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This video demonstrates how to make a sensational eucalyptus spearmint foot soak. Workers that spend many hours on their feet will enjoy the pampering benefits of a bubbling foot soak. A wonderful addition to your product line that's suitable all-year round!

In 1989, Lush co-founder, Mo Constantine, gained inspiration from a little, fast-fizzing tablet that had been on the market since 1931—Alka-Seltzer. Soon after his initial fascination with the antacid, the first bath bomb hit the market. Since that time, Lush has grown into an international brand respected for not only its superior products but for ethical buying practices and social and corporate responsibility. The Lush brand is known for its trendsetting image and enjoys what some call a cult-like following. Since Lush released the bath bomb many companies, small and large, have followed the trend, practically creating an industry in and of itself.

Incorporating honey into your soap recipes not only boosts the lather quality but also brings the moisturizing benefits of a natural humectant, which helps attract moisture to the skin. This makes honey soap particularly nourishing. However, it's important to use honey judiciously in cold process (CP) soap making. About a teaspoon per pound of soap base is ideal to avoid overheating or scorching your batch, which could lead to issues like cracking or even a volcanic reaction in the soap. Honey is versatile and can also be used in melt-and-pour soap recipes, though the amount should be reduced to between 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon per pound to prevent issues like glycerin dew or a spongy texture. When adding honey to your soap, whether it's a honey soap recipe for cold process or melt and pour, the method is key. For CP soap, integrate the honey once you have reached light trace to ensure even distribution without overheating. In melt and pour, the honey should be stirred in gently after the base is fully melted. If using beeswax to harden your CP soap bars — a common practice in honey soap making — remember to melt the beeswax with your hard oils, but keep the usage rate between 2-5% to maintain good lather production. Creating visually appealing honey soaps, such as those with a honeycomb effect, can be done without specialized equipment. One creative method involves using bubble wrap. Place a piece of small-sized bubble wrap either at the bottom of your mold or on top of the poured soap in a slab or log mold. Once the soap has cooled and set, this will leave a beautiful honeycomb pattern on the surface of the bars, enhancing the artisanal appeal of your honey soap.As you explore the rewarding process of making honey soap, you may find yourself interested in expanding your repertoire. Check out our soap-making recipes or dive deeper into natural soap additives for additional benefits. These resources are designed to help you refine your craft and discover new techniques and ingredients to enhance your homemade soaps.

The lavender plant has been used for over 2500 hundred years and was even found in the tomb of Tutankhamen, better known as King Tut. Ancient Romans washed their body and clothes in lavender and it’s believed that lavender derived its name from the latin word lavare, which means, “to wash.” The clean, fresh sweet scent of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is such a soothing and familiar aroma that it is still incredibly popular today.

Fragrance Fomulator oils have a specific molecular composition, which allows them to be successfully used as single note scents or blended for custom formulations. This revolutionary system has been designed by a team of scientists to allow consumers to develop their own unique scents for soaps and cosmetics. Set yourself apart from your competition with your own blends. Below are some of our custom blends that were inspired by the Midewest region of the USA!

We are introducing a new series of featured articles that highlight various aspects of proper labeling guidelines for handmade soap and cosmetics. Look for a new installment of this featured column each month online and in Handmade Magazine. If you don't subscribe to Handmade Magazine, sign up today! Click here. 

Debbie May, president of Wholesale Supplies Plus, introduces us to some new products including cocoa popz, almond meal, coconut shread, bendable toys, new recipes and kits. She also gives solutions to foaming bath whip falling.

