Ingredients for Making Cream from Oil

To transform herbal massage oil made from coconut oil into a cream format, you will need ingredients that help the oil and water phases combine stably and provide the desired creamy texture. Based on the search, suitable ingredients include:

1. Emulsifier: This substance acts as a bridge between the oil phase (coconut oil and any other herbal oils you add) and the water phase (such as water or water-based herbal extracts), allowing them to mix uniformly and remain stable without separating. Examples of suitable emulsifiers include:

   • Emulsifying Wax 1000: A popular Emulsifier Wax used in creams and lotions. It enhances the efficiency of combining water and oil, improving cream stability.
   • Emulsifying Beeswax (Non-Ionic, Natural): A natural emulsifier derived from beeswax. It functions as both an emulsifier and a thickener, suitable for cream or balm formulations.

2. Thickener/Structurant: These ingredients increase viscosity and build the structure of the cream, helping to stabilize the oil within the cream matrix. Examples of ingredients in this group that work well with emulsifiers include:

   • Cetearyl Alcohol: A fatty alcohol that helps thicken and make the cream heavier. It comes in flake form and, when dissolved in the oil phase with heat, helps strengthen the cream structure and also acts as an emollient, coating the skin to reduce water loss. It is available in different grades like Cetearyl Alcohol (50/50) and Cetearyl Alcohol (30/70).
   • Stearic Acid: A fatty acid commonly used in creams and lotions to increase viscosity and stability. It is dissolved in the oil phase with heat.

To make the cream, you will typically prepare the oil phase (coconut oil, other herbal oils, thickeners/structurants like Cetearyl Alcohol or Stearic Acid) and the water phase (water, water extracts) separately. Then, heat both phases to an appropriate temperature (usually around 70-75°C). Combine the heated oil phase containing the dissolved emulsifier (like Emulsifying Wax 1000 or Emulsifying Beeswax) with the heated water phase, stirring or mixing gradually until a cream forms. Allow it to cool before adding heat-sensitive ingredients such as preservatives, fragrance, or heat-sensitive herbal extracts.

The appropriate amount of Emulsifier and Thickener to use will depend on the oil content in your formula and the desired cream consistency. Generally, emulsifiers are used at 1-5%, and thickeners/structurants like Cetearyl Alcohol or Stearic Acid can be used up to 20%, depending on the required thickness.