 8% camphor—are not effective for soothing delicate skin tissue.

Lavandin (lavandula x intermedia) ~ According to ‘The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils’ by Julia Lawless, lavandin is: “A hybrid plant developed by crossing true lavender (lavender angustifolia) with spike lavender or aspic (lavender latifolia). Due to its hybrid nature, lavandin has a variety of forms: in general it is a larger plant than true lavender, with woody stems. Its flowers may be blue like true lavender, or grayish like aspic.” The scent of lavandin is also sharper and more penetrating. While the plant grows in parts of Eastern Europe, Hungary, and Spain, cultivation is mainly in France.

Spike Lavender (lavandula latifolia) ~ Spike, sometimes referred to as Spanish lavender, is native to Spain, France, Italy, the Mediterranean region, and Northern Africa. The bright purple-blue flowers commonly found in true lavender are often a grayer hue in the spike variety. The essential oil is very penetrating, more herbal than floral, and retains a higher concentration of camphor than true lavender.

Lavender 40/42 ~ The lavender is blended with other lavenders to bring the percentage of linalol to between 40% and 42%. Linalol is an active component of Lavender that contains therapeutic benefits. Some Lavender essential oils can contain 40% and 45%.

Historical Uses for Lavender:

Lavender was cultivated by the ancient Egyptians in the sacred walled garden at Thebes. They prized the herb greatly, using it to make a soothing and healing balm that was part of the ritual of mummification. It was turned into an expensive perfume to adorn both the living and the dead. Perfume urns were sealed into tombs to provide fragrance, and when Tutankhamen’s tomb was excavated, the scent of lavender was still strong even after 3000 years.” From ‘The Book of Magical Herbs’ by Margaret Picton.

Surprisingly, lavender is found more frequently in commercial fragrances for men rather than women. “This is one of the oldest scents in the fragrance world, made from oils extracted from the lavender and lavandin plants grown in France as well as spike lavender grown in Spain.” From the book ‘Perfumes, Splashes & Colognes’ by Nancy M.Booth. Examples of men’s fragrances are: Aqua Lavanda, Cool Water, Drakkar Noir, Hai Karate, Lavanda, Le Male by Gaultier, Old English Lavender, Old Spice Fresh Scent, Pino Silvestre (conifer), Pour un Homme and Ungara Pour Homme all contain lavender and/or lavandin essential oils.

Benefits of Lavender:

This versatile essential oil is familiar to many of us. You should have a small bottle of it for your First Aid kit and/or to keep in your kitchen. Lavender is one of the best natural ingredients to help stop the pain from minor kitchen accidents such as burns from the oven/stove or knife cuts. A drop of lavender can ease the pain, and only the addition of the gel-like innards of a freshly sliced open aloe vera leaf is as good a remedy for instant relief. Combining the two is recommended, as aloe vera instantly cools a hot burn.

For sunburn pain, lavender is also recommended. Pesky mosquito or other insect bites bothering you? Try adding lavender essential oil to the problem area(s) and your skin will thank you.

Headaches may disappear when you massage a tiny amount of lavender on your temples or the nape of your neck.

Lavender and relaxation are two words that are virtually synonymous with each other. However, according to author Erich Keller in his book ‘Aromatherapy Handbook for Beauty, Hair and Skin Care’ he writes: “Lavender is an all-purpose oil for skin care. Its effect is antibacterial, pain-relieving, healing for wounds, soothing for skin diseases, deodorizing, antiseptic, fungicidal, insect-repelling, rejuvenating, and anti-inflammatory. It may be used to treat all types of skin and iseffective for acne and oily hair (as it regulates sebum production), itchy skin, hand care, cracked skin, bruises, shock injuries (in ice-cold compresses), acne scars, blisters, abscesses, furuncles, warts, boils, eczema, athlete’s foot (tea tree is more effective here, however), wounds, and burns. A bath with lavender soothes and heals the skin after sunburn.”

Safety/Precautions:

Unlike many other essential oils, there are few safety notes to share with you. Lavender essential oil can be used neat, meaning without diluting it in a plant based carrier oil, but it must be done in small amounts and only for minor skin problems. However, it is advised to dilute lavender with a vegetable carrier oil such as olive oil, jojoba, sweet almond oil, etc., just to make certain that your skin doesn’t have an allergic reaction. Please be very careful when purchasing pure lavender essential oil to be used for minor medical burn treatment emergencies as you will need true lavender, the type containing the lowest amount of camphor, and NOT lavandin, the genus which has up to 8% camphor – a burn causing ingredient!

Please do not take lavender essential oil internally!

