Teach Soap

Sodium Benzoate is a food preservative and a controversial one at that. I would not use it in my lotions or creams, I would use a preservative intended for those products. The sodium benzoate only works in food under acidic conditions and the amount allowed is miniscule, not to mention that heat and time can make a reaction you don't want. Better to stick with the tried and true preservatives for the products you are making. Soap Buddy has attached a sticky to this forum about all teh preservatives, take a peek there.

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy

I agree with Tammy. Take a look at the sticky I posted here> viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5032

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I wasnt planning on using it as a preservative. It is already in the aloe juice that I bought. I have also emailed Bulk apothecary several times asking what preservative is used in thier aloe juice and have been completly ignored

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Personally, I would not use it in my lotions or face creams at all. I would get aloe powder and reconstitute it myself and use an appropriate preservative. But, even if you did use it, your product would still require a preservative appropriate for lotion or cream, the SB would not be enough to cover your product. Also, you would need to exercise caution to not mix it with something that could cause an unwanted reaction.

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy

My post referencing the benzoic acid was referring to a store bought gel that I have, it was pre-made, I didn't add it. It is a topical gel, not the type intended for consumption. I purchased it in the section of the Natures Own that has body and face creams.

I did understand you, and I stand by what I said. A lot of aloe comes with SB already in it, and used in the proper amount, it is considered "food grade/food safe". I, however, would not use anything with it , just my personal choice. If you do use the aloe with SB to create another product, you would have to add in another appropriate preservative and exercise caution, as the SB can interact with other preservatives and cause an unwanted chemical reaction. As long as that is avoided, you can use that aloe if you so choose.

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy

Ah. When I first bought it I thought I was buying pure aloe gel, didn't have my reading glasses and couldn't see the small print ingredient list. Once I saw all the other additives I decided not to use it in my lotion and just keep it for me.

I have some aloe powder that I haven't done anything with yet, not to hijack the thread, but do you know if it dissolves thoroughly in distilled water? I plan to use it next time I make lotion and am worried if it doesn't dissolve it will feel gritty.

That tiny pint always gets me too! Lol
I use the powder with distilled water. I heat my water first and have not had issues with it not dissolving properly. I think you will be happy using the powder, just remember that you will need a proper preservative since you have to reconstitute it with liquid.
Have fun!

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy