Lotions

I am now making lotions. I actually like making these more than the soaps. Okay, maybe that was a little lie. I really like making my soaps but making lotions is easy and the best part about it-you only need to let them set a couple hours before using them.

So, I wanted to talk about lotions today because I will have to use a preservative in order to keep mold and germs from growing in the lotions I make. Now, I know people see the word 'preservative' and they automatically think the worst. They're immediately turned off of a product because of the preservatives. There are all sorts of preservatives that are actually FDA approved and safe for the prevention of mold and bacteria growth in handmade products.

For example, in the Lavender & Basil lotion I made the other night, I used the preservative, Phenonip. Phenonip is a broad spectrum preservative that prevents the growth of mold, bacteria, and any other nasties that could grow in the lotion. Does it contain parabens? Yes, it does. I do have the option of using a paraben-free, formaldehyde-free preservative called Optiphen. However, putting things into perspective, I am selling these lotions and I do not want people to get sick or use a moldy product. So, to be safe, I do use preservatives in my lotions and I do not feel comfortable budging on this.

If you are looking for an all natural, preservative-free lotion, there are tons of DIY recipes online. However, they will not keep as well or as long as the handmade lotions with preservatives. Most of the recipes online for natural, preservative-free recipes will last 2 weeks if that. You will also need to refrigerate your lotion if you opt to not use an FDA approved preservative.

Now, with all of this being said, there are a few myths about natural preservatives. Grapefruit Seed Extract, Rosemary Extract, Vitamin E Oil, Tea Tree Essential Oil, and any other essential oil that you see in natural recipes as natural preservatives are not preservatives. They will not prevent the growth of mold and bacteria although they may help prolong the shelf life of the oils used in the lotion.

So, for anyone who was curious, I do make lotions but be aware that I do use FDA approved preservatives. This is only for the lotions. I do not use preservatives in any of my other items.
If you are curious about the other items I have, look to the left of my blog and you should see a link to the store. Hoping this helps!


Cheers!
Kristine