Uses for Lavender:

Bath soak ~ All you need is approximately 15 drops in your bathtub of warm to hot water and you should find yourself relaxing.

Candle ~ Add a few drops to a candle, next to the wick, not on it as essential oils are flammable. Lavender will fill the room with its soothing floral aroma and relaxation should follow.

Sachet ~ Add dried lavender buds to a small muslin bag and store in your drawers/cupboards, and especially where linen is stored. This method also works well as a natural bug repellent if you hang a scented lavender sachet in your closet(s) on a hanger.

Hair ~ Add two to four drops to your hairbrush and brush your hair. Not only will it smell great, doing this helps to condition it naturally. Also, lavender is believed to stimulate hair growth and its antibacterial properties can help eliminate scalp conditions.

Blending With Lavender:

The happy combination of two florals is pronounced with the intermingling of rose, jasmine or geranium (Bourbon or Rose). For more dramatic combinations, consider mixing lavender with the following essential oils: bergamot or any citrus essential oil, clove, rosemary, eucalyptus, patchouli, clary sage, cedarwood, tea tree, oakmoss, vetiver, or pine.

Finding High Quality Lavender:

The most important things to look for on any glass bottle of lavender essential oil will be four categories. Naturally, you would expect to see “Lavender” on the label. However, here are the four facts that you will find on any bottle of essential oil from a reputable supplier/company:

1. Botanical/Latin name. If in search of true lavender it would be Lavandula angustifolia.

2. Part. What part of the plant has the essential oil been extracted from? For lavender, that is the flowering tops.

3. Method of extraction. Is it an absolute, enfleurage, carbon dioxide (CO2), or has it been steam distilled? In this case it has been steam distilled. While lavender can be found in CO2 form as it’s the most expensive, or as an absolute, the most common type is steam distilled.

4. Country of Origin. As noted, lavender comes from many different countries, and my personal preference is for the type from Bulgaria. Location can make a sizeable difference for many reasons such as climate, type of soil, high/low altitude, etc.

Other factors to look for are price, as too low of an amount means it has been adulterated in some way or is possibly synthetic. Essential oils should be stored in a glass bottle to protect the contents. Then you must continue to keep your lavender in the best environment and that would be in a cool, dark place.

For practical reasons, it’s better to buy a small amount. Not only is this more economical, but this way you can determine what lavender oil you like the best. You can consult with a certified aromatherapist for advice on obtaining the best quality lavender. Another way is to locate a reputable farm where lavender is grown, as this would be the best place in which to purchase your lavender essential oil. Lavender farmers will be able to answer your questions and advise you on what type of lavender is best suited for your needs. You will be advised that lavender is harvested in the summertime and that immediately after it has been distilled is not the best time to buy it—usually one to two years after distillation is when it matures. For example, I purchased a bottle of lavender in April, and the following spring I started to notice a less herbal, and more rounded floral aroma. Another benefit to lavender is that it has a fairly long shelf life (approximately five years) and, like fine wine, can improve during its bottled lifespan.

About the Author

Lisa Maliga is the bath & body products designer for Everything Shea Aromatic Creations http://www.everythingshea.com/Everything Shea offers a variety of glycerin soaps, (including Bulgarian Lavender),lip balms, scented/unscented shea butter, Whipped Shea Butter, Shea Comfort, custom SoapCakes and Mini SoapCakes. Discover 275+ fragrances,designer duplicates and essential oils.


Source: ArticleTrader.com

Lilac Solid Perfume Recipe

Summary: Heavenly scent of lilac in a solid form with optional decorative flowers

Ingredients:
1 part fractionated coconut oil
1 part bees wax or hydrogenated jojoba
MP 56 Lilac fragrance oil (it is a good idea to have .5 oz for each ounce of fractionated coconut oil)Individual lilac flowers cut from the bunch--if possible go for organic, you don't want pesticides! (optional)

Instructions:
Put bees wax or hydrogenated jojoba and coconut oil into a non-reactive pan and heat on low until wax melts into the oil. Test the consistency by sticking a cold spoon into the mix. If it is too hard or soft when it cools on the spoon, add wax or oil. Stir and let cool until you can touch the mixture, but before it starts to harden. Stir in fragrance oil to desired strength. Stir again and pour into containers. If desired take lilac flowers and place them into the mix before it hardens over, they look the best when they are barely covered. I recommend using a toothpick or tweezers to place them. Another good way is to make a batch and fill the containers 2/3 full, let it harden, put the flowers on top and spoon another batch on top of them. This recipe can be used with other scents also.

