Teach Soap

So I have tried my first batch of lotion, good thing I am the only one that will use this one:)

I think something is going wrong.

1. I didn't have an electric mixer so I used a whisk and did that for roughly 5 minutes. Not sure this was long enough.

2. From my research, its states to mix water to oils at about 70c but mine was closer to 50c, is that a huge no no? Because the temp got quite cool fast and the lotion didn't seem to be thickening I put it back on the heat being careful not to get too hot with my preserv already in it. I heated up to 50c(optiphen states not hotter than 60c)

3. There seems to be a ton of bubbles on the top of the lotion and its quite a bit like water still.

4. On a stupid note, I put a little extra water in before the heat and hold part to ensure I had enough...and I didn't! So will this simply end up a thicker lotion or is this also a huge no no. I followed the rest of the recipe correctly, using the minimum amount of preserv so hopefully I haven't completely messed up and wasted my oils!

Thanks everyone!

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www.fostersfields.ca
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You really need a stick blender so the recipe reaches a stable emulsion. You need the high shear for everything to incorporate. I would not have reheated it, since heat can negate some of the preservative. I would save this batch just for you and watch out for any changes in texture, feel, smell or color. If any of that happens, please throw it away.

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

I threw it away already...it might of been ok to put onto my own body but the texture would of turned me off every time I looked at it. I could see the emulsion wasn't proper cause it resembled bad milk or something...it did however feel nice on my hands when I tried it so at least I know the recipe is good:0)

Is a higher temp important to emulsify? Most my research was done on swiftmonkey and she states mix at 70c. How important is it to have the water and oils roughly the same temp? This part was hard to get, not only hard to heat and hold but my oils got a lot hotter..fast it seemed!

I only have 1 stick blender which I use for CP and don't want to use that one...guess I should go back to Walmart tomorrow. Does a hand held whipper/blender thing work...the old fashioned type whipped cream type blender:)

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www.fostersfields.ca
https://www.facebook.com/FostersFields

You need the higher temp and the stick blender for the recipe to properly emulsify. See if you can get an inexpensive stick blender at your local store. Good luck on your next batch!

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

thanks soapbuddy...stay tuned:)

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www.fostersfields.ca
https://www.facebook.com/FostersFields

Tried the recipe again using a stick blender and higher temps...beautiful lotion this time:) Now to perfect my recipe before looking for a few testers!

_________________
www.fostersfields.ca
https://www.facebook.com/FostersFields

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

It sounds like you have already learned a lot the hard way. I think we have all had to toss some precious oils for one reason or another at some point in our career. Live and learn is all you can do, that and know that you aren't ever the only one who has had a seat in that particular boat!
Dont forget to send your lotion out for testing once you think you have it perfected. You will need to know if your preservative works for your recipe in the amount you used, and you will also need to know how long it holds it. So testing at various months out is needed. I had the hardest time waiting for a whole year after I created my lotion recipe, but it is worth the efforts for sure!
Have fun with it and Good luck!

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

Tammy

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