Formulation Questions: Adding Fragrance, Stability, and Storage for Cream and Oil Soap
Asked by: numpunchka
On: February 26, 2017
Product Type:
Cosmetics
Question
I have several questions regarding cosmetic formulation:
- How should I add Flora Fix (5%) and fragrance/essential oil (5%) to a finished cream? Should they be mixed together first? How should they be incorporated into the cream base (e.g., is heating to 60°C necessary)? Which phase do Flora Fix and fragrance/essential oils belong to? Can the total 10% weight be deducted from any part of the formula, or specifically from the water phase?
- Can fragrance/essential oil be added to Oil Soap?
- Is it necessary to add a preservative to Oil Soap, especially if making it for sale? Is Oil Blender essential for Oil Soap stability? If Oil Blender is omitted, how can I test for potential separation?
- Is it possible to add oil-soluble active ingredients to natural oils intended for skin application or massage?
- What are the recommended storage conditions (e.g., refrigeration) for natural oils and finished creams/lotions to extend their shelf life?
Answer
Subject: Regarding adding fragrance to cream
Here are the answers to your questions based on the staff's reply:
- Adding Flora Fix and fragrance/essential oil to cream:
- Mix Flora Fix (5%) and fragrance/essential oil (5%) together before adding them to the finished cream.
- Blend the mixture into the cream. Heating the cream to around 60°C can help Flora Fix incorporate better.
- Flora Fix and fragrance/essential oils are considered part of the oil phase.
- The 10% total weight for these ingredients can be deducted from any part of your formula, not necessarily just the water phase.
- Adding fragrance to Oil Soap:
- Yes, you can add fragrance or essential oil to Oil Soap.
- Oil Soap preservative and Oil Blender:
- Adding a preservative to Oil Soap is recommended, especially for products intended for sale. Although the formula itself may not contain water, users might introduce water during use, which could lead to microbial growth.
- Omitting Oil Blender might cause the product to separate. It is recommended to include it. If you choose not to, test the product for separation by letting it sit for at least 60 days or by using a centrifuge.
- Adding oil-soluble actives to natural oils:
- Yes, you can add oil-soluble active ingredients to natural oils used for skin application or massage.
- Storage of natural oils and creams/lotions:
- Storing products in a cool place, such as a refrigerator, helps extend their shelf life.
- However, avoiding heat and light is often sufficient to ensure the product lasts for its normal period of use.
