Teach Soap

So now I think I am ready to start making my lotion,I have been reading for a about a month now and I have everything coming in my next order. I have stearic acid, e-wax,Optiphen, and all kinds of oils and butters so this is what I have and now that I have been reading here you guys say that optiphen stops bacteria from growing but will it grow mold? and some say don't use e-wax because it will not be good with some butter like shea butter is this true ? also can I use opthiphan in my sugar scrub that contains e-wax and oils and butters ? and can I also use optiphen in my bath salt that has oils ? and one more how long will the product last some say if you have butter that has a shelf life of one year than you might say 6 -9 months is this right ? if yes why are store bought lotions last so long ?

Hope someone can answer me and do you know about any good books about lotion making ?

Thank you so much

I would seriously consider getting this e-book. Susan is VERY knowledgable in this area. http://www.lotioncrafter.com/formulatin ... tions.html

Optiphen works the best in anhydrous formulas like scrubs which have no water. I can't use Optiphen with my lotion formula as it makes it curdle. Most commercial lotions contain parabens (like Germaben), which give them a long shelf life.

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

Just as long as you don't sell, Optiphen should be fine for you. It also depends on your formula.

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

Try it. I don't use avocado oil. Once you get comfortable with making lotions and following safety protocols, feel free to experiment. That's how I found out my formula doesn't play well with Optiphen.

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

Ive been doing my own research and contacting many suppliers about their take on "Optiphen" and "Opitiphen Plus" Preservatives, and I am getting different information from what is suggested on this forum. "Opitiphen PLus" is best used in anhydrous formulas, but is also effective in formula's with a ph over 6. "Optiphen" is being proven to be effective in both anhydrous formulas and water formulations.

I personally think that since this preservative is "newer" on the market there isnt as much research done and not alot of people have experience working with this preservative. I still hope people give it a chance and experiment more with it.

At the moment I am using opitiphen plus in my body scrubs and whipped body butters (containing no water) in them. And so far it seems stable in my formula. Down the line I will be testing my products to see how well they work. And NO I DO NOT sell my products. This is for personal use at the moment.

I would love to hear about your experiences with this preservative, so please share with others. What you like about it, what you dont, etc..

Optiphen - there are no pH restrictions. It should be added below 140 degrees (US) INCI: Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol. Works in aqueous and anhydrous systems.

Optiphen Plus - works best in formulations below pH of 6. Not as effective in formulations above pH of 6. INCI: Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol and Sorbic Acid. As you can see the only difference between the two is the sorbic acid which can change the pH of your lotion or cream.

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

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

I use Optiphen in all of my lotions and thick creams. I have been selling them now for about 6 months and am getting a great following. Not sure why other replys are saying it shouldn't be used in the lotions. I emailed to Brambleberry and the said it would be just fine also.

I use Optiphen Plus in my lotions and creams also. It hasn't seemed to cause any problems in either.

Optiphen ND is the only one of the family that best inhibits yeast, bacteria, and mold.

Refer to Irena's preservative info post:
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5032

[b]Preservative: Optiphen™[/b]
INCI: Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol
Description: Alternative for personal care formulations requiring a paraben and formaldehyde-free preservative system.
Applications/Use: Wide variety of personal care products including aqueous and anhydrous systems and emulsions.
Activity: Bacteria
PH Requirement:
Temperature: 140°F (60°C) or below

Preservative: Optiphen™ Plus
INCI: Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol (and) Sorbic Acid
Description: Alternative for personal care formulations requiring a paraben and formaldehyde-free preservative system.
Applications/Use:
Activity: Bacteria, yeast
PH Requirement: Best below 6.0; also effective higher.
Temperature: 140°F (60°C) or below

Preservative: Optiphen™ ND
INCI: Phenoxyethanol (and) Benzoic Acid (and) Dehydroacetic Acid
Description: Alternative for personal care formulations requiring a paraben and formaldehyde-free preservative system
Applications/Use: Can be used in shampoos, shower gels, body washes, creams, lotions, gels and wet wipes with acidic pH. May be de-activated by non-ionic surfactants and emulsifiers; as a result, these materials should be minimized or avoided.
Activity: Bacteria, yeast, mold
PH Requirement: 6.0 or below
Temperature: 176°F (80°C) or below

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Soapmaiden (Natalie)