Source: http://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/recipe/recipe.asp?recipe_id=44

Rose aloe face cream Recipe

Submitted By: Yohana of Voorhees, NJ to From Nature with Love (http://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/)

Ingredients:
3 T rice bran oil
1 1/2 t virgin coconut oil
1 3/4 t illipe butter
1/4 t lanolin
1/2 t beeswax
2 T rose hydrosol
1 3/4 t jasmine or orange water
3/4/ t vegetable glycerin
1 T aloe vera gel
1 vitamin E capsule
1 vitamin A capsule

Instructions:
Melt the oils, butter, beeswax and lanolin mixture in the water bath over medium heat. Allow mixture to cool to room temperature. The oil and water mixtures need to be the same temperature for your cream to be successful. Put the hydrosol and floral water, glycerin, aloe vera and vitamin E and A into a blender. Turn it on medium-high speed then begin to drizzle in the oil mixture. Continue until all the oil is added or until the blender begins to slow down and acts as if it will stop. The mixture should look thick and creamy. Keep cream in the refrigerator. If you keep a container in the bathroom it will stay good for two - three weeks. If you use a preservative it should be fine for much longer.

Source: http://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/recipe/recipe.asp?recipe_id=204

The Scents of Potpourri

By Teresa Opdycke

Potpourris scent the home with subtle fragrances, lovely textures, and florals to behold, with the advantage of being closed only to be opened another day. A French word, potpourri literally means “rotten pot,” but recognized today as a mixture of botanicals, spices, oils and a fixative to bind the ingredients together. Potpourris, beautiful to look at and as aromatic as fine perfume, run the gamut of price ranges. From bagged potpourris costing a few dollars to exquisitely boxed potpourris that sport designer names, the fragrant mixtures adorn homes everywhere and imbue a softly scented ambiance.

The creation of potpourri begins in gardens and the natural world. Flowers have been the basis for perfumes and scents for thousands of years. The desire to capture the rich scent of roses and hold it long after the last bloom fades continues to this day. Within a fragrance we find memories of a summer morning picking roses for a bouquet. A hint of lavender may take us back to a grandmother’s drawer where a lace handkerchief sachet lay, gently scenting lingerie. A spicy kitchen aroma makes the mouth water in remembrance of freshly baked apple pie. The need to reinvent the very scents that take us back to times of grace, laughter, and love come to play in potpourris.

Purchasing a potpourri may be a risky business. You’re not sure just what you’re getting until you pour the contents into a bowl. There may be little scent to the potpourri, no scent at all, or such a strong odor it causes the eyes water. A well-made potpourri will last a long time and many of the more expensive mixtures come with refresher oil.

Often times, cheaper potpourris contain more wood chips or curls than anything else. Dyed wood chips saturated with fragrant oils heaped in a bowl lack the beauty and varied textures of a finely produced potpourri of flowers, herbs, and spices.

The Flowers

Manufacturing your own potpourri guarantees a personal creation that smells and looks just the way you want it to. Dried botanicals are the base of potpourris. Flower heads and petals are a must. You can either purchase dried flowers for potpourri making from suppliers or dry blossoms from your garden throughout the growing season. If you’re serious about making potpourris ask a local florist if the flowers that are past the selling stage could be purchased for a small fee. Who knows… perhaps she’d rather give them to you than toss them out. Dry foliage as well as the flowers, although they may not have the scent, they will provide a different color, texture, and add depth to the blend.

Herbs and Spices

Flowers have a tendency to lose their fragrances after drying. Herbs prolong the scents due to the oils that most herbs carry. Adding dried rose geranium leaves to a potpourri base of mostly roses keeps the blend smelling like a rose. Spices, which may be the root, berry, seed, or fruit of an aromatic plant add another dimension to the potpourri. Whole spices retain their scents and flavors much longer than ground ones and look wonderful in a bowl. You can find whole spices at grocery stores and online from suppliers of botanicals.

The Fixative

The all-important fixative is there to be smelled but not necessarily seen. Its purpose is to stabilize or “fix” the scent within the mix. The fixative keeps the potpourri fragrant. Orris root comes from the Florentine iris, smells a bit like violets, and can easily be found in craft stores or from suppliers. Stay away from the powdered variety as it tends to give a dusty appearance to potpourris. Other fixatives that may be used include ambergris, the oil of whale sperm, used in expensive perfumes; calamus, a root or rhizome of the American iris; frankincense, a gum; myrrh, another gum ; oak moss harvested from oak trees in Southern Europe, and lastly sandalwood chips. These are few botanicals and oils that can be used as fixatives; however, some of them carry a hefty price tag which seems a poor choice compared to orris root.

