Discussion: How are you using cocoa butter? Let’s figure out some substitutions!

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Cocoa butter prices are through the roof – it’s about three times more expensive compared to winter 2023 as the crop has been failing due to climate change and such – and people are looking for substitutions. I thought we could look at how to make these changes, but what we’d use will depend on...

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Another helpful hint from SwiftCraftyMonkey: Let your product cool before packaging!

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I’m sure you’ve seen it in all my formulas – after making the product, wait until it cools to room temperature (20˚C/68˚F) before packaging – but why is that thing? There are a few good reasons, but the main ones are to avoid condensation, which can lead to contamination as that water isn’t preserved, and...

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Another helpful tip from SwiftCraftyMonkey: Don’t wash your packaging before using it!

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This is one of those things that seems logical – when you’re about to use a jar or bottle or whathaveyou to package your products, give them a good wash before using – that isn’t. You’re adding more potential for contamination if you’re putting these in a dishwasher or washing by hand. You don’t need...

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Q&A: Can we include oil soluble actives in an anhydrous facial serum? And a profile of D’Orientine

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In the monthly Q&A, Klymer asked, Hello Susan, hope all is well up North! When we buy actives do they always need to be use in an emulsion? I have some oil soluble actives (D’Orientine) that I want to include in oil serums alone. As long as I follow the recommended usage, is this ok...

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Please please please please don’t make your own sunscreen!

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I’ve read there’s a TikTok video going around suggesting you make your own sunscreen with coconut oil, some butters, beeswax, and zinc oxide. I can’t stress this enough – DON’T! This is an abundantly bad idea and that will result in suffering from sunburns today and skin cancer in the future. Please please please please … Read more