Articles

Have you ever thought about using powdered yogurt or powdered milk in soap making? If you haven't heard, you can use both milk and yogurt to create some fantastic soap recipes. So, you can use the nourishing properties found in milk and yogurt to care for your skin. These two soaping ingredients are perfect to include along with other luscious cosmetic ingredients available from Natures Garden. This will allow you to create handcrafted soap recipes that are even more conditioning and skin loving! If you are interested in trying out either milk or yogurt in your cold process soap recipe, then check out our soap making tutorial using powdered buttermilk and powdered yogurt.Using Yogurt and Powdered Milk in Soap Making: Clean and SanitizeBefore you get started making this handmade soap recipe, you are going to want to clean and sanitize your soaping equipment. In addition, you will want to gather your soap making supplies. Also, you will need to collect and wash any other equipment that you are going to need to create this bath and body recipe. Further, you will want to give yourself enough space to work comfortably. Giving yourself a good work space will make the process easier and even more fun!Using Yogurt and Powdered Milk in Soap Making: Prepare a Bottle of VinegarAlso, you will need to prepare a bottle of vinegar before you start making this cold process soap recipe. This vinegar will be useful for cold process soap safety, as it can be used to deactivate the lye. Also, you can use the vinegar for cleaning your work station after making cold process soap. So, you will want to fill a bottle with vinegar and set it aside until it is needed later during the process.Using Yogurt and Powdered Milk in Soap Making: Soap Making InformationIf you have never made handmade soap from scratch before, then you will want to check out a soap making class that we have on cold process soap safety. First, you will definitely need to be familiar with soap making safety, which you can find in our Soap Making Safety Class. Also, you may want to look at our Basic CP Soap Making Class. We definitely recommend having some soap making experience before trying this type of recipe. If you feel like you are ready to make a luscious soap making recipe, then you will want to continue reading this blog! Using Yogurt and Powdered Milk in Soap Making: Ingredients Available at Natures Garden -Lye - Sodium HydroxideApricot Kernel OilCastor OilMango ButterPalm OilCoconut OilShea ButterSunflower Oil6 Cavity Flower Silicone Soap MoldSafety GlovesNatures Garden ApronSafety MaskThermometerSafety Glasses8 oz. Clear PET Bullet BottlesBlack Fine Mist Sprayers 24/410Using Yogurt and Powdered Milk in Soap Making: Other Needed Ingredients -Distilled WaterPowdered MilkYogurtMixing BowlsMixing SpoonsRubber SpatulaScaleKnifeStick BlenderVinegarMeasuring SpoonsIce Cube Tray (We used the 24 hearts silicone mold)Using Yogurt and Powdered Milk in Soap Making: Milk Soap Making Amounts -8 ounces of Distilled Water1 ounce of the Powered Milk53 grams of the Lye26 grams of the Apricot Kernel Oil49 grams of the Shea Butter14 grams of the Castor Oil63 grams of the Sunflower Oil53 grams of the Mango Butter57 grams of the Palm Oil113 grams of the Coconut OilUsing Yogurt and Powdered Milk in Soap Making: Yogurt Soap Making Amounts -8 ounces of the Distilled Water1 ounce of the Powdered Yogurt53 grams of the Lye26 grams of the Apricot Kernel Oil49 grams of the Shea Butter14 grams of the Castor Oil63 grams of the Sunflower Oil53 grams of the Mango Butter57 grams of the Palm Oil113 grams of the Coconut OilUsing Yogurt and Powdered Milk in Soap Making: Creating Frozen Milk Soap -In order to begin making soap you are going to want to prepare the milk for your cp soap recipe. So, you will want to weigh out the powdered milk and the distilled water to create the milk solution. You will need to use eight ounces of the water and one ounce of the powdered milk. You will want to mix these ingredients together well to create the powdered milk solution.Using Yogurt and Powdered Milk in Soap Making: Creating Frozen Yogurt Soap - Alternatively, you can create this soap making recipe using powdered yogurt instead of the powdered milk. Of course, the yogurt will provide your skin with all kinds of benefits. The powdered yogurt is just another great soap making ingredient that you can include. So, you are going to want to prepare the yogurt solution, which includes eight ounces of the water and one ounce of the powdered yogurt. You will create the homemade soap in the exact same way.Using Yogurt and Powdered Milk in Soap Making: Freezing the Milk or Yogurt Solution -Now that you have created either a milk solution or yogurt solution, you are going to need to fill up your mold. You can use an ice cube tray or even a small soap mold. We decided to use the 24 hearts silicone mold. After you have filled up your chosen mold for the buttermilk solution mixture, you will want to transfer your soap mold to the freezer. You will need to wait for your milk solution to completely freeze before moving on to the next step. So, make sure that you have solid, frozen pieces before moving onto the next step.Using Yogurt and Powdered Milk in Soap Making: Preparing the Oils for Your Soap RecipeNow, you are going