Essential Oil

Essential oils are the essence of a flower, herb, or spice. The essential oil or oils create the scent desired. Extremely potent, it takes only small amounts to scent potpourris. The oils usually come in two forms, natural and synthetic. The costs of some natural oils are far too prohibitive to be included in a homemade potpourri. For example, attar of roses, considered one of the most beautiful scents in the world costs $50.00 for one quarter of an ounce. You decide which oils you want to use, natural or synthetic, and there’s no reason why you can’t blend them together if you so desire.

There are two ways to create potpourri, the dry process or the moist one. Although the moist potpourri method comes with a long history, using the dry method is easier and fool-proof.

Dry Potpourri

Potpourri making requires a few tools: A kitchen scale, mortar and pestle or something to crush herbs and spices in, wooden spoons, glass or pottery mixing bowl, a scoop, and an eyedropper.

For every quart of bone-dry flowers, leaves, and herbs add 3 tablespoons of orris root that has been cut into small pieces. (You’ll want to buy it in this form or crush it in the mortar and pestle) For every 3 tablespoons of orris root use 1 teaspoon of essential oil. First time potpourri making requires a lot of trial and error sniffing, but eventually you’ll reach the perfect mix of flowers, herbs, spices, oils, and fixatives.

A few days before mixing the botanicals, prepare the fixative. A small lidded jar works well for this task. Place the orris root in the jar; add the essential oil or oils. Give the jar a vigorous shake and put aside to set. If you think about it, shake the jar each day. This method of preparing the fixative keeps the botanicals drier.

Place all the flowers, herbs and spices in the mixing bowl and gently mix with the wooden spoon or your hands. Dried flowers and herbs are fragile so great care should be taken to not crush or break them as you stir. Add the fixative. Stir gently and place the entire contents into a brown paper bag. Close the bag allowing the fixative, oils and botanicals to blend into a harmonious mixture of sweet scents for about two weeks. You can shake the bag, but do so with great care. Pour the cured potpourri in a lovely bowl, add a few perfectly dried flower heads to the top for a truly eye appealing potpourri and breathe in the wondrous fragrances of a summer garden in the middle of the winter.


© Doityourself.com 2006

Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/potpourri

Debbie's Brown Sugar Scrub

From Wholesale Supplies Plus Blog (http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.blogspot.com/)

8 oz Crafter's Choice Foaming Bath Whip
4 oz Coarse Demerara Brown Sugar
1 Tbsp Coarse Demerara Brown Sugar
2 Tbsp Crafter's Choice Sweet Almond Oil
2 tsp Crafter's Choice Brown Sugar FO
1/2 tsp Crafter's Choice Vitamin E Oil

In a Pyrex Cup and using an electric hand mixer, whip 8 oz of the Foaming Bath Whip for 1 minute. Gently fold 4 oz sugar and liquid ingredients into whip. Whip entire mixture again for 1 minute thoroughly. Scoop into jar. Sprinkle 1 Tablespoon of brown sugar on top. Apply lid and label.

Kudos for Sue (WSP Customer Service) for coming up with this excellent formula!

Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

Vitamin E acetate (alpha-tocopheryl acetate)

Vitamin E acetate is a dry, powder form of vitamin E that has no antioxidant power until the acetate is removed in the intestine as it is absorbed. The acetate form of vitamin E is called an ester. The ester of vitamin E is more stable to light and oxygen than tocopherol. The shelf-life of the ester tocopheryl is greater than that of the unesterified tocopherol. Vitamin E acetate is a pleasant-tasting form of powdered vitamin E that can be eaten right off the spoon. Tocopheryl acetate is naturally converted by the body to vitamin E.

The commonly available source of stable vitamin E used in animal feed is synthetic dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, which exists in equal amounts of eight isomers. Dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate is an all-synthetic form of alpha-tocopherol. An alternative natural form of stable vitamin E is d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, which is derived from vegetable oils and exists in the form of one isomer. D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate is the acetate ester of natural-source d-alpha-tocopherol. D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate is produced by coupling racemic isophytol with trimethylhydroquinone to form d1-tocopherol. The synthesized version, dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate exists in equal amounts of eight isomers while the natural extraction from vegetable oils, d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, exists only as one isomer. D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (natural) may be a better alternative to increase tissue levels and retention of vitamin E compared to dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (synthetic). Vitamin E forms are listed as either plain "tocopherol" or tocopheryl followed by the name of what is attached to it, as in "tocopheryl acetate". The two forms are not greatly different. However, plain tocopherol may be absorbed a little better, while tocopheryl attached forms have a slightly better shelf life.

