There are some necessary steps and precautions to take when making lotions and creams. If your equipment such as bowls, spoons, mixer and the like have not been santized before use, they can promote the growth of some very nasty bacteria and fungi in your lotion. You don’t want to be giving your mom or best friend a bottle of lotion containing these, do you?
Cleanliness is vital to the natural body lotion making process. All equipment should be sterilized prior to use. This includes everything that will touch the lotion while it is being made and put into containers: bowls, spoons, measuring cups, spoons, etc. If you use a mixer, the beaters should also be sterilized prior to use. Even stick blenders should be sterilized. You get the idea. Yes, it’s a bit of a pain, but it sure beats the alternative of nasty microbes growing in your lotions.
As the video states, a preservative must be used when making natural body lotions. While alcohol is perfectly acceptable as a preservative for lotions you make for yourself and friends, you should definitely check local regulations if you intend to offer your lotions for sale. Your locality may have strict regulations as to what preservatives must be used in commercial products.
If you are interested in making lotions, creams and other spa products for retail sales, please check out The Handcrafter’s Companion. You will learn all the ins-and-outs of creating a successful spa products business, including all about FDA labeling regulations.
The following is a lotion recipe courtesy of Danielle Sims:
Make an Easy Lotion For Your Skin
by: Danielle Sims
Years ago I found out how incredible easy it is to make lotion. It is so inexpensive and organic that I wondered why anyone would even consider spending a dime on the chemical rich lotions on the market.
Besides I had an added incentive, I have eczema, so I am extremely sensitive to what I put on my skin. Making my own lotion was a great alternative for me.
To begin, for a lotion base all you need is water, oil and an emulsifier. An emulsifier is simply an ingredient that blends the water and oil together. Here is the base that I begin with to make my lotion:
* ½ cup distilled water
* ½ cup oil (I usually use olive, almond, macadamia nut, or grape seed)
* 1 TBS liquid lecithin
You can experiment from here by adding essential oils, combining other oils; you can steep beneficial herbs into your water before you add your oil, etc. . .
Here is a nice winter lotion to get you started:
+ ½ cup distilled water
+ ½ cup olive oil
+ 1 TBS lecithin
+ 6-8 drops of geranium oil
+ 2-4 drops Myrrh oil
+ 400 IU Vitamin E oil (1-2 open capsules)
Geranium oil is good for supporting balance and rejuvenating dry skin conditions and for wrinkled and matured skin.
Myrrh is a gentle oil that is effective in replenishing moisture.
Vitamin E oil is an excellent antioxidant and helps to protect the skin as well as a nice preservative.
Blend all ingredients in the blender either on whip or cream. You will have a nice creamy firm lotion. Add more water to make a lighter lotion. Store in the refrigerator in hot climates or store in a cool place. Shake well before use.
Enjoy your lotion. Hopefully this little recipe will inspire you to become creative!
About The Author
Danielle Sims explored her library of alternative health, herbal books, and aromatherapy books and created a blueprint for making her own body wrap formulas at home. For more information vist Danielle’s website http://www.wrapyourselfslim.com
source: articlecity.com