to want to weigh out all of your cosmetic oils. You will want to add 26 grams of Apricot Kernel Oil, 49 grams of Shea Butter, 14 grams of Castor Oil, 63 grams of Sunflower Oil, 53 grams of Mango Butter, 57 grams of Palm Oil, and 113 grams of Coconut Oil. Then, you will want to completely melt your cosmetic ingredients. After melting these ingredients you will want to wait for your melted oils to room temperature.Using Yogurt and Powdered Milk in Soap Making: Mixing Up the Lye Solution -Next, once the temperature of your oils has dropped to room temperature, you are ready to prepare your lye solution. For this cp soap recipe, we will want to soap at the lowest temperature possible. So, we will prepare our lye solution and soap right away to keep the temperature as low as possible. Soaping at a low temperature will prevent the milk from overheating and creating an unpleasant smell.Once your buttermilk or yogurt has completely frozen, you can remove it from the mold. Now, you will want to measure out 144 grams of your frozen yogurt or buttermilk. Also, you will need to weigh out 53 grams of the lye in a separate bowl. You are going to want to mix up your lye solution in a well ventilated area. Of course, you will want to make sure that you wear a face mask and protective clothing. Now, you are able to add the measured amount of lye to the frozen milk. Make sure that you stir your mixture as you are adding the lye. Using Yogurt and Powdered Milk in Soap Making: Continue Creating the Lye Solution -As you continue to mix the lye the frozen buttermilk or yogurt, you will notice that it will begin to melt. Since this mixture will include milk, we don't want the temperature to reach levels that will create a sour smell. This is why we needed to freeze the milk prior to creating your lye solution. So, you will notice that your lye solution does not reach a temperature that is too high. This will allow you to add powdered yogurts or milks to your soap while maintaining the integrity and quality of each bar.Using Yogurt and Powdered Milk in Soap Making: Combining the Lye Solution and Cosmetic Oils - Now, combine your soaping oils and lye solution. After combining these two mixtures of soap making ingredients, you will need to blend all of these soaping ingredients together. You will want to use a stick blender to do this. Once you hit trace for your soap batter, you are ready to move on to the next step of the soap making process. This means that you are ready to pour your soap into the mold.Using Yogurt and Powdered Milk in Soap Making: Filling Up the Soap Mold -Now that all of your soap making ingredients are mixed together, you are ready to fill the soap mold! Once you have used all of your soap batter to fill up your soap mold, you will want to place the soap in the freezer for about 24 hours. This way the temperature of the soap batter will remain low. Finally, remove the soap from the soap mold. Then, you are going to want to wait for your soaps to cure before using your finished bars of soap.Using Yogurt and Powdered Milk in Soap Making: Using Your Finished Yogurt Soap and Milk Soap -Once your cold process soaps have completely cured you will be ready to use your skin loving cp soap recipe! So, after a four to six weeks, you can use your skin nourishing soap bars. Also, the beneficial properties of the yogurt and milk in this cold process soap recipe will add to the benefits of your soap bars. So, you can use these cosmetic ingredients in your lovely soap to nourish and care for your skin. We hope that you enjoy the nourishing properties of milk and yogurt in this luscious soap recipe for your skin!Using Yogurt and Powdered Milk in Soap Making: Benefits of Using Milk in Soap -If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of adding milk and milk based products to your body, then you will definitely want to check out Top 5 Skin Benefits of Raw Milk & Beauty Tips from Bellatory. First, milk can be used as a natural cleanser for your skin, as it can be used to clean out clogged pores. This is perfect for helping to prevent future breakouts. Also, this potential soaping ingredient has fantastic moisturizer and exfoliation properties. Further, adding milk or yogurt can provide you with even more wonderful benefits for cold process soap as well as your skin! If you want to learn a bit more about all the benefits these products can have for your body, then you can learn more about this possible soaping ingredient in this beauty article.Using Yogurt and Powdered Milk in Soap Making: Reach Out to Us -We hope that you have enjoyed all of the benefits of adding milk and yogurt to your homemade cold process soap! If you have any questions about these cosmetic ingredients, then feel free to reach out to us. You can find us on our HUG Line, in the store, and online. An easy way to find us online is to reach out to us on social media. You can find us on the Natures Garden Facebook page. Also, you can use the handle @ngscents to find us on both Instagram and Twitter. Not only can you use these social platforms to reach out to us or ask us questions, but you can share your own experience with adding milk or yogurt to your cold process soap. So, we hope that you enjoyed the benefits of this soaping ingredient and that we hear from you soon!

