The Natural Beauty Workshop

Reader Question - Percentages

In regard to preservatives, I know there is a certain percentage required to add to a product, but how do I determine the amount? (is there a mathematical formula?) For example, if I make a 16 ounce batch of lotion how do I determine the amount/percentage of preservative to add? ~ Charlene

Hi Charlene,

Thanks for another very good question!  Most Preservatives should have a recommended usage rate.  At From Nature We Love, we post these rates in each Preservative's product description.  If you can't find the usage rate online, contact the manufacturer or supplier to find out what it is.  Usage rates are also used with many other kinds of additives and ingredients.  Once you know the rate, you'll need to determine how much of your recipe works out to that rate.  I'll use an example of 5% as a usage rate to show you a simple way to do this.

Let's say you were making a 16 ounce batch of lotion.  The easiest way to work with that amount is to first convert it into metric terms.  Using an online conversion calculator, convert 16 ounces into grams.  It should work out to about 456 grams.  Now, use a regular calculator to determine what 5% of 456 grams is.  You should come up with a result of about 23 grams.  You can either measure your Preservative or additive in grams, or you can convert it back to ounces.  In this case, 23 grams would work out to about 0.8 ounces.

Do you have any tips on how Charlene can easily determine a percentage?  If so, please share them with us in the comments below.

An Apple a Day

To me, September means big yellow buses, amber colored leaves, and shiny red apples.  The following picks from our Flickr Photo Pool are flourishing September's spirit!

Caramel Apple Soaps by SoapScentsations

Apple Soap by NormasBath

Apple Streudal by MorganStreet

Red Apple Soaps by BreathofFrenchAir

 
Twilight Soaps by The Bath Project

Spiced Cider Handmade Soap by BLSoaps

If you have photos of your creations that you would like to share, please join The Natural Beauty Workshop's Flickr Photo Pool.  We would love to see your work!

Red Apple Scrub

Keeping to my favorite September theme, I've dedicated this Scrub of the Month to shiny, red apples.  This exfoliating skin looks and smells great, and is so much fun.  Moisturizing Jojoba and Coconut Oil give this cute recipe some serious conditioning power, while lovely Bolivian Pink Salt adds smooth exfoliation on skin loving minerals to the mix.

Red Apple Scrub
Makes about 4 ounces

Ingredients
1/2 teaspoon Red Jojoba Wax Beads
1/2 cup Bolivian Pink Salt, Fine
1/2 ounce Polysorbate 20
1/4 ounce Clear Jojoba Oil
1/4 ounce Fractionated Coconut Oil
1/2 teaspoon Fresh Apple Fragrance Oil

Directions
Combine the Clear Jojoba and Fractionated Coconut Oil in a mixing bowl, followed by the Polysorbate 20.  Mix the liquids well, then add the Bolivian Pink Salt and Jojoba Wax Beads.  Stir the mixture well, and finish it off with 1/2 teaspoon of Fresh Apple Fragrance Oil. 

Usage and Packaging
The Red Apple Scrub is great for all over body scrubbing, but should not be used on the face or other very delicate areas.  Like most handmade skin care products, this Scrub should be used up quickly, as it has not been formulated for long term storage.  This scrub looks great in 2 oz. Flat PET Jars.

Reader Question - Moisture Retention

I'm looking for ingredients that will help nourish the skin and protect from moisture loss as well as have a bit of a barrier - as opposed to being totally absorbed into the skin.  Something instead of using petrolatum.  What ingredients would you recommend?  ~S.S.

There are many natural carrier and vegetable oils that contain Essential Fatty Acids that can help the skin retain moisture.  Here are some of my personal favorites:

• Kiwi Seed Oil
• Flax Seed Oil
• Chia Seed CO2 Extract
• Camelina Oil

You can also try using Castor Oil or Jojoba Oil to help form a barrier around the skin. However, Castor Oil can sometimes be too greasy and can clog pores.

Do you have any more recommendations for S.S.?  If so, please share them with us in the comments below.

Natural Fibers for Bath & Body

Flax
Flax fibers are used to create a soft, sturdy fabric known as linen.  Flax linen is one of the oldest types of fabrics, being produced for over 5000 years.  Its durable fibers are perfect for exfoliating bath accessories such as Terry Pads, Soap Bags, and Towels.

Pumice
Pumice is actually a mineral, not a fiber.  It is made from a lightweight, volcanic rock.  Pumice is most often shaped into small exfoliation tools, but can also be used in its powder form to create intensive scrubs and cleansers. 

Ramie
Ramie is a soft textile made from the flowering plant that shares its name.  Ramie has been cultivated for use in textiles since ancient times.  Ramie is even one of the three main textiles that were used in the creation of mummys in ancient Egypt.  Ramie's soft, natural fibers make it perfect for exfoliation.  When used in thin fibers, it makes excellent Bath Poufs and Scrub Balls.  When used in thicker twine, it offers more intense exfoliation, as in these Oval Wash Pads.

Hemp
Hemp is a material made from cannabis plant.  This sustainable crop has been cultivated for industrial use since about the sixteenth century.  Hemp material ranges from coarse, jute like twine to soft fabric similar to cotton.  It is ideal for use in soft bath accessories such as Sponges, Pads, and Bath Gloves.

Loofah
Loofah's are a type of vegetables from the gourd family.  While they are eaten in many countries, loofahs are primarily used in bath and skin care in the United States.  Loofahs are used whole, cut into sections, or even crushed into powder for use in scrubs and soaps.  Loofah makes excellent tools for exfoliation, and are totally natural and biodegradable.

Sisal
Sisal is a a  fiber derived from a plant in the agave family.  Its stiff, coarse texture is ideal for use in twine, jute, and rope.  Bath Accessories made with Sisal are ideal for intense exfoliation and scrubbing. Try Sisal Scrub Balls and Wash Pads for scrubbing your feet, and other rough patches of skin.

To learn more about our line of Bath Accessories at From Nature With Love,  download our Bath Accessory Catalog.