Vitamin E acetate is a powerful antioxidant, possessesing the ability to increase the moisturisation of the skin's horny layer and thereby improve surface relief. D-Alpha-tocopheryl acetate is used in topical skin care products. It appears that it can diffuse into skin cells where it is converted to d-alpha-tocopherol. D-alpha-tocopherol may protect skin against ultraviolet damage and is also a skin moisturizer. The activity of natural or natural-source alpha-tocopherol (RRR alpha-tocopherol), on an equal weight basis, is at least twice as high as synthetic alpha-tocopherol. This is mainly because half of the stereoisomers of synthetic alpha-tocopherol are not maintained in human plasma and are, therefore, not bioavailable.

Here is the chemical breakdown of Vitamin E Acetate - http://www.chemicalland21.com/arokorhi/lifescience/foco/VITAMIN%20E%20ACETATE.htm

If you would like to see an explaination between the difference of Vitamin E Acetate and tocopheryl, visit this link - http://www.homeopathicdoctor.ca/Health_Notes/SUPP/VID8B0_1.HTM.

source: http://www.vitamins-supplements.org/tocopheryl-acetate.php

Purchasing a Tutorial on Swirling

One of the blogs (http://www.smellychicksonline.com/) I follow had an entry about a tutorial about ordering a tutorial about swirling colors in soap making. I had to read more. I am planning to purchase a copy in the future. If anyone has a copy of this tutorial and would like to critic it, please leave your comments and I will post them. I am sure alot of readers would like to hear your opinion about this publication.

Swirling with the Best!
28 page Tutorial on Swirling

Contents:
Swirls Done In The Pot (Cold Process & Hot Process)
Swirls Done In The Mold (Cold Process & Melt and Pour)

Available in several formats:
PDF File Download
CD Mailed
Printed Booklet

To order Swirling with the Best! Click here to order! Or visit http://www.smellychicksonline.com/ for more information.

Candle Making: How to Make Stacked Candles

By Ellen Russell

Melt and pour wax is not the only way to make candles at home; great looking stacked candles are fun and relatively easy to make. There is some melting involved in making traditional stacked candles, so use care when kids are involved. Stacked candles can be made with beeswax sheets as well, eliminating melting, which may be a better option for no stress candle crafting with children. For directions for each, read on.

Supplies:

Supplies for making stacked candles are available from any candle craft supplier. You will need wax, wax paper, pre-tabbed wicks and your choice of scent and color. Cookie cutters in any desired shape are needed, and a skewer or toothpick to make a hole in the candle. You will also need a pastry brush, vegetable oil and a cookie sheet to pour the wax onto; as scent oils can permeate some metals, plan to use this sheet only for craft purposes once you have used it for candle crafting.

Instructions:

To begin, melt candle wax according to the directions provided by the candle supply company. If no directions are available, consult a candle crafting book or check a supplier’s website, most sites include a link to directions. Following is an overview of this step.

Basically, wax needs to be chopped into small pieces and melted in a double boiler (smaller pan atop a larger bottom pan, filled with water). If you do not own a double boiler, don’t fret. A clean tin can set inside a pan of water works equally well, and makes clean up a snap as you can discard the wax coated can when you are finished. Heat until all the wax is melted, then add color and scent. Add scent last, and just before pouring so you do not cook your scent away.

Pour the melted wax mixture onto the cookie sheet until the candle wax is about ¼ inch deep. Let the wax set until almost (but not completely) hardened. When the cooled wax is no longer liquid, cut all the way through the wax with cookie cutters. Poke a hole through the center of each cutout. Remove the excess wax surrounding the cutouts, but leave the cutouts in place until completely hardened. Once the wax has set, remove the cutouts from the pan with a spatula.

To complete your candles, thread each cutout onto the pretabbed wick until you have reached the desired height for your candles. The design of your stacked candles is all up to you. Stack all of one color, or alternate colors and/or shapes for interest. Mix it up to make coordinating sets of stacked candles. Once stacked, your candles are done and ready to give as gifts or burn for your own pleasant home scenting.

The same basic method can be used to make stacked candles from sheets of beeswax. Beeswax sheets are available through many candle suppliers in a wide variety of colors, and require no heating. Beeswax has its own light, natural honey scent, a pleasing alternative home scent for those unable to tolerate the smell of heavy perfumes and florals. Most sheets of beeswax are manufactured with a honeycomb design imprinted on them, adding texture and visual interest to your beeswax projects.

To make stacked candles from beeswax, simply cut with cookie cutters and make a wick hole. If the beeswax sheet cracks, heat it with a hair dryer on the low setting for ten seconds. String as with stacked wax candles.The stacked candle cookie cutter method can also be used to make unique and decorative air fresheners. Cut as mentioned above and string on any decorative string, ribbon, or raffia. Hanging in a warm spot helps the wax to release the scent.

