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This article addresses commonly asked questions related to making bath soaks, bath fizzies, bath tea, bath salts, and powdered milk bath.

Avocado oil has become a popular ingredient in handmade skincare and hair care products, praised for its rich, emollient texture and nourishing properties. While widely recognized in culinary use, this natural oil is also valued in beauty formulations for its ability to soften, hydrate, and enhance the appearance of skin and hair. Whether incorporated into lotions, soaps, or hair treatments, avocado oil is a versatile addition to any DIY beauty routine. Derived from the flesh of the avocado fruit, avocado oil is a plant-based oil known for its lightweight feel and ability to absorb into the skin without leaving a heavy residue. It is often used in cold process soaps, body butters, scrubs, and hair masks as a conditioning ingredient. Because of its smooth application, avocado oil is favored by formulators looking to add moisture-boosting elements to their handcrafted creations. Many crafters include avocado oil in skincare products because it is reported to support hydration and enhance the look and feel of dry or rough skin. The oil's naturally rich texture makes it a popular choice for body butters, lotions, and facial creams.Moisturizing PropertiesOne of the most commonly referenced benefits of avocado oil for skin is its potential to help maintain moisture levels. It is often used in creams and balms that are designed to provide a soft and supple appearance. Some skincare enthusiasts prefer avocado oil because it has been known to absorb quickly without leaving a greasy feel.Enhancing the Look of Dry or Mature SkinAvocado oil is frequently included in formulations intended to improve the appearance of dry or mature skin. It has the potential to create a more plump and refreshed look when used in overnight serums, body butters, and deep-conditioning masks.Reported Soothing PropertiesMany DIY skincare makers incorporate avocado oil into their creations because it is believed to help the skin feel more comfortable, particularly in formulations for sensitive or stressed skin. Adding a few drops to a body butter or face cream may contribute to a more soothing experience. Beyond skincare, avocado oil has been known to be a favorite in hair care formulations due to its lightweight yet conditioning properties.Supporting Hydration for Dry HairOne of the key benefits of avocado oil for hair is its ability to act as a conditioning agent. It has the potential to improve the appearance of dry or brittle strands when used in hair masks or leave-in treatments. Many DIY formulators add avocado oil to their handcrafted shampoos and conditioners to help maintain a smooth and soft texture.Helping with Scalp ComfortAvocado oil is sometimes included in scalp serums and treatments because it is reported to create a more nourished and refreshed feeling on the scalp. Some people prefer it as a lightweight alternative to heavier oils when looking to support overall scalp care. Avocado oil is easy to incorporate into handmade beauty products. Some popular applications include: Cold Process & Melt & Pour Soaps: Adds a conditioning element to soaps without a heavy feel. Lotions & Creams: A luxurious addition to body butters and daily moisturizers. Hair Masks & Conditioners: Often used in deep-conditioning treatments for a soft, healthy-looking finish. Facial Serums & Oils: Blended with other carrier oils for a lightweight, hydrating touch. While the health benefits of avocado oil are still widely discussed, its role in skincare and hair care formulations makes it a staple for many DIY crafters. Whether you're looking to enhance the benefits of avocado oil on skin or explore how it can be used in hair care, this multi-purpose oil provides plenty of opportunities to create nourishing, high-quality beauty products.Ready to incorporate avocado oil into your next project? Explore our selection of high-quality oils to find the perfect addition to your formulations.

The global baby personal care market is currently valued at around USD 56 billion and is expected to grow at an annual rate of approximately 7% from 2016 to 2024. Increased awareness among consumers regarding child hygiene is a primary factor driving the increase in the baby personal care market.

We love the smell of honey scented personal care products and the look of dripping honey pairs nicely with this trend! Real honey is too messy and sticky to drip on the side, so we combined ingredients to look and drizzle like honey. We placed bath bombs, MP soap and CP soap on trays and then drizzled the ‘honey’ on top. It worked best to move back and forth pouring mostly on the sides of the product from the top. We tried pouring only on top with the hope the excess would trickle down the sides, but we ended up with a lot of ‘honey’ on top and almost none on the sides. We also found using a soap cutter to cut the soap bars from the excess soap on the tray worked well. Each honey drizzle was made from different ingredients that paired best with the product.

Vanilla Color Stabilizer (VCS) is a fragrance technology designed specifically for the soap and cosmetic industry. It is used in soap and cosmetics to prevent/reduce the browning of product due to vanilla content in fragrance oil. Vanilla Color Stabilizer is a proprietary blend that can be listed as “fragrance” on your label. This is because when you mix it with your chosen fragrance oil, you are technically creating a new fragrance.

What Is Gelled Soap?Most of us learn about gelling the first time we experience a partial gel. A partial gel happens when the inside of your soap heats up enough to become gelatinous and translucent while the outside retains a cooler temperature. The resulting soap has a circle throughout it where the inside circle is brighter and the outside edges are muted. The problem is purely aesthetic. Generally, soap makers try to avoid partial gel by either gelling their soap completely or preventing the soap from gelling at all. In this column, we will discuss three ways you can force gel phase.

How do shampoo, conditioner and other styling products keep our hair bouncin’ and behavin’? 

