Got a question on making lip balm. We got a kit, followed the directions and made a few tins. Everything came out good but when it set up, the finished product is kind of hard. It makes it a little difficult to get it out of the tins. It would be better if it was a little softer. Any advice on this problem?
Thanks,
Marc
I use wax, shea butter and sweet almond oil in mine and make it softer with extra almond oil
Read tillie's adventure's on lip balm.
http://beekeeperlinda.blogspot.com/2007/12/learning-about-lip-balm.html (http://beekeeperlinda.blogspot.com/2007/12/learning-about-lip-balm.html)
Sincerely,
Brendhan
I have also been experimenting with making my own creams and lotions out of the extra beeswax I have, so I agree you should cut down on the amount of beeswax and you should be fine.
Do you have a good recipe to share? I have been all over the internet and trying so many things and have spent a few hundred dollars already on ingredients to make some lotion bars and hand cream. After experimenting and making stuff I really was not happy with,(well the texture's have been very good, but the smells were not up to standards - my poor husband has offered to use all the stuff I do not like, on his feet) I have finally come up with some decent recipes, but I still want to tweek them a bit.
It has been fun, but expensive purchasing all those essential oil and other things. Although this is mainly what I am going to give for Christmas. When I am done, I will share some photos and recipes if anyone wants. I will have worked out the bugs for you all.
And yes, I know about Tillies's creams and have been in touch with her also for advice.
Annette
Another old one, but hopefully still pertinent ;)
I have REALLY enjoyed a 1 part beewax to 4 parts oil recipe, then as much EO as it would take to approach 2-3% of total volume. I use about 15-20 drops EO per 1/4 cup balm.
At first, I have used just canola oil. Lately I have been trying more exotic oils like coconut, rice bran oil, safflower oil and castor oil, same ratios.
less beeswax more oil makes it softer but then it doesn't last as long on the lips. Can always do the spoon test when making it?
I use 90g of coconut oil, 90g of shea butter and 65g of beeswax. It really depends on your customer base, however. Some like it harder, some like it softer.
What is shea butter and where would you find it in Australia?
Lone
I don't use Shea butter: but here's my recipe...
Beeswax 34 g (hardness)
Coconut Oil 34 g
Avocado Oil 20 g
Cocoa Butter 20 g
Sunflower Oil 14 g (healthy)
Castor Oil 14 g (shiny)
Honey 3 g
plus lip safe color & scent (essential oil 9 ml/g & mica .7 g)
Quote from: Lone on January 21, 2014, 08:33:37 PM
What is shea butter and where would you find it in Australia?
Lone
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shea_butter (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shea_butter)
I buy it on eBay.