What is lemon verbena used for? There are many benefits that can be had from using this Natures Garden cosmetic herb. First, this herb has a bold, lemon flavor that is fantastic for creating foods and beverages. Also, this herb has a lemon aroma that is perfect for naturally scenting homemade bath and body recipes. Additionally, there are some benefits that can be gained from this tasty herb from both the herbal teas as well as the lovely skin care products, which provides both health and cosmetic benefits. So, let's learn about all the wonderful reasons for using lemon verbena leaf!What is Lemon Verbena Used For?: Growing ConditionsMost people who grow their own lemon verbena at home will say that the plant takes a bit of work. However, it is often said that the reward is well worth the effort put in. Additionally, this plant is likely to drop its leaves at the slightest issue. However, a plant without leaves is not always dead. In fact, many people have assumed their plant to be dead and found it growing vigorously after it was thrown to the side. So, you will find that this herb is a bit temperamental.What is Lemon Verbena Used For?: Growing and Harvesting Your HerbsFirst, this refreshing plant requires soil that is loose and well draining. It is very important that the water is about to drain, as the plant will die if the roots constantly stay wet. Additionally, a larger pot can be useful for insulating the roots against changes in soil temperature. Also, you will find that full sun will provide you plant with the best opportunity for growth as well as stronger, flavorful leaves. While the plant can benefit from light shade in dessert-like areas, you will want to make sure that the lemon verbena gets a larger amount of sun compared to shade. Also, you will want to provide frequent fertilization, which would be required throughout the growing season, for your plant.Since this plant will provide a new growth beneath the cut that you make, harvesting your lemon verbena leaves isn't harmful to your plant. Throughout the growing season you can continue to cut what you need. In fact, frequent cutting will prevent your plant from getting too leggy. You will want to harvest the leaves before they turn yellow. After you dry your harvested leaves you can store them in dry, sealed containers. Additionally, you can freeze some of the leaves that you will want to preserve for longer lengths of time. You will want to crumble your leaves before using to increase the flavor.What is Lemon Verbena Used For?: Industrial UsesYou can use this cosmetic herb to create all kinds of beneficial products to nourish your body inside and out. First, you can create delightful teas as well as some delicious recipes with this lemon-flavored herb. Plus, adding this cosmetic herb to your diet can provide your body with a plethora of benefits. Also, you can include our cosmetic lemon verbena Leaf to create fantastic bath and body recipes that smell great and are wonderful for your skin. Now, let's get into exactly what this cosmetic herb can do.What is Lemon Verbena Used For?: Medicinal UsesWhile lemon verbena leaves are well known for their delicious flavor, there are some beneficial properties available for your health, too. It is thought to help your immune system, reduce inflammation, and more! So, there are plenty of properties to enjoy from this botanical herb. Between the medicinal benefits of this herb and the pleasant flavor, you are sure to enjoy using lemon verbena leaf.What is Lemon Verbena Used For?: Medicinal BenefitsAlso, you can use this herb to reduce inflammation in the body. So, the antioxidants in lemon verbena have been known to reduce the symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Further, you may find that this herb can be used to promote a faster recovery for joint injuries. Additionally, some have found that this herb can be useful for kidney or liver problems as well as urinary tract issues, as this herb can help flush out your system.Additionally, it has been found that this herb can be used to help break a fever. Further, it is thought that this herb can be used to help boost your immunity. Since this herb is used to reduce the level of oxidative stress on your body, it is thought to help promote your body's immune system. So, this wonderful herb could be beneficial to use during a bout of sickness, as it may get you to recover quicker. Further, it has been found that you can use this delightful herb to help with congestion. It is thought that Lemon Verbena tea can be used to reduce phlegm and mucus, which is perfect for eliminating congestion in the respiratory tracts.Another benefit of this lovely herb is helping to aid in digestion. This herb has been known to help calm the stomach and reduce minor issues, like cramping and bloating. Also, it has been found that you can use lemon verbena to help reduce anxiety. The antioxidants in this herb are thought to help balance any possible hormonal imbalance and gently reduce stress to help ease the mind and body.What is Lemon Verbena Used For?: Bath and Body UsesThere are many benefits that you can gain from this fantastic herb. You can use this herb as a natural scented oil, as it has a fantastic and strong aroma. So, this would be a great pick for anyone looking for herbs for soap making. Further, there are many beneficial properties that you can use to nourish your skin. So, you can use this fantastic herb to create cosmetic recipes that smell delightful and care for the body.First of all, this wonderful herb can be used to provide a wonderful aroma to your bath and body products. The scent of this wonderful cosmetic herb has been described as very strong, too! So, you can use this herb to naturally scent your various bath and body products with the aroma of refreshing lemon. Further, this strong, lemon aroma has been found to have a calming aroma for the entire body. So, this is a fantastic cosmetic herb that you can include in your bath and body recipe, which will allow you to soak in the wonderful aroma and calming properties of the cosmetic recipe.Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of lemon verbena can be useful for reducing certain skin conditions. For example, issues with eczema may be reduced by using this cosmetic herb. Also, this cosmetic herb has been found to be able to fight off staph skin infections. Since this bacteria can range in severity from a minor skin irritation to a life threatening issue, it is wonderful to have an herbal remedy on hand. While doctors should be contacted after an outbreak, this herb may be a useful tool to begin treatment at home along with your doctor's recommendations, which can be useful for preventing growth and keep it from getting worse.What is Lemon Verbena Used For?: Food and BeveragesYou can use this lovely herb to create all kinds of delightful recipes. Due to this herb's bold and refreshing flavor you are able to create recipes that are both delicious and natural. Not only is the flavor amazing, but the herb is thought to be useful for improving mood. So, drinking this herbal tea could be useful for dealing with anxiety, depression, or even insomnia. This means that adding this herb to your typical diet could result in some wonderful mood improvements.First, you can use this herb to create a lovely herbal tea. Although you will steep these leaves like you would for any other tea, it may be beneficial for you to crush or break the leaves immediately before steeping. It has been found that the flavor and aroma of these leaves are emboldened after the whole leaves are broken up. Breaking up the leaves allows more of the flavor and nutrients to be released during the steeping process.Furthermore, you can use this flavorful herb to create all kinds of wonderful dishes. For example, you can include this herb in recipes for fish, chicken, or salads to increase the flavor and make your food even more irresistible. Also, you can use this herb to create delicious cooking ingredients, like the Lemon Verbena Butter by Genius Kitchen. This recipe is such an easy way to step up your average butter and create something phenomenal to cook with. Not only can you use this herbal ingredient to step up recipes and enhance your food, but you can create unique recipes centered around this wonderful flavor. For example, the homemade Lemon Verbena Ice Cream recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone with an ice cream maker!What is Lemon Verbena Used For?: Other UsesSome people have found that this wonderful herb can be used as a weight loss tool. Creating a tea with this herb will provide only a couple of calories and is known to help reduce your appetite. Not only is it thought that this herb will reduce your hunger, but it may be useful for promoting a faster rate of burning fat. The herb is thought to be able to improve this rate by optimizing some of your body's natural processes.Additionally, it is thought that this herb could be useful for improving healthy muscle building. Drinking lemon verbena tea along with a regular exercise routine is thought to be useful before a workout. The nutritional elements in this herb are thought to decrease the damage done to muscles without inhibiting your body's natural development of muscle mass. So, you can gain even more from the same exercise routine.Additionally, this herb can be used to keep certain pests away, like flies or mosquitoes. Often, this herb would be tossed around a horse stable. This would allow the horses to step on the leaves, release the scent, and repel pests from the stable. Furthermore, this herb can be used to help reduce the levels of candida in your gut. This fungus can be the root cause to oral thrush as well as some chronic intestinal issues.Also, you can use this cosmetic herb to improve your natural cleaning product recipes. The lemon verbena is perfect for providing a fresh, clean lemon scent that is sure to enhance your homemade cleaning recipes.What is Lemon Verbena Used For?: Ask Us Your QuestionsWe hope that you have enjoyed learning about this wonderful herb! If you have any more questions about using Lemon Verbana Leaf or any of our other herbs and spices, then feel free to reach out. You can find us in the store, on the phone, or even online. Anyone that wants to find us online can find us on social media. We have a Natures Garden Facebook page. Also, you can use @ngscents to find us on either Twitter and Instagram. Further, you can use these platforms to share your own creations or opinions on this herb. We hope that you enjoy the Lemon Verbena Leaf and that we hear from you soon!What is Lemon Verbena Used For?: Note About Our HerbsNote: Natures Garden sells our herbs, like the lemon verbana leaf cut and sifted, for external use only. We do not sell our herbs as food items. The information we provide is for educational purposes only. We do not intend to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease with this information. Also, the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the information that we provide. You should be sure to keep all herbs out of reach of both your children and pets. Further, pregnant and/or lactating women should take special care when handling herbs. Lastly, Natures Garden accepts no responsibility (written or implied) for any products you make with our herbs and all testing is the responsibility of the customer.

