Temperature Control in Cosmetic Formulation
Question
What is the recommended method for controlling temperature when making cosmetics, specifically for melting ingredients or mixing cream bases at temperatures like 60°C or 80°C?
Answer
Based on your question and the previous staff reply, the recommended method for applying controlled heat during cosmetic production, such as melting ingredients or mixing cream bases at specific temperatures (like 60°C or 80°C), is by using a double boiler (also known as a heated bath).
This method involves placing your container of ingredients/mixture into a larger pot or container filled with water, and heating the water. This provides gentle, even heating and allows for better temperature control compared to applying heat directly or using boiled water directly on the ingredients.
As the staff mentioned, you can find more information about heated baths, including double boilers, via the link provided previously.
For beginners, it is generally recommended to avoid formulations that require heating, as they can be more complex. Additionally, many cosmetic ingredients can degrade or lose quality when exposed to high or prolonged heat.