Adding Beads to Body Oil

Adding beads to a body oil formulation can create an interesting visual effect, but whether they float or sink depends on the density of the beads relative to the oil, and the viscosity of the oil.

In a typical low-viscosity body oil, most types of beads will tend to sink over time due to gravity. To keep beads suspended evenly throughout the oil, you would generally need to increase the viscosity of the oil base by adding a suitable oil-soluble thickening agent.

Looking at the types of beads available:

• Oil Beads: These beads are designed to break upon massage, releasing the oil contained within. However, their descriptions explicitly mention that they should be used in formulas that are sufficiently thick to prevent them from settling. This confirms that in a standard body oil, they will likely sink unless the oil is thickened.
• Petals Beads, Vitamin E Beads, and Gold Pellet Beads: These types of beads are primarily for visual appeal. Based on their composition (some containing water-soluble components like Agar or Alginate) and storage requirements (some stored in water or requiring refrigeration), they are also likely to settle in a low-viscosity oil. They are generally recommended for clear formulas where they can be seen, and mixing instructions suggest gentle incorporation at the end of the process.

In summary: To prevent beads from sinking in your body oil, you will need to add a thickening agent to the oil phase. The specific type and amount of thickener will depend on the oil used and the desired suspension effect. Always add beads in the final step of your formulation with gentle mixing to avoid breaking them.