Whenever something is being burned, there will be some amount of smoke. Naturally, when you limit the amount of oxygen, you will see more smoke than when ample oxygen is supplied. However, you can prevent your homemade candles from excessively smoking by making your candles the right way in the first place. There are a few reasons as to why a candle may smoke once lit. The first check point to examine is whether or not the correct amount of fragrance oil was used in the process. Using more than the recommended amount of fragrance oil per pound of wax may sound like it is a good idea to have extreme scent, but in the end it is only wasteful (and costly), and can cause your candles to smoke. Wax has a fragrance load limit. Since it is a porous object, once each and every pore has been filled, there is no more area for the fragrance to go.The second reason your candle may be smoking is the wick. Using the proper wick for the diameter size of the candle is the best way to ensure a clean and even burn in the candle. Go here to read a very interesting blog post on the science of candle wicks. A smoking wick will occur if the wick of the candle is too large for the container. To view a wick suggestion chart for your sized candle container click here for Natures Garden s wick recommendations. Avoid allowing the debris from wick clippings from entering into your melted wax, and keep your wicks trimmed to 1/4".Finally, your colorant may cause your candle to smoke. It is important to know that pigments can clog your wick and can cause increased smoking when burning your candle. That is why only candle dyes should be used to color the interior wax of candles. Never use crayons to color your candles as they contain pigments instead of dyes. When using candle dyes, understand that using alot of candle dye may also cause your candles to smoke more.How to Solve It!When it comes to fragrance oil percentage, never use more than the suggested amount of fragrance oil per pound of wax. Remember, using more may result in a candle with a fragrance oil slick that is a fire hazard.Do your research first. In order to know which wick to use in candle making, you must first know your candle's diameter. You can figure this out by measuring the bottom of your candle container with a ruler. You will want to measure horizontally across the center. Once you have this information, simply look at the wick suggestion chart and select which kind of wick you need. Keep wick trimmings out of your melted wax, and keep wicks trimmed to 1/4". Also, avoid burning your candles where there are fans or drafts. This can cause your wick to move around and burn too quickly; potentially smoking more.In candle making temperature is very important. Many waxes offer a range in temperature for their key steps (melting temperature, scenting temperature, pouring temperature). It is a very good idea to monitor these temperatures with the help of a testing notebook and thermometer. Within a few times of making candles, you can have your temperatures down to a specific degree. With well taken notes, it is possible to have your candle making process replicated exactly time and time again.Lastly, you always want to avoid using pigments in the interior of your candle. Only candle dyes should be used to color the interior of your candle wax.

