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03 March 2010

Tweak Tweak ..

I admit it, I'm a tweaker .. And NO that is NOT a drug reference!

I think it's just my nature to try adding a little bit of this and a little bit of that .. It's how I cook, it's how I paint, it's how I make soap/lotion/balm/scrubs, and it's how I learn ..

So I decided to tweak my new scrub formula, yep the very same one I said I loved just a couple of days ago .. I wanted to make it a tad softer as we're heading into winter here and it was setting up quite firm .. So I mixed up a new batch with extra Fractionated Coconut Oil and Oatmeal Milk & Honey FO, Jojoba Meal (smaller than regular spheres), & Mixed Spice:

OMH ©Artisan Soaps
Yet it's left me unimpressed ..

I'm not sure if I went a little heavy handed with the FO or it's just irritating my sinuses because I have a flu and they're already feeling raw .. But it's definitely too runny (read: oily), and unlike my previous one this did leave a slight slippy feeling in the tub that would require cleaning for safety's sake ..

Solution:
  • reduce extra oil%
  • try a firmer oil like Coconut or Shea/Mango Butter
  • up the sugar/exfoliant %
  • up the emulsifying wax

Adding extra sugar was the easiest thing to do (so I did), but of course that doesn't solve the slip factor which is of super high important to me!

So the oil needs to come back down (cheaper than upping the wax), and likewise I really can't justify using more $expensive$ butter in a wash off product .. So I think my next move is to try common Coconut Oil (semi solid at room temp) .. The bonus of this plan is I've already got HEAPS of it because I bought in bulk before figuring out my skin doesn't respond well to CO in soap (unless we're talking salt bars) .. I'll also halve the extra amount I put in, and if the residue remains on the tub I'll eat the cost and up the Emulsifier too ..

**Internet cookies to everyone who comments but doesn't mention how many times I write 'so' in a single post .. Sooo embarrassing (but not enough to edit) :P

4 comments:

  1. I just love reading your posts! I feel like I'm right there with you and we're brainstorming. For the record, I didn't even notice that you used "so" alot. :)

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  2. I'm right there with you about not wanting my precious butters to go down the drain in a wash off product. Oh wait, I put butters in my soaps!!!

    I wish I could offer some advice, but I will cheer you on instead!

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  3. You are definitely on the right track imho. Have you tried soy wax as an additive? It helps with the texture - not too soft, not too hard..... :)

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  4. Nope, never tried Soy Wax .. I like the Emulsifier O as it helps the excess oil wash away and leaves the tub clean, but in saying that I'm just about out *eep

    I guess I'll see how other waxes work in it's place until new stock arrives ..

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