The Natural Beauty Workshop

Cooling Cucumber & Mint Body Oil

This cooling, calming Body Oil was designed with shaving in mind.  After shaving your legs, your skin can feel quite dry, and can even become irritated.  Chamomile Essential Oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe your angry skin, while Spearmint Essential Oil provides a gentle cooling sensation.  Cucumber, Aloe Vera, and Camellia Seed Oils can moisturize and condition the skin while also contributing to the cool, calm, experience this recipe provides.  This Body Oil is not only a great aftershave, it will feel great on skin that has been mildly irritated by sun, allergens, or chronic dryness.

Cooling Cucumber & Mint Body Oil

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Aloe Vera Oil
• 1 ounce Cucumber Seed Oil
• 1 ounce Camellia Seed Oil
• 1/4 teaspoon Chamomile Essential Oil
• 1/4 teaspoon Organic Spearmint Essential Oil
• 1 Drop Vitamin E T50

Directions
In a small bowl, combine the three Carrier Oils and mix well.  Next, add the carefully measured Essential Oils and mix again.  Using a funnel or a very steady hand, transfer the mixture to bottle.

Usage and Packaging
Try packaging this Body Oil in a 4 Ounce PET Bottle with a Disc, Turret, or Snap Cap for easy dispensing.  You can dress up the bottle with our printable labels, which you can download here: Download Cucumber Mint Body Oil Labels

The Oil can be applied directly to bare legs, and massaged into the skin, as you would a lotion or cream.  The Oil will take longer to penetrate the skin than a lotion, but it should absorb fairly easily.

Earth Day Turns 40!

So here we are on the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.  40 years ago, Senator Gaylord Nelson organized the first Earth Day in an effort to bring environmental issues into the political arena.  Thanks to a huge outpouring of grass roots support, the first Earth Day was a phenomenal success, and from that time on the environmental awareness across the United States began to shift.  40 years later, we find ourselves at a critical time in the world's ecological history.  It has become more important than ever to continue to speak out for the environment, and let our politicians, and world leaders know what we want.  

Visit the Earth Day Network to learn how you can speak out and make a difference, Earth Day and every day. 

Rosemary Walnut Shampoo & Vinegar Rinse

This all natural shampoo combines Rosemary, Peppermint, and Oat Extracts to add shine and softness to your hair, while stimulating and conditioning the scalp.  Walnut Oil adds an extra does of moisturizing power to this already gentle shampoo.  This easy recipe is great for those who want to add shine and moisture to their hair, or need to help improve the condition of their scalp.

Vinegar Rinses help to balance the ph of your hair and scalp, while removing the build up that is left by shampoos and conditioners.  These rinses are especially important if you are using an all natural shampoo, such as a solid shampoo bar, or a Castile based shampoo.  This recipe includes a Rosemary and Walnut Infusion that can help add shine and softness to the hair. 

 

Rosemary Walnut Shampoo

 

Ingredients

14 ounces Aloe Castile Shower Gel Base

2 1/2 ounces Walnut Oil

3/4 teaspoon Rosemary Essential Oil

3/4 teaspoon Peppermint Select CO2 Extract

1 teaspoon Oat Oil CO2 Extract

 

Directions

Pour the Organic Liquid Castile Shower Gel Base into a medium sized mixing bowl.  Add the Walnut Oil to the bowl, followed by the Rosemary Essential Oil, Peppermint CO2 Extract, and Oat CO2 Extract.  Stir the mixture slowly, making to sure the combine all of the ingredients without creating too many bubbles.  Carefully pour the mixture into a Disc or Turret Capped Bottle.

Usage & Packaging

For easy use, this shampoo should be packed in a Disc or Turret Capped Bottle.  Our PET Boston Rounds or Cosmos are great choices.  Download a free, printable label for your Rosemary Walnut Shampoo here:

Download RoseMary Walnut Shampoo and Rinse Labels

When you are ready to use your shampoo, shake well the redistribute the ingredients, then apply a small amount of shampoo to wet hair.  Work the shampoo into a lther and then rinse it with water.  If possible, follow with a Vinegar Rinse.  Our Rosemary Walnut Rinse would be ideal.

Rosemary Walnut Rinse

Ingredients

12 ounces Water

8 ounces Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

1/8 cup Rosemary Leaf 

1/8 cup Walnut Powder, Medium

 

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine 12 ounces of water with 1/8 cup of Rosemary Leaf, and 1/8 cup of Walnut Powder.  Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a very low simmer.   Allow the liquid to simmer for 15 - 30 minutes, adding more water if necessary.  After simmering, allow the liquid to cool completely.  Once it has cooled, strain the solids from the liquid using a cheese cloth or fine mesh strainer.  Measure 8 ounces of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar and pour it into a 16 ounce bottle.  Measure 8 ounces of the infused water, and pour it into the bottle along with the Vinegar.  Cap the bottle and shake well to combine the ingredients.
Usage & Packaging

For easy use, this rinse should be packaged in a Disc or Turret Capped Bottle.  Our PET Boston Rounds or Cosmos are great choices.  Download a free, printable label for your Rosemary Walnut Rinse here:
Download RoseMary Walnut Shampoo and Rinse Labels

To use your rinse, simply douse your wet hair and work the rinse through it with your fingers.  Afterward, rinse your wet hair with a little water to reduce the Vinegar smell while your hair is drying.  