Stacked candles are a quick and easy way to make many candles for home scenting, decorating, and for giving as gifts. As melting is only part of the project, making stacked candles is a project all can enjoy, and a great way to make gifts with children for grandparents, neighbors, teachers and others. As always, use care and caution when crafting with hot wax products, and enjoy!


© Doityourself.com 2006

Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/stackedcandles

Beach Butter lotion

Thanks Elyce Nielsen of Nevada for your awesome contribution!

Ingredients:
2 grams natural vitamin E
80 grams cocoa butter
50 grams coconut oil
42 grams macadamia nut oil
30 grams kukui nut oil
17 grams emu oil
6 grams beeswax
4 grams germaben II
3 grams cornstarch
3-4 grams of your favorite fragrance oil

Directions:

Melt all your ingredients except(nat. vitamin E, fragrance oil, cornstarch & germaben II) in a microwave safe container,using 1 min. increments until it appears that your beeswax has started to melt. Using a stick blender whip on a low setting until your mixture begins to thicken. Place your mixture in the fridge for a few minutes(this will allow the mixture to set up quicker)use your stick blender to whip the mixture. Repeat the above step 2-3 more times or until it appears to be light & fluffy. Next add your vitamin E, fragrance oil, cornstarch, & germaben II and whip for the last time, making sure that you have a smooth consistent blend. Place your finished "Beach Butter" into jars of your choice and enjoy the luxurious, rich, silky feeling that will transfer into your skin.

Source: http://www.soapmakingforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=199

Peaches and Cream Soap Recipe

Ingredients:
1 (4 ounce) bar castile soap (unfragranced baby soap works well)
1/4 cup distilled water
1/4 cup powdered milk
1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
1/8 teaspoon peach fragrance oil
1 drop orange food coloring (optional)

Directions:
Shred the soap and set aside. Heat the water in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Stir in the shredded soap until it forms a sticky mass. Remove the pan from the heat and add the powdered milk, sweet almond oil, peach fragrance oil and food coloring, if desired. Stir until well blended. Spoon the soap into mold and set for 4 hours or until hardened.


Source: http://www.pureandnaturalsoaps.com/recipe-peaches-cream-soap.html

Shea Butter Profile

Botanical Name- Butyrospermum parkii
Origin- Africa
Extraction- Expeller Pressed/Unrefined
Shelf life- 1 year optimal

Notes- Because of its raw state, the scent of this butter is quite odoriferous and may alter your products aroma, albeit slightly. It is also of a pliable nature and can be directly applied to the skin. To prolong its shelf life, store in a dark, cool location.

Specifications
Color- Grey/Off White
Odor- Nutty with a pleasant aroma
Free Fatty Acids- 0.17%
Peroxide Value- 4.8
Non-Saponifiables-<6%>Saponification Value- 184
Iodine Value- 63
Total Saturated- 39-60
Total Monounsaturated- 40-48
Total Polyunsaturated- 4-10

Melting Point- 89-95 degrees

Fatty Acids
Oleic- 47.5%
Palmitic- 3-9%
Linoleic- 2-9%
Stearic- 38%

Introduction
Shea Butter is becoming increasingly popular in the natural bodycare and cosmetic industries for good reason. It has been used for centuries in Africa for its moisturizing and healing properties, where it has been used to protect and condition skin which has been damaged by the sun and wind.

Grades of Shea Butter:
The Shea Butter sold by Mountain Rose Herbs is completely raw, unrefined and having a very subtle pleasant aroma. Many companies use bleaches, deodorizers, or chemicals to alter the scent and appearance of Shea Butter. It is important to not purchase Shea Butter that has been altered in this way, as these processing methods deplete the product of its healing and medicinal properties, and also destroy the vitamins and minerals naturally present in Shea Butter. Shea Butter naturally has a cream color, and a distinctive scent which may not appeal to some. However, after applying Shea Butter to the skin, the scent lessens in strength. If you have been purchasing Shea Butter without the characteristic scent, then you have not been purchasing good quality Shea Butter.

Extraction Methods:
The majority of Shea Butter is prepared by hand in small villages across western Africa. Shea Butter processing is historically done by village women, and the method which they use has been passed down to them through their elders. The Shea Butter sold by Mountain Rose Herbs is processed in the traditional way in a village in Ghana . Because of the money earned by the women, the village has been able to afford basic necessities, such as schools, clinics, and clean water. To produce Shea Butter, the nuts are first picked from the Shea Tree and cracked, grilled, and pounded by hand. They are then boiled in water until the oil rises to the surface of the kettle. This oil is then scooped into gourds, where it is allowed to cool. Once that the oil has cooled, it thickens into a butter-like consistency. This Shea Butter is then packaged and shipped, providing us with a pure, high quality, and genuine product.