Using a wax like Golden Foods Soy Wax 464, and a few preventative measures can help eliminate wet spots from your candles. What are Wet Spots in Candles?The term wet spots in candle making refers to the spots or patches in container candles that appear to have air, or a wet spot showing through the glass or transparent container and the candle wax. Wet spots are extremely common and are one of the most common complaints among candle makers. However, wet spots will not inhibit the functionality of your candle, just the aesthetic appeal.What causes Wet Spots?1. Pouring hot candle wax into too cold of a container.2. Pouring your melted candle wax at a temperature much cooler than what is suggested.3. Using a pillar/votive wax for container candles instead of a container wax that is formulated for that purpose.4. Cooling your candles too fast; subjecting your candles to an environment which has drafts or is lower than 70-72 degrees.5. Pouring candle wax into dirty containers.How to Avoid Wet Spots?1. Try to eliminate or prevent wet spots by thoroughly washing and drying your containers before using. This will get any dust or debris out that may have fallen into your jars.2. Be sure to use a container wax so that your wax adheres properly to your container. Votive/pillar waxes are not suggested for container candles. Wax like Golden Foods Soy Wax 464, is a great start. This type of soy wax has a wonderful adhesion to glass containers, therefore minimizing the chances of getting wet spots.3. Heat your jars/containers at the lowest setting on a cookie sheet in the oven for twenty minutes prior to filling them. This also allows for the candle wax to cool slowly which allows for better adhesion to the container.4. Another thing that tends to reduce the occurrence of wet spots is pouring your candles inside the box the candle jars came in. This helps to insulate your candles while they cool slowly. Allow your candles to set up at room temperature, in a room that has no drafts.5. If you start to see the wet spots taking place as the candle is cooling, this means you should consider increasing your pour temperature. Testing with a thermometer is key here. Follow the manufacturer's recommended pour temperature.

There are many wonderful cosmetic herbs that are available to you from Natures Garden your wholesale herb supplier. In fact, there are so many that it can be hard to figure out what to do with them all. So, don't worry if you have been wondering "What Can Paprika Be Used For?". While this herb may seem common place in the kitchen as a spice, there are many benefits that can be had for the skin. So, adding this cosmetic ingredient to your handcrafted cosmetic recipes would be perfect for helping your bath and body recipes care for the skin.What Can Paprika Be Used For?: Growing ConditionsThis powdered herb can be created from either bell peppers or mild chili peppers. These fresh, crisp peppers will be dried and ground into a flake or powder form. After, it is then considered paprika and can be used in cosmetics as well as food recipes. So, making paprika means that you will be growing a kind of pepper from the Capsicum Annuum family. There are a few plant varieties that you can find, which include the Hungarian or the Spanish varieties of this well known spice.These peppers prefer similar conditions to many other peppers. This means that they enjoy soil that will drain fairly well and is fertile. Plus, this plant enjoys sunny areas and a climate that is on the warmer side. If you live in a warm climate, then you will be able to start your seeds outside. Otherwise, you will want to either start your seeds inside or buy seedlings that are already started. Make sure that any possibility of frost has passed before you decide to transplant your peppers. You will want to have your plants about 12 inches apart from each other in a row and have each row about 3 feet from the others. After the peppers have grown and turned a bright red color they will be ready to use!What Can Paprika Be Used For?: From Garden Fresh Peppers to PaprikaNow that you have grown the peppers, you will need to dry and grind them. You can use an electric dehydrator or try yourself. If you try dehydrating yourself, then you may want to hang them in mesh bags. You should store these bags in a heated container or room thin the formulation of various cosmetic recipes. Also, the paprika spice can be used to add to the flavor of a meal. Plus, you can use this herb medicinally to help with various issues. So, this cosmetic herb is perfect for creating all kinds of wonderful recipes!What Can Paprika Be Used For?: Making Bath and Body ProductsYou can use this cosmetic herb to create various homemade recipes, which includes wonderful soap making recipes. There are many ways that your products can benefit from including the wholesale papriks. Our paprika powder herb can be used to naturally color your products, as it will provide a natural salmon color. Also, you can use this herb to provide some skin nourishing benefits! So, you will absolutely want to try out this herb in your various bath and body recipes!What Can Paprika Be Used For?: Cosmetic BenefitsFirst, you can use this powdered herb to naturally color your bath and body recipes. So, adding this natural soap colorant to your recipes will provide you with a natural salmon color. Not only can you use this herb as a cosmetic colorant, but this ingredient has some other benefits, too. Also, this cosmetic herb can be used to