Addressing Flavor Solubility in Lip Balm

It appears the issue you encountered with the flavor not dissolving in your lip balm is because the flavor product you are using is water-soluble, while your lip balm formula is likely oil and wax-based. Water and oil do not naturally mix, which is why the flavor separated instead of dissolving.

To successfully incorporate a water-soluble flavor into an oil/wax-based lip balm, you need an ingredient that can bridge the water and oil phases. As suggested by the staff, Water Balm is designed for this purpose.

How Water Balm Helps:

Water Balm is a balm builder that helps bind water into oil or wax-based formulations. It allows you to add a percentage of water (up to 10% of the formula) into a lip balm or similar product that is primarily oil or wax. This creates a stable emulsion where the water-soluble ingredients, like your flavor, can dissolve and remain evenly dispersed within the balm.

Using Water Balm in Your Lip Balm:

To use Water Balm, you will need to create both an oil phase and a water phase for your lip balm formula. The water phase will contain the water-soluble flavor and any other water-soluble ingredients (like glycerin or water itself). The oil phase will contain your oils, waxes, and Water Balm.

1. Prepare Phases: Heat the oil phase ingredients (including Water Balm) together until melted and clear, typically around 70-80°C. In a separate container, mix the water phase ingredients (water, flavor, etc.) until clear.
2. Combine: While the oil phase is still hot and liquid, slowly add the water phase to it. Stir or blend well to combine the two phases.
3. Cool Down: Turn off the heat and continue stirring or blending at a low speed as the mixture cools. The balm will thicken and solidify over several hours (up to 24 hours).

By using Water Balm to create a stable water-in-oil emulsion, you can effectively dissolve and disperse your water-soluble flavor throughout your lip balm, achieving a uniform texture and scent.

Please refer to the detailed product page for Water Balm for example formulations and further guidance on usage rates and mixing methods.