by Jamie Satterwaite | Dec 31, 2024 | DIY, Soaping
If you’re exploring natural, sustainable options for skincare, you may have encountered two traditional fats: lard and tallow. Both are animal-derived and have been used for centuries in balms, soaps, and moisturizers. But what sets them apart? Let’s dive into their differences, pros and cons, and how each benefits your skin.
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by Jamie Satterwaite | Dec 31, 2024 | DIY, Soaping
If you’re running a small business selling homemade skin care products, understanding how to label your products is crucial for both compliance and consumer trust. Proper labeling not only ensures that you adhere to U.S. regulations but also enhances your brand’s credibility and appeal. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to label your homemade skin care products for sale while meeting U.S. labeling guidelines.
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by Jamie Satterwaite | Dec 23, 2024 | DIY, Herbs & Oils, Soaping
What Preservatives Do You Need for Skin Care Products?
When creating skin creams, choosing the right preservative is crucial to ensure your product remains safe, effective, and free from harmful microbial growth. Preservatives protect water-based formulations from bacteria, yeast, and mold contamination. In this guide, we will explore four popular preservatives: Optiphen Plus, Germall Plus, Germaben II, and Phenonip, and help you determine which preservative is best suited for your skin cream formulations.
Understanding Preservatives for Skin Care Products
Preservatives are essential for any formulation containing water, as water creates a breeding ground for microorganisms. Depending on your formulation type, pH levels, and desired “natural” status, certain preservatives will be more appropriate than others. Below is a detailed comparison of Optiphen Plus, Germall Plus, Germaben II, and Phenonip.
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by Jamie Satterwaite | Dec 23, 2024 | DIY, Herbs & Oils, Soaping
Magnesium and tallow are increasingly popular ingredients in the natural skincare world, but combining the two is not as straightforward as it might seem. If you’ve seen products claiming to offer “magnesium-infused tallow,” you may wonder: Can you dissolve magnesium into tallow without water? Let’s dive into the science behind magnesium chloride (commonly found as magnesium flakes), tallow, and how they work together (or don’t).
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by Jamie Satterwaite | Dec 6, 2024 | Herbs & Oils, Recipes
Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) is a natural herb traditionally used for its soothing and medicinal properties. In a product like marshmallows, marshmallow root was historically included for its mucilage content, which provided texture and health benefits. However, modern marshmallows typically no longer contain marshmallow root, as gelatin and other additives have replaced it. Here’s how marshmallow root adds value:
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by Jamie Satterwaite | Nov 14, 2024 | DIY
Looking to restore and protect your wooden kitchen utensils naturally? This DIY wood conditioner recipe, featuring nourishing ingredients like tallow and beeswax, will help extend the life of your wooden spoons, spatulas, and cutting boards. With just a few simple steps, you can create a food-safe conditioner that leaves wood polished, water-resistant, and beautiful for years to come. Keep reading to learn how to make and apply this effective wood conditioner at home!
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by Jamie Satterwaite | Nov 10, 2024 | DIY, Herbs & Oils
Creating your own seasoning puck for cast iron cookware is a fantastic way to maintain and enhance the non-stick surface of your pans. This recipe combines the richness of beef tallow with the drying properties of castor oil to form a durable and effective seasoning layer.
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by Jamie Satterwaite | Sep 1, 2024 | Uncategorized
The medicinal properties of elderberry preparations can vary depending on the extraction method used. Two common methods are alcohol-based tinctures and acidic (vinegar-based) tinctures. Understanding the differences between these two can help you choose the most appropriate preparation for your needs.
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