The home of SwiftCraftyMonkey Formulating Inc.! Join Susan as she obsesses about cosmetic chemistry and other things (some possibly related to monkeys). Often strange, occasionally useful, and always worth a stop as a point of interest on your journey through the Intertron.
Liquorice root (or licorice root, if you’re American – INCI: Glycrrhiza glabra) is supposed to work as an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-irritant, demulcent, skin whitening, and wound healing ingredient when applied topically. Let’s take a look at what gives liquorice its awesome qualities. Liquorice root contains amino acids, flavonoids, phytosterols like ß-sitosterol and stigmasterol, coumarins,...
In the May Q&A, firegirl asked: I bought some inulin as I saw it sold on a supplier site. It says it replace quats in a more environmental way. Has anyone tried this? What is inulin? It’s a polysaccharide that can behave as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and surfactant. (This post) They “have a sweet taste and are present in...
I love cucumbers – they’re one of the only vegetables I will eat as I’m super picky – and I love the smell of them in all kinds of products, so let’s take a look at a water soluble way to use cucumbers in our products in the form of a cucumber hydrosol. The version...
I haven’t been answering many comments you’ve been leaving on this new blog because I feel that when I enter a conversation, it stops, and that’s no fun. But I wanted to return to the idea of doing the Weekend Wonderings based on your questions and comments, as well as highlight some of the cool...
We first met this preservative in this post – Why did this lotion fail? part one – and I mentioned it again in the rose water & chamomile facial cleanser, so let’s take a look at what Euxyl PE 9010 is all about! This preservative – INCI: Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin – can be used at 0.5%...