help provide a youthful glow to your skin. The carotenoids in this cosmetic herb are powerful antioxidants that can help protect the skin. So, this allows the herb to help your skin fight free radicals that would further age our skin and helps keep the skin looking youthful. Further, this cosmetic herb has beta carotene, which is an antioxidant and provides anti-inflammatory properties. So, this property can be used to reduce wrinkles and protect the skin from sun damage.Additionally, this lovely herb can be used to help reduce inflammation based skin issues, like eczema or rashes. Also, paprika has been thought to help increase circulation to the skin, which provides you with healthier, glowing skin. Plus, this herb has been known to help fight bacteria, which means this herb is useful for reducing acne and blackheads.Next, you can use this herb to help with hair care recipes. The herb can be useful for providing the hair with vitamin B6, which has shown to prevent hair loss. Further, this beneficial property will help improve circulation and promote better hair growth.What Can Paprika Be Used For?: Natures Garden Cosmetic RecipeOne great way to utilize all of Paprika's skin benefits is our Pineapple Paprika Cold Process Soap Recipe. This cosmetic recipe uses cosmetic oils and butters to create a luscious skin care recipe that will love your body. Further, the cosmetic herb added to this recipe has some skin care properties of its own. These properties will help care for the skin and leave you feeling youthful and glowing. Plus, this soap recipe includes the unique and strong aroma of our Pineapple Paprika Fragrance Oil. So, this is a fantastic soap-making recipe for your skin and senses!What Can Paprika Be Used For?: Food and BeveragesThere are a few different types of paprika that can be used in food recipes. Although the taste can differ, this spice is often best in savory dishes. The Hungarian and Spanish types of paprika are most commonly used as a spice for enhancing the flavor of certain recipes. However, the type that is found in our grocery stores is a different type of paprika that is mold bland. So, this version of the spice is more likely to be used as a garnish to make the food appear more appetizing. But, all these types of the same spice have benefits that enhance the food in some way as well as properties that benefit the body.What Can Paprika Be Used For?: Medicinal UsesSome people have found that taking this cosmetic herb can provide the body with a variety of health benefits. Luckily, this spice is often enjoyed for creating good food and you won't have to disguise the taste. So, adding this wonderful spice to your diet can help boost your health and improve many issues and conditions. Due to these benefits you may want to add some more of this spice to your typical diet. You can easily add this spice to a typical meal to change things up and gain even more benefits from your food!What Can Paprika Be Used For?: Medicinal BenefitsFirst, some people find that using this cosmetic can be useful for lowering cholesterol. It is thought that this herb can be used to help reduce your bad cholesterol in the body. Plus, this cosmetic herb is full of vitamins and minerals that can be used by your body to promote health and well being. First, the vitamin A in this spice is thought to boost the immune system and fight infections. This herb can be useful for fighting off certain bacteria, like E. coli or Salmonella, so this herb can help to keep you feeling great.Additionally, you can use this herb to promote healthy skin. This cosmetic ingredient is full of great antioxidants that will help fight free radicals that have the potential to damage your cells. Further, this vitamin is helpful for reducing wrinkles, sagging, and fine lines. So, this nutrient rich spice will leave your skin healthy and glowing. Also, Vitamin C is useful for those with anemia, as this vitamin will help the body absorb iron and create red blood cells. What Can Paprika Be Used For?: Other UsesThere are so many different ways that you can incorporate paprika powder into your daily life. Not only can you use this herb for cooking, cosmetic recipes, and boosting your health, but there are a few other random uses for this herb that you may enjoy. If weight loss or reducing the time of a cold sound good to you, then you may be interested in using this spice.First, this cosmetic herb may be useful for helping with a cold. This herb has properties that aid in congestion. So, this herb can be useful for clearing mucus from the nose and lungs. So, you may want to increase your paprika intake during your next cold. A second possible benefit of this cosmetic herb is helping you lose weight. An ingredient in paprika, called Capsaicin, has been known to help burn fat and lead to increased weight loss. It has properties that lead to your body burning extra calories after eating for up to 20 minutes. Of course, paprika isn't going to get the job done on its own, but paprika can help you in your efforts. So, regular use of paprika along with a healthy diet and some exercise can lead to some amazing results!What Can Paprika Be Used For?: Background of PaprikaAlthough this spice is very prevalent in Hungarian cuisine, paprika did not originate there. While there is a Hungarian strain of paprika that can be traced back to Turkey, this herb didn't originate there. Rather the spice was first grown in Mexico, like the Spanish variety of paprika. So, these two different