Oil Separation in Lip Balm
Asked by: chatchanok1421
On: August 19, 2019
Product Type:
Cosmetics
Question
I have a question about why oil separates on the surface of my lip balm (packaged in a container). Could it be because I poured it when it was hot?
The formula is 100 grams total:
- Beeswax 20 grams
- Total oil 55 grams
- Lanolin 15 grams
- Vitamin 0.1 grams
- Cherry fragrance 1-2%
- Color 0.1 grams
Answer
Subject: Oil Separation in Lip Balm
Hello, regarding the oil pooling on the surface of your lip balm, you are correct that the pouring temperature and cooling process can be a significant factor.
Here's why this can happen:
- Cooling Rate: When you pour the hot lip balm mixture into the container, the wax and oils solidify at different temperatures and rates. If the mixture cools too slowly, the oils can separate from the wax matrix before it fully sets, causing them to pool on the surface. Pouring when it's too hot can exacerbate this slow cooling.
- Wax-to-Oil Ratio: The proportion of wax to liquid oils is crucial. If there isn't enough wax to create a stable structure to hold all the oil, some oil may leach out over time, especially with temperature changes. Your recipe uses 20g Beeswax to 55g total oil and 15g Lanolin (which acts somewhat like a wax/thickener). The ratio might need adjustment depending on the specific oils used.
- Storage Temperature: Storing the lip balm in warm or fluctuating temperatures can cause the wax to soften or partially melt, allowing the oil to separate.
To help prevent this, try the following:
- Pour at the Right Temperature: Don't pour when it's excessively hot. Wait until the mixture just starts to thicken slightly around the edges of your melting pot before pouring.
- Controlled Cooling: Allow the lip balm to cool undisturbed at room temperature on a flat surface. Avoid moving it or putting it in the refrigerator immediately, as very rapid cooling can sometimes cause other issues like cracking, but a controlled, slightly faster cool than just leaving it in a hot environment might help.
- Adjust Ratio: If the problem persists, you might need to slightly increase the amount of beeswax or other solid/semi-solid ingredients (like Lanolin, depending on the desired texture) relative to the liquid oils in your formula.
It's a common challenge in lip balm making, and finding the perfect balance often requires a bit of experimentation with your specific ingredients and process.