Benefits:
Shea Butter is naturally rich in Vitamins A, E, and F, as well as a number of other vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A and E help to soothe, hydrate, and balance the skin. They also provide skin collagen which assists with wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Vitamin F contains essential fatty acids, and helps protect and revitalize damaged skin and hair. Shea Butter is an intense moisturizer for dry skin, and is a wonderful product for revitalizing dull or dry skin on the body or scalp. It promotes skin renewal, increases the circulation, and accelerates wound healing. It is also beneficial for the treatment of many different conditions, such as:

Dry skin
Stretch marks
Itchy skin, skin rashes, Eczema, and Dermatitis
Sunburn
Small skin wounds
Damaged skin
Rough skin (such as on feet)
Insect bites
Muscle aches, fatigue, and tension
Wrinkles and signs of ageing
Chapped skin from cold weather
Dry or over processed hair
Diaper rash
Skin allergies
Frost bite

In addition, Shea Butter offers a low level of UV protection (approximately SPF-6), and may be incorporated into natural sunscreen recipes. Because of its soothing nature, anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating effects, it is a perfect ingredient to incorporate into your bodycare recipes and skin care regime. It is also wonderful to use in the summer as a moisturizer before and after sun exposure to reduce possibility of the skin peeling or becoming dried out.

Using Shea Butter:
At room temperature, Shea Butter is semi-soft and solid. However, the melting point of Shea Butter is 89-95 degrees and it will melt readily once applied to the skin. Since Shea Butter absorbs so quickly, it immediately relieves dry and irritated skin. There are many different uses for Shea Butter, below are some of the ways in which Shea Butter may be used:

May be easily incorporated into Lotions, Creams, and Body Butters.

Add a spoonful to your bath water for a luxurious and healing experience. Especially helpful for those with dry or itchy skin, or sore muscles. Try adding Lavender or Chamomile essential oil as well, or an herbal infusion made from soothing herbs.

In massage, Shea Butter is beneficial for overexerted muscles or for dry skin. If the odor is too strong, warm the butter slightly over a double boiler, and add essential oils.

In soaps, Shea Butter has a conditioning effect. Try incorporating Shea Butter into your handmade soap recipes.

Massaged into the scalp for dry scalp symptoms and to stimulate hair growth.

Use during pregnancy to keep the skin supple, and to prevent stretch marks. It may also be used after giving birth to reduce stretch marks.

Precautions:
Those with serious or persistent skin problems, such as eczema, should consult a physician before using Shea Butter.

Not recommended by those with nut allergies.

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Source: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/butter/shea.html

Mango Butter Profile

Botanical Name- Mangifera indica
Origin- India
Extraction- Expeller pressed/Refined
Shelf life- 2 year optimal

Notes- To prolong its shelf life, store in a dark, cool location. Mango is a relatively hard butter and does not apply well as a "stand alone" application, however it will disperse evenly onto the skin once liquified and warmed. It is best used within cosmetic formulations or added with other ingredients to make it more pliable.

Specifications
Color- White
Odor- Slightly fatty
Free Fatty Acids- 0.154%
Peroxide Value- 1.49
Non-Saponifiables- 1.8%
Saponification Value- 189
Iodine Value- 45
Total Saturated- 46-57
Total Monounsaturated- 40-50
Total Polyunsaturated- 2-4

Melting point- 101-102 degrees

Fatty Acids
Oleic- 46%
Palmitic- 6.6%
Linoleic- 3%
Stearic- 42%

Benefits:
Mango Butter has natural emollient properties, high oxidative ability, wound healing, and regenerative activity due to its high unsaponiable. Mango Butter has been traditionally used in the rainforests and tropics for its skin softening, soothing, moisturizing and protective properties and to restore flexibility and reduce degeneration of skin cells. It has a protective effect against UV radiation. Mango Butter will provide improvements and benefits in all the conditions listed below. As you use this butter you are likely to discover additional uses. Dermatologists often recommend Mango Butter for treatment of wrinkles, as most people who use it will notice decreased signs of aging and the disappearance of lines and wrinkles within 4 to 6 weeks of daily use. Reasons to use Mango Butter