You don't need to splurge on a salon appointment to enjoy a spa day! With a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can create a luxurious, relaxing spa experience right at home. Whether you want to de-stress, pamper your skin, or just treat yourself, these at-home spa day ideas will help you unwind and recharge without even leaving the house. The first step to an amazing at-home spa day is setting the perfect vibe. Creating the right ambiance is key to fully relaxing and getting into the experience: Dim the Lights: Bright lights don't exactly scream "relaxation," so turn them down and light a few candles. Aromatherapy candles can also add calming scents to the mix. Play Calming Music: Music can instantly change the mood. Try some nature sounds, instrumental tracks, or a chill spa playlist to create a peaceful atmosphere. Use Essential Oils: Scents like lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile are perfect for unwinding. Pop a few drops in a diffuser or add them to your bath for a soothing, fragrant touch. Prepare Refreshments: Keep it refreshing with cucumber water, herbal tea, or a detox drink infused with fruit. These drinks will keep you hydrated and add to the whole spa-like feel. No at-home spa day is complete without giving your skin some love with nourishing DIY treatments. Here are a few simple yet effective ways to get that glowing complexion: Face Masks: For a rejuvenating face mask, combine ingredients like honey, avocado, and oatmeal to hydrate and soothe the skin. Alternatively, mix bentonite clay with apple cider vinegar for a detoxifying mask that pulls out impurities. Facial Steaming: Fill a bowl with hot water and add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or tea tree). Drape a towel over your head and let the steam open your pores for 5-10 minutes. This is a great prelude to a face mask. Exfoliation: Gently exfoliate your skin with a homemade scrub made from sugar and coconut oil or coffee grounds and olive oil. This helps remove dead skin cells and leaves your skin feeling smooth and refreshed. Serums and Moisturizers: Finish off with a hydrating serum and a rich moisturizer. Look for goodies like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or natural oils like jojoba or rosehip for extra nourishment. Take your at-home spa day up a notch by pampering your body with some indulgent treatments that will leave you feeling soft, smooth, and totally relaxed: Exfoliating Body Scrubs: Mix up a luxurious scrub with sugar, salt, or coffee grounds and coconut or almond oil. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for that spa-like scent. Gently scrub in circular motions to exfoliate dead skin and boost circulation. Detox Baths: Soak away stress in a warm bath with Epsom salts, bath bombs, or bath oils. For a detox boost, add a few tablespoons of bentonite clay. It's great for relaxing sore muscles and refreshing your skin. Moisturizing Body Butters: After your bath, slather on a rich body butter made from shea butter, cocoa butter, and almond oil. These nourishing butters lock in moisture and leave your skin feeling super smooth. Foot Soak and Scrub: Don't forget your feet! Give them some love with a warm foot soak using Epsom salt and a few drops of peppermint or tea tree oil. Then, exfoliate with a sugar and oil scrub, and finish with a rich lotion or foot cream to keep your feet soft and pampered. Your hair deserves some extra TLC during your at-home spa day. Treat it to some nourishing treatments that bring back shine, softness, and strength: Deep Conditioning Masks: Whip up a simple mask with ingredients like avocado, honey, and coconut oil. Apply it to damp hair, throw on a shower cap, and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing. It'll hydrate and repair damaged strands, leaving your hair feeling super soft. Scalp Treatments: Give your scalp some love by massaging it with a mix of sugar and your favorite carrier oil. This helps exfoliate away product buildup and promotes healthy hair growth. Hot Oil Treatments: Warm up some coconut, olive, or argan oil and massage it into your scalp and through the lengths of your hair. Let the oil sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing for soft, shiny locks. A spa day isn't just about pampering your skin and hair—it's also a great chance to unwind mentally. Adding some aromatherapy and relaxation techniques can really help you relax and find your balance: Aromatherapy: Set the mood with an essential oil diffuser or make a room spray with your favorite oils. Scents like lavender, chamomile, and frankincense are perfect for reducing stress and creating a calming atmosphere. Breathing Exercises: Take a few minutes to practice deep breathing. Slow, deliberate breaths can help calm your mind and ease any anxiety. Meditation: Try meditating for a few minutes to clear your head and fully relax. Whether you follow a guided meditation or just focus on being mindful, it's a great way to stay present and grounded. Gentle Yoga or Stretching: Add some gentle yoga or simple stretches to your spa day. It helps release muscle tension, improves circulation, and boosts relaxation.

Is it possible that your thoughts can actually prevent you from being successful? Sure it is! Your belief system dictates how you act, what you do, and the amount of emotional risk you are willing to take. Awareness of your limiting beliefs can be enough for you to start thinking positively and start on your way to success!

Kaolin, also called China clay, is nearly white in color. It is chemically inert, non-abrasive and possesses a number of characteristics that make it desirable for use in a range of industries, including paper and paperboard, paints and coatings, plastics, cosmetics, concrete and agriculture among many others. Kaolin is derived from the mineral Kaolinite which comes from the Earth’s crust. Kaolin was first discovered in China and the name comes from two Chinese characters that mean “high hill” (Kao-Ling).

Rigorous adherence to good manufacturing practice minimizes the risk of adulteration or misbranding of cosmetics. The following cosmetic establishment instructions, excerpted from FDA's Inspection Operations Manual, may serve as guidelines for effective self-inspection. A good inspection score means that an establishment follows good manufacturing practice.

Herbal infusions are a great way to incorporate natural ingredients into your bath and body products. We recommend using only dried herbs and powders. Using fresh herbs can be done but requires extra preparation with acid washes to prevent the risk of botulism contamination. Dried herbs and powders do not have the risk of such disease. There are three basic ways to infuse oils. They include cold method, solar method and heat method.