What is a Gel Candle?Gel candles are crafted from a unique combination of polymer resin and mineral oil, carefully cut to ensure safety with respect to the flash point. When this gel is combined with a wick in a container, it creates exquisite transparent candles. The clarity of the gel allows it to emit about 40% more luminescence than regular paraffin wax, offering endless creative possibilities for candle makers. Mixing and Blending IngredientsTo make your own gel wax, you'll need to mix the compound ingredients of mineral oil and resin. Ensure you follow safety guidelines, as Penreco holds the patent for gel wax (US Patent 5,879,694). Here are the basic temperature guidelines for working with gel: Mixing and blending: 203-221°F Pouring: 185-203°F Loss of air bubbles: 167-185°F Gel structure formation: 140-167°F Oven temperature for air bubble removal: 131-158°F Selecting Glassware and WicksChoose glassware that can withstand hot liquids, such as votive glasses, tumblers, and brandy snifters. Avoid thin glassware to prevent breaking. When selecting wicks, zinc-cored wicks are recommended as they stand straight in hot gel. Trim wicks to less than 1/4" above the gel surface to ensure safe burning.Adding Fragrance OilsUse only non-polar fragrance oils with a flash point of 170°F or higher. Non-polar fragrances are essential for maintaining the safety and stability of the gel. Penreco recommends the following scent percentages for their Versagel™: Low Density Gel: 0-3% Medium Density Gel: 3%-5% High Density Gel: Up to 6% Embedding ObjectsFor decorative purposes, use nonflammable items such as seashells, glass figures, marbles, and ceramic figures. Avoid using flammable materials like wood, plastic, and dried flowers. Dip objects in gel wax before embedding to prevent bubbles. Long-Lasting BurnGel candles burn at least twice as long as paraffin wax candles. However, to maintain a good melt pool, larger wicks are required. Ensure thorough testing of your candles before selling to ensure consistent quality and performance.Higher LuminescenceDue to the clarity of the gel, these candles emit about 40% more luminescence than paraffin wax candles, making them an attractive and bright addition to any space. Are Gel Candles Safe?Yes! When using non-polar fragrance oils, the correct wick, and following recommended procedures, gel candles are as safe as any other candle. Always use caution with naked flames and educate others on candle safety.How Long Do Gel Candles Burn?Gel candles burn at least twice as long as paraffin wax candles. Ensure larger wicks are used to sustain a good melt pool. Mass-produced gel candles in discount stores may fizzle out quickly due to small wicks.Can I Make Gel Wax Myself?Making gel wax requires buying and mixing mineral oil and resin. Penreco's specific cut of mineral oil ensures safety regarding the flash point. Market-available mineral oil may not meet these safety standards, so the end product's safety rests with you.What Grade of Gel is Best?There are three grades of gel: high (HP), medium (MP), and low (LP). The medium grade (MP) is most popular for its balance of fragrance capacity and firmness. High grade (HP) holds more fragrance and is stiffer, allowing for heavier embeds and less shifting during shipping.Do I Need Specific Glassware?Use glassware suitable for hot liquids, such as votive glasses, tumblers, and champagne flutes. Avoid using wood and plastic materials, as they can be porous or melt.Can I Use Any Candle Fragrance Oil?No. Only use non-polar fragrance oils with a flash point of 170°F or higher. Polar fragrances can lower the flash point of the gel, making it unsafe. Ensure thorough mixing to avoid scent pockets and flares.How Do I Get Rid of Bubbles?Hotter pours and preheating glassware can help reduce unwanted bubbles. Use metal spoons for stirring and pour gently to minimize bubbles. A heat gun or pencil torch can remove surface bubbles after pouring.How Do I Package and Label My Candles?Packaging should be professional and attractive, using materials like cello bags, tulle, and shrink wrap. Labels should include your company name, contact information, candle weight, burn time, scent name, price, and burning/caution instructions.By following these guidelines and best practices, you can create beautiful, safe, and long-lasting gel candles. Enjoy the process and let your creativity shine!

Rosemary is widely known for its use as a culinary herb. Rosmarinus officinalis is a woody, perennial with fragrant, needle-like leaves (similar to evergreen trees) and small white, pink, purple or blue flowers. Native to the Mediterranean, rosemary is a member of the mint family. Rosemary is often used as a decorative plant in gardens where it may exhibit pest control effects, while the leaves are frequently harvested and used to flavor various foods.

Candle making is a timeless craft that allows you to create personalized, high-quality candles right at home. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, choosing the right candle making kit is essential for a successful and enjoyable experience. In this guide, we'll explore the best candle making kits, providing details on their contents, skill levels, and specific features. Additionally, we'll share easy instructions for a basic candle making kit and discuss the benefits of crafting candles at home.

Next to packaging, a product’s scent is one of the most important components a consumer considers when forming a positive or negative opinion. When choosing a fragrance for your brand it’s necessary to convey a distinct message, know what you want the consumer to feel and understand what fragrances have already worked for other, similar brands.

How many times a day would you say you’re distracted from your work? Five? Ten? If you have children at home, probably a lot! Any idea how costly these distractions really are? U.S. businesses lose nearly $600 billion a year, according to a Basex study.Money aside, frequent interruptions and other distractions increase stress, which may lead to depression and other illnesses. Never underestimate the destructive power of stress.Let’s break this down. Did you know that a five-minute interruption robs you of much more than a mere five minutes? Nope.  It takes the human brain about seven to refocus, so you’re looking at a whopping twelve minutes!