Using Botanical Extracts for Infused Oil in Cosmetics

Regarding your question about using powdered botanical extracts from the website to make infused oil for Balm and Salve instead of fresh or dried herbs:

1. Can Botanical Extracts be used for infused oil?

   • Yes, but only if the botanical extract is specifically oil-soluble or is an oil-based extract. Water-soluble extracts will not dissolve in oil and are not suitable for making oil infusions.

2. Do the extracts dissolve in oil?

   • Water-soluble extracts, such as the Calendula Extract (Water Soluble) (ID 123) and Allantoin (ID 75) which is related to Comfrey, will not dissolve in oil. Attempting to mix them into oil will result in separation.
   • Oil-soluble extracts or products that are already oil-based, such as Calendula Oil (Infused) (ID 7614) or using dried plant material specifically prepared for oil like Dried Marigold Flower (for oil-based) (ID 126102), are suitable for oil-based formulations.

3. Required Usage Percentage:

   • The usage percentage depends entirely on the specific product. For example, Calendula Oil (Infused) (ID 7614) can be used at a rate of 1-100% in the oil phase of your formula. For other oil-soluble extracts (if available), you should follow the manufacturer's recommended usage rate.

4. Adding Directly and Temperature:

   • Water-soluble powdered extracts should not be added directly to oil as they will not dissolve and may cause issues in your final product.
   • For oil-soluble ingredients or when using pre-made infused oils like Calendula Oil (Infused) (ID 7614), you would typically mix them into the oil phase of your formulation. High temperatures should generally be avoided when mixing botanical ingredients to preserve their beneficial properties. A mixing temperature below 40°C is often recommended, especially when adding sensitive ingredients or finished products.
   • If you choose to make a traditional infused oil using dried plant material like Dried Marigold Flower (for oil-based) (ID 126102), a low-heat or cold infusion method is generally preferred over high heat to extract beneficial compounds without degrading them.

In summary, while you cannot use water-soluble extracts like Calendula Extract (Water Soluble) or Allantoin to create an oil infusion, you can use products that are already oil-based, such as Calendula Oil (Infused), or use dried plant material specifically prepared for oil infusion like Dried Marigold Flower (for oil-based).