Tip:  If you find this shampoo to be too heavy, try cutting it with 8 - 16 ounces of Distilled Water. 

Vanilla Walnut Scrubby Soaps

These easy Melt & Pour style soap combine rich, moisturizing Walnut Oil with super scrubby Walnut Powder.  Scented with luscious Vanilla Buttercream Fragrance Oil, and molded in our adorable Acorn Soap Molds, Vanilla Walnut Scrubby Soaps make great gifts.  They are great for getting your hands extra clean after cooking, gardening, or a long day's work.

Vanilla Walnut Scrubby Soaps

Ingredients

1 lb. Shea Butter Melt & Pour Base

6 teaspoons & 1 tablespoon Walnut Shell Powder, Fine

1 tablespoon Vanilla Bean Specks

1 tablespoon of Walnut Oil

1/2 ounce Vanilla Buttercream Fragrance Oil

Directions
Carefully chop the Melt & Pour Soap Base into cubes and place it into a double boiler.  Heat the Soap Base in the double boiler until it has melted completely.  Meanwhile, measure and pour 1 teaspoon of Walnut Powder, Fine into each of the soap mold cavities, spreading it out evenly across the bottom of the mold.  When the Soap Base has melted, add 1 tablespoon of Walnut Powder, and 1 tablespoon of Vanilla Bean Specks, stirring well to combine them with the base.  Next, add 1 tablespoon of Walnut Oil, and stir again.  Remove the Base from the heat and stir it for one - two minutes, until it cools slightly.  Add the Vanilla Buttercream Fragrance Oil and mix once more.  Now, take a large spoon and carefully spoon a small amount of the melted base into each of the soap mold cavities.  Stir each cavity just a little bit to help the base combine with the Walnut Powder inside.  Allow the molds to cool for just a minute or two before pouring in the rest of the melted Soap.  Once all of your soaps have been poured, allow them to cool completely before trying to move the mold, or remove the soaps.  Removing the soaps too early could damage them severely.  Once you are sure the soaps have hardened and cooled completely, turn the mold over onto a clean surface and gently tap them out.  Wrap cooled soaps immediately in cello bags to keep them from sweating.

Usage & Packaging

Vanilla Walnut Scrubby Soaps look adorable in our Small Cello Bags.  Try tying them shut with a matching ribbon, and tags.  You can download free, printable tags here:  

Download Vanilla Walnut Scrubby Soap Labels

These soaps are great for exfoliation, and should be used in tough areas, such as hands, feet, and rough patches of skin.  Avoid sensitive areas, as the super scrubby power of this soap may be too harsh on delicate skin.

 

Creamy Walnut Lip Butter

This nutty scented lip balm has a rich, creamy flavor that will keep you coming back for more.  Made with intensely moisturizing Pistachio and Macadamia Nut Butters, this recipe brings together a bevy of nutty goodness.  Walnut Oil gives this recipe extra conditioning and shine, which your lips will surely adore.  Lecithin adds a creamy texture to the mix, increasing the balms adherence, and feel.

Creamy Walnut Lip Butter

Ingredients

 

• 1/8 cup Yellow Beeswax
• 1/8 cup Walnut Oil
• 1 tablespoon Pistachio Butter
• 1 tablespoon Macadamia Nut Butter
• 1/4 teaspoon Lecithin
• 1 teaspoon Almond Flavor Oil
• 1 teaspoon Buttercream Flavor Oil

 

Directions

In a double boiler, heat the Beeswax until it is fully melted.  Next, add the Pistachio and Macadamia Butters.  When the Butters have melted, add the Walnut Oil and Lecithin to the mixture.  Stir the ingredient wells to combine them, and then remove from heat.  Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes, stirring slowly to keep it from hardening.  Add the Almond and Buttercream Flavor Oils, stir again, and then pour the mixture into containers.  Allow the Lip Balms to cool and harden completely before you attempt to move them.

 

Usage & Packaging

Creamy Walnut Lip Balm looks great in our 15ml Sifter Jars With Caps.  To make them extra special, decorate the jars with our printable labels. Click here to download the labels: Download WalnutLipButterLabels  

This Lip Balm can also be package in any one of our Jars, and is even firm enough to be packaged in Lip Balm Tubes.  Apply Creamy Walnut Lip Butter to your lips anytime they feel dry.

 

Working With Carrier Oils: How to Select the Right Ingredient For Your Formula

With the popularity of natural skin and hair care on the rise, the variety of ingredients for formulators to choose from has become huge.  As large and varied as it is, it grows constantly.  So how can a formulator know which Carrier Oil to work with?  What differentiates one Carrier Oil from the next?  And which Oils are best for which types of formulas?

