Articles

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. 

Love at first sight best describes our feelings about when we first used this soap mold. It makes a fun, round shape that is perfect for making gum-ball size balls of soap. This video demonstrates Crafter's Choice - Round Ball 7/8" Mold (1803).  Some very creative artisans included inspirtional ideas at the end of the video for you!

Look into any serious golfer's bag, and you'll notice there is often more to his or her equipment than golf clubs, golf balls and tees. Many players carry a skincare arsenal of sun block, lip balm, insect repellent and muscle cream, too. This niche market is growing and so is the demand for golf related cosmetics.

Soap color bars are color-concentrated soap bars that vibrantly and evenly color melt & pour soaps. Many prefer using soap color bars because they don’t leak like liquid colors or get powder everywhere like powdered colors. Using soap color bars will help your soapmaking be quick, easy, and clean!   Here are three ways you can use soap color bars.  

What's the hype with soy candles? And why do so many sustainability-oriented candlemakers prefer them? The answer is simple. Soy candles are a cleaner, all-natural, plant-based wax and have unique benefits. Here's the breakdown as to why soy wax is different, how it compares to paraffins, and why it's the perfect choice for your next candle project or cozy night in. Read on to learn more. Soy wax is derived from hydrogenated soybean oil. That means it's made entirely from soybeans as opposed to petroleum or animals. Hydrogenation refers to the process of adding hydrogen, a naturally occurring element, to soy oil, which is where it gets its creamy, waxy texture. And why it's perfect for candle making. Unlike paraffin wax, which is the result of refining crude oils, soy wax is a renewable and biodegradable option. That's why it's so sought after by eco-conscious crafters and customers alike. In short, soy candles are free from synthetic ingredients, unlike many of its alternatives. Looking to get started with soy wax? Explore our full range of soy waxes here. Clean and Safe BurningSoy candles are ideal for indoor use because burning them creates far less soot than paraffin candles. That's especially noteworthy for those of us who prioritize air quality. With proper wick trimming and burning techniques, a soy candle can be nearly soot-free. The result? Fewer stains on your walls and ceilings, and most importantly, a cleaner environment in your home. Non-Toxic & NaturalAnother boon of all-natural, plant-based soy candles is that they're free of the toxins that plague petroleum-derived candles. Soy candles don't release harmful carcinogens, making them perfect for a health-conscious household. That said, don't be fooled by "all-natural candles." Some manufacturers sell products that are soy-blended with paraffin and other additives. For a truly non-toxic experience, make a point to read labels and check ingredients for potentially harmful additives. If purity is a focus for you, check the ingredients for "100% soy wax".Eco-Friendly and SustainableSoybeans are a renewable resource. And many soy waxes are sourced from crops grown in America. This supports sustainable agriculture and reduces the environmental impact of long-distance imports. Plus, soy wax is biodegradable, which means any accidental spills or discarded remnants won't linger in the earth. Key DifferencesLet's break down the key contrasts:Feature - Soy Wax - Paraffin WaxSource - Plant-based (soybeans) - Petroleum-basedSoot Production - Low - HighBurn Time - Longer - ShorterScent Throw - Softer cold throw, strong hot throw - Stronger cold throwSustainability - Renewable & biodegradable - Non-renewableToxicity - Non-toxic when 100% soy - May release harmful compoundsCommon MisconceptionsThe myth that soy candles don't have a strong throw scent has been debunked! Sure, an unlit soy candle may be a bit subtle, but once they're burning, they have strong scent throw. That's especially true when they're paired with quality fragrance oils and are poured under ideal temperatures. Soy candles, when crafted correctly, are non-toxic. Because soy is a vegetable-based wax, it doesn't release carcinogens and other potentially harmful toxins when burning. However, that's not the same thing as "cleaning" or "purifying" the air. The misconception comes from the fact that soy candles won't add pollution to the air, unlike paraffins. For safety-conscious crafters, it's a good idea to consult IFRA recommendations for fragrance and safe-use standards. No wax is perfect, and soy has its quirks. Frosting: This white, crystalline layer doesn't affect performance but can impact aesthetics. It's common with soy and part of its natural charm. Fragrance Throw: Soy holds fragrance well but may require proper cure times and precise temperatures to shine. Soy holds fragrance well, but for the end product to give off a strong scent throw, it does require more focus during the candle-making process, specifically cure times and temperature during pours. Cost: Slightly more expensive than paraffin, though still affordable and long-burning. To improve results: Use wicks sized for soy's lower melt point. Allow candles to cure for 7–10 days before burning. Control your pour temp (ideal is around 135–145°F for fragrance incorporation). Soy wax is an excellent choice for: Families concerned about indoor air quality People with scent or smoke sensitivities Eco-conscious consumers looking to reduce waste Makers who want to offer premium, plant-based candle lines If you value clean-burning, sustainable, and elegant candles, soy is your wax. If you're inspired to try soy wax firsthand, there's no better time to start. Whether you're a seasoned soap and candle crafter or someone looking for a new hobby, soy wax is forgiving, versatile, and deeply rewarding to work with. Explore our soy wax or other waxes and all-natural candles collections to find the right product for you!

Essential oils are a fabulous addition to any of our home made products. With their amazing fragrances and therapeutic benefits, they're a natural fit for just about any recipe. But with great power comes great responsibility, and there are a few things to consider when using citrus essential oils.