Regarding Lip Balm Formulation

Thank you for your questions about your lip balm formulation. Based on the information provided:

Regarding your initial questions:

1. Double Glycerin solubility and safety: Double Glycerin can be mixed with the other ingredients and is safe for use on the lips.
2. Need for preservative: A preservative is not necessary if the lip balm is for personal use only. However, for commercial production, adding a preservative is recommended due to potential microbial contamination during use. Mild Preserved Eco at 1% is suggested as an option that can be claimed as "Preservative Free".

Regarding your observations after trying the formula:

1. Hard and sticky texture: This is likely due to the high proportion of waxes (Beeswax and Microcrystalline Wax), which together make up 75% of your formula. To achieve a softer and smoother texture, reduce the total wax content to approximately 15-35%, depending on the desired consistency.
2. Bitter taste: The bitter taste is likely caused by the Double Glycerin.
3. Mixing Flavor: Since Flavor is water-soluble, it cannot be mixed directly into this oil/wax-based formula. You would need an emulsifier. Water Balm is recommended as an emulsifier that can help incorporate water-based ingredients like Flavor and also improve the texture of the lip balm.
4. Adding sweetness: Flavor provides scent, not sweetness. To add a sweet taste, you would need to include a sweetener in your formula, such as Erythritol or Saccharin (note: Saccharin is not available from our company).