Too Good to be True Lotion!

Weighing Ingredients

Every month I get a smattering of requests for assistance with formulations or ideas or even certain projects people want to see on the blog. Not that long ago, I got a request asking for a lotion that had less than 50% water while not being to heavy or greasy. I have the perfect formulation that fits those requirements! Let’s head to the kitchen to get started!

Weighing Ingredients

After finishing this lotion, I allowed it to sit on the counter to cool. While my back was turned, Tina nicked a bottle from the counter! I never would have known except later, she came to me and asked, “What is in this?” I went to my formulation notebook and told her. She said “I love it! I have been using it for a face cream and it is wonderfully light, creamy and dewy! Please, please, please release this on the blog!”

Heating Ingredients

Now I will tell you a little secret. Tina can be rather picky about what she puts on her face. Finding the perfect light texture without feeling oily is hard. Tina hates a heavy feel on the skin of her face. She complains that it feels like her skin can’t breathe. So for her to get so excited about a formulation is a big deal! Try this lotion that Tina considers too good to be true!

Heated Ingredients

First I started with Jojoba Oil. Technically, Jojoba is a liquid wax. It is very light in feel and very enjoyable on the skin. It also tends to be long-lasting on the skin.

I also used Sunflower Oil in this formulation. Sunflower Oil is an exquisite oil that is often overlooked in my cupboard. Sunflower Oil is light in color and texture. I find it adds a light silky feeling to lotions. Also, it won’t break the bank!

Another oil I added was Apricot Kernel Oil. Now I actually used two different infusions in Apricot Kernel Oil. If you don’t want to make an infusion, just use plain Apricot Kernel Oil. I used Annatto Infused Apricot Kernel Oil which contributed a wonderful color. I also used a Hibiscus Infused Apricot Kernel Oil. My taste buds like Hibiscus so why shouldn’t my skin have a taste too?!

Next I used Candelilla Wax. Candelilla Wax makes a wonderful thickener. It has more than double the stiffening/thickening power than beeswax without adding a significant waxy feel. I think Candelilla Wax is a great product, so much so, I consider it a must to always have on hand.

Once I had chosen my oil profile, I decided it was time to move onto my humectant. Please feel free to use any humectant you desire. I choose Hydrovance but feel free to use Honeyquat, Glycerin, Sodium Lactate or any other humectant you might have on hand.

I also had to arrange for an emulsifier. An emulsifier is important in water/oil mixtures because it keeps them from separating. I chose to use our work-horse emulsifier, Emulsifying Wax.

Lastly, I had to decide on a preservative. We have a variety of preservatives in our catalog. All of them have different areas that they are most effective. I decided on Liquid Germall Plus. Liquid Germall Plus works well in emulsified products that have a high water or oil content. Perfect if you decide to make a large range of formulations!

Recipe:

Weigh all of the ingredients except for the preservative into a microwave safe container. Heat gently until all of the oils have melted. Heat in the microwave using short time bursts until everything is melted. Blend the ingredients to a smooth, creamy consistency using the immersion blender. Add the Liquid Germall Plus once the temperature drops to approximately 120° F in the mixing bucket. Stir gently until completely mixed. Pour into containers and allow to cool completely before labeling. Enjoy!

Notes: I used two different Apricot Kernel Oil Infusions. I used 10 grams of Hibiscus infused Apricot Kernel Oil and 10 grams of Annatto Infused Apricot Kernel Oil. It is the Annatto Infusion that contributes the lovely color to this lotion. Try using an infusion of your own today!