- Effectively treats dry skin
- Heals skin rash
- Heals skin peeling, after tanning
- Clears blemishes and wrinkles
- Relieves itching skin
- Heals sunburn
- Shaving cream for a smooth shave
- Treats small skin wounds and skin cracks
- Moisturizes and smoothes tough or rough skin
- Fights frost bite
- Prevents stretch marks during pregnancy
- Relieves insect bites
- Promotes healthy rejuvenated skin
- Heals muscle fatigue, aches and tension
- Relieves skin allergies such as poison ivy or poison oak
- Treats eczema and dermatitis
- Fights off fine lines and wrinkle

Using Mango Butter:
Mango Butter is a tropical butter that has a similar composition to Shea and Cocoa, however the fatty acid content profile is slightly different and enhances the spectrum of natural EFAs, antioxidants and vitamins that Kabana products offer. It smells sweet and nutty in its pure form, generally has a warm creamy color and is solid at room temperature. It also melts at body temperature or upon contact with skin and disperses smoothly, providing a protective, emollient layer. Try using Mango Butter for:

Body care products
Soaps
Lotions, massage creams
Hair products

For educational purposes only
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Source: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/butter/mango.html

How to Make Soothing Bath Milk Oil

Looking for another way to make your bath more soothing?  Here is a recipe for a Soothing Bath Milk Oil by Sheila Wilkinson of ehow.  This recipe combines common ingredients you find in your kitchen or bath room.  What I find really unique is the combonation of baby oil, milk and honey.  I would never have thought to put those ingredients to make a milk bath.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2214406_soothing-bath-milk-oil.html

What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?

When manufacturers mix sulfuric acid, monododecyl ester, and sodium salt together, they can, surprisingly, come up with an everyday product that is used by much of the general human population. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), is a chemical compound used as a detergent in many beauty, household, and industrial products. In a pure state, sodium lauryl sulfate is known to emit toxic fumes in the presence of excessive heat because of thermal decomposition. But when mixed into diluted concentrations, they can be bottled and sold as your favorite brand name skin care product or cologne.

Its role in these products is usually that of a foaming or a dispersal agent. For example, toothpaste or bubble baths that foam when used contain sodium lauryl sulfate, as well as products that need its components dispersed homogeneously, such as fragrance oils in body spray.

However, the use of sodium lauryl sulfate has been a subject of lot of controversy. It has arguably been called one of the most dangerous ingredients in products today. Household essentials like cosmetic cleansers, bath gels, shampoos, and dishwashing detergents contain up to fifteen percent sodium lauryl sulfate. Also adapted for industrial applications, sodium lauryl sulfate is present in higher concentrations when used in floor scrubbing and degreasing solutions, due to the compound's corrosive and grease-fighting properties.

One thing about sodium lauryl sulfate that had a lot of animal rights activists protesting is its use in clinical testing. The chemical is employed as a primary skin irritant in trial tests on animal or human subjects. Usually after sodium lauryl sulfate is applied to the skin, a rash is likely to develop. The product itself, usually intended to heal skin irritation, is then tested for effectiveness.

Besides subjecting human and animal test subjects to different degrees of discomfort, critics claim that sodium lauryl sulfate is retained in the long run in organ tissues like the heart, liver, and brain. In lab animals, testing has been blamed for causing mutagenic effects. If they remain in the eyes for too long, they may also lead to the development of cataracts. Because sodium lauryl sulfate is corrosive by nature, it can dry out skin by stripping the protective lipids from the surface of the skin, weakening the body's natural moisture regulation mechanisms. If it eats away at the follicle, hair loss may also be induced.

In extreme cases, sodium lauryl sulfate is argued to be carcinogenic, though not by itself. When exposed to other nitrogen-bearing ingredients of a skin product though, the oxidation reaction that results may form nitrosomines, which are carcinogenic nitrates. Opponents of this argument claim that the percentage of sodium lauryl sulfate in such products is usually not enough to cause cancer in human beings. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) are all research-based organizations that have rated sodium lauryl sulfate as non-carcinogenic.

Source: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-sodium-lauryl-sulfate.htm

Aromatherapy Candle Making Recipes

Aromatherapy candle making recipes are wonderful ways to create candles with scents that are relaxing and soothing or invigorating and energizing.

http://candles.lovetoknow.com/Aromatherapy_Candle_Making_Recipes

If you try making these candles, please let us know on how it went.

Easter Jelly Bean Soap

Wholesale Supplies Plus (http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/) had a cute picture of Jelly Bean Embedded Soaps on their blog. Dee in the customer service department created these cute soaps.

If you would like to see what the soaps look like visit their blog at http://wholesalesuppliesplus.blogspot.com/2009/03/easter-jelly-bean-soap.html. If you would like the instructions on how to make these soaps, call 1-800-359-0944 and ask for customer service.