When you browse descriptions of Carrier Oils, you should look for a few key pieces of information.  These main characteristics can help you figure out if an oil is right for your formula.  First, determine the Oil's texture.  Oils can range in texture from very light and easily absorbed, to thick, slow, and greasy.  Lotions and Body Creams can use a range of textures, depending on the desired feel, and adhesion of the recipe.  Sugar and Salt Scrubs often use light to medium textured Oils, while balms and ointments lean toward the heavier textured Oils.  The following list highlights selected Oils from each category:

Light Oils  

• Rice Bran Oil
• Camellia Seed Oil
• Rosehip Seed Oil
• Macadamia Nut Oil
• Fractionated Coconut Oil

Medium Oils

• Walnut Oil
• Hazelnut Oil
• Avocado Oil
• Olive Oil

Heavy Oils

• Castor Oil
• Jojoba
• Tamanu Oil
• Turkey Red Oil

Another factor in an Oil's texture is it's melting point.  Most Carrier Oils are liquid at room temperature,  but there are several Carrier Oils that remain solid until they reach a certain temperature.  Choosing an Oil with the right melting point can make or break many types of formulations, especially when product texture is important.  The following list highlights some Oils that solidify at high and low melting points.

High Melting Points

• Coconut Oil, 76
• Palm Oil
• Palm Kernel Oil
• Babassu Oil
• Organic Virgin Coconut Cream Oil

Low Melting Points

• Monoi De Tahiti
• Emu Oil (Grade A, and Ultra)
• Tamanu Oil
• Neem Oil

Another thing to look for when browsing Carrier Oils is the Essential Fatty Acid content.  Essential Fatty Acids are a necessary component for healthy skin, however, our bodies cannot produce them after adulthood.  Supplementing Essential Fatty Acids with diet, and skin care, can help to improve the health and appearance of your skin and hair.  Many natural Carrier Oils are rich in Essential Fatty Acids, but knowing which Fatty Acids to look for can be challenging.  To learn more about Essential Fatty Acids, check out the following article from Beauty by the Batch: Introduction to Essential Fatty Acids.

In addition to Essential Fatty Acids, many Carrier Oils boast additional nutritive properties including vitamins and minerals.  Some Oils even contain natural anti-inflammatory agents, anesthetic properties, or sun protection value.  Read each description carefully, as each ingredient will have its own unique combination of special properties and characteristics. 

Finally, pay attention to any notes that mention color or aroma.  While most Carrier Oils yield little to no scent, there are some Oils that do have aroma, ranging from light to pungent.  Often, Fruit or Berry Seed Oils will have a slightly acidic scent.  This comes from their high content of Essential Fatty Acids.

Reader Question: Can Honey be Used as a Preservative?

Can Honey Granules be used as a preservative in a scrub recipe? - Anonymous Plugoo Chat User

Although Honey does have natural antiseptic properties, it would not be an effective preservative in a skin care formula.  For personal use, you can try adding Grapefruit Seed Extract as an antibacterial agent, and/or Vitamin E T80 as an antioxidant.  

Spring Photo Roundup

I am so happy to say that Spring is in the air.  Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and the air is thick with that luscious dewy aroma that only comes during this special time of year.  To help celebrate the approach of warmer days, we're featuring a group of photos from our Flickr Group that remind me of Spring.  Enjoy!

Spring Leaves Soap by SoapyLoveDeb

Lilac Shea Butter Lotion by BLSoaps

Herbal Bath Tea by Raw Beauty

LavendaY by IndieWatten

Bunnie Petite Fours by Soap Scentsations

Thanks to all of our contributors for sharing their amazing photos with us.  If you'd like to share your own work, please join The Natural Beauty Workshop's Flickr Photo Group.  We'd love to see you there!

Double Java Lip Balms

This deliciously fragrant Lip Balm uses all natural ingredients to create an intense coffee experience.  Coffee Butter, and Roasted Coffee Oil are combined with moisturizing Hazelnut Oil and Beeswax to make a lip balm that coffee lovers will adore.

 

Double Java Lip Balm

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Coffee Butter
• 1 ounce Roasted Coffee Oil
• 1/2 ounce Hazelnut Oil
• 2 ounces Beeswax
• 1 teaspoon Lecithin

Directions

In a double boiler, melt the Beeswax completely, followed by the Coffee Butter. Once these ingredients have melted completely, add the Hazelnut Oil and Roasted Coffee Oil, and remove the mixture from heat. Add the Liquid Lecithin, and stir well to combine. Carefully pour the mixture into Lip Balm Tubes, reserving a small amount of the mixture to top off the tubes after they have cooled slightly. As the Lip Balms cool, the tops will sink slightly, leaving an indentation. Reheat the remaining Lip Balm mixture and carefully refill the tubes, giving them a smooth, even appearance. Allow the Lip Balms to cool completely before capping or moving them.

Usage & Packaging

Apply Double Java Lip Balm to dry lips whenever the mood strikes you. This moisturizing, aromatic Lip Balm can be used alone, or under your favorite lipstick to provide a layer of moisture.  They look great in our Lip Balm Tubes, but can also be packaged in Jars.