Problem with a lotion mix

[Pamela FosterStudent]

Hello, today I worked on making a lotion with Arnica. The carrier oil was grape seed with a touch of Jojoba.  I heated the oil in a double boiler for the hour suggested,  strained the soilds off, made a calendula tea while the bees wax melted.  When I put the tea in the salve mix it was super watery and I didn’t even use all the measured portion.   It would not solidify.  I added more wax.  Still it would not hold together in the bowl, but on the spatula it was thickening up. I had been using my stick blender which almost over heated, so I decided to just pour it in the tins.  It poured perfectly but the other half still in the bowl was separated again.  I couldn’t get it to stop separating, but the portion I poured was holding together.  I would like to know where I went wrong that was a big mess. Maybe I started with my oil and wax too hot and it just wasn’t ready to hold? But when I poured some of it, it held and the rest separated….  I’m so confused…lol

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Janet Wright

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

I’ve never used grape seed oil or jojoba. Olive oil is my go to and seems to behave. I used Crisco a couple of times in a pinch. That behaves too.

Lotions seem to me a bit like baking. If we swap out ingredients or don’t do what the recipe says funny things can happen.

I don’t think it had anything to do with ingredients being too hot though. I’d guess it was the ingredients themselves, not the process. Maybe someone else has played with grape seed oil or jojoba and could give some pointers. :0)

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[Pamela FosterStudentTopic Author]

I was pretty upset it wasn’t mixing.  I let it sit overnight. It hardend up like chapstick.  The wax and liquid still somewhat  separated.  I tried mixing it again with my stick blender and it finally turned into lotion and is beautiful.  I have been making homemade soap for years and chose those oils from what I had on hand. I read the Jojoba will help stabilize it like vitamin E.  Thank you so much for everything.  I am really enjoying these classes and learning how to take better care of my family.

 

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

I’m glad it decided to behave. :0)

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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Pamela Foster

[Dee.MWStudent]

How frustrating – what a relief you didn’t throw the whole thing away!  I enjoy cooking/baking and temperature can be a factor when sauces separate and won’t emulsify.  Today I made a chocolate sauce that separated, so it was set aside to cool, then emulsified perfectly.  It’s not guaranteed, but worth waiting to try again.

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Pamela Foster

[Author]

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