types had similar origins. If you are curious and want to learn more about this spice, then check out The History and Origins of Paprika by DESIblitz.While these different types of paprika are similar in many ways, there are some distinct differences between the types that are available. First, you have traditional paprika, which is often found in the grocery store. It is most often used to add color to a dish and has a mild, neutral flavor. Second there is Spanish Paprika that has a rich, smoky flavor from smoked peppers, which can be sweet, mild, or hot. Now, our paprika herb is Hungarian Paprika.What Can Paprika Be Used For?: Ask Us Your QuestionsAnyone that has more questions about our ground paprika or any of our other herbs and spices should feel free to reach out to us to ask! Also, we are able to answer any other cosmetic making questions that you may have. If you want to ask us something related to your homemade cosmetics, then just reach out to us in the store, on the phone, or on social media. We have a Facebook page that you can reach us on. Also, you can use @ngscents to talk to us on Twitter and Instagram. Have fun creating your herbal recipes and we hope to hear from you soon!What Can Paprika Be Used For?: Note About Our HerbsNatures Garden sells our paprika powder for external use only. We do not sell paprika powder or any other herbs as food items. The information that we provide about our Paprika Hungarian Ground is for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Keep all the cosmetic herbs out of reach of children and pets. If you are a pregnant and/or lactating women, then you should take special care when you are handling any herbs. Natures Garden accepts no responsibility, written or implied, for any products you make with our herbs. All of the testing is the sole responsibility of the customer.

Melt and Pour Soap Bases contain high levels of vegetable glycerin. Glycerin is a natural byproduct of the saponification process. The ingredient glycerin is a humectant. A humectant is a substance that can retain and preserve moisture, therefore also preventing loss of moisture as well. Humectants are very important in bath and body products. Having a moisturizing aspect to your products is especially crucial for the dry skin type products.Sometimes, during the manufacturing process of melt and pour soaps, extra glycerin is added. Glycerin is a key ingredient for making clear soaps. Some types of melt and pour soaps even have up to 20% of pure glycerin in them (this would be why glycerin is listed so highly on the ingredients label). But remember this glycerin is what gives melt and pour soap some of its highly sought after qualities, easy to color and mold, skin loving nature, mild and gentle soap (good for children and sensitive skinned), and very highly moisturizing naturally.In fact, it is believed that in theory when you wash your hands with glycerin soap, there will be a thin layer of glycerin that is left behind after you rinse off the lather. This layer of glycerin then does its humectant job and pulls moisture from the air, keeping your hand moisturized until the next wash. But, it is also this same ingredient which is causing your melt and pour soap to sweat. Some people believe that m&p sweat is inevitable, but there are some steps you can take to help avoid and reduce sweat.Because glycerin is a humectant, the sweat that is produced after m&p soap in unmolded is actually condensation from the air that the glycerin drew out unto itself. This is a very important element to remember if you live in an area with high heat and high humidity, or if you are soaping while it is raining outside. Humidity is the number one cause for sweat.How to Reduce M&P Soap Sweat:One of the best suggestions that we have for reducing the amount of sweat on your soaps is to have a dehumidifier in your soaping area. You also want to keep the temperature of the room where you are soaping constant. Drastic changes in temperature will also enhance soap sweat.The first option in reducing sweat on m&p soap, especially if you live in a very humid area, is to store unmolded soaps in an airtight container. By doing this, you are eliminating any extra moisture to be retained by the glycerin. One tip we have learned from our customers is to spread a thin layer of aroma beads into the bottom of the air tight container. Since aroma beads absorb liquid, this will also better your chances of having an air tight moisture free environment for your soaps to dry and harden.In addition to the aroma beads, you will want to use drying racks in your containers if possible. Setting your soap directly on top of the aroma beads for long periods of time will also dry out your soaps. The time limit that the soaps can be in the air tight container is 2 hrs. The soaps should also be checked and rotated every 30 minutes.Some soap crafters use muslin bags to lay their soap out to dry, rotating them once a day. This however will only work if you live in an area that does not have high humidity.Although there is some debate as to when you can wrap your soap to avoid sweat, the general consensus is to wrap your soaps immediately after unmolding, if you are not storing them in an airtight container. Regardless of whether you are using, plastic wrap or saran wrap (sealed with a heat gun), or shrink wrap, the sooner you get the soaps covered, the less chance glycerin has to draw moisture to the outside of the soap.Another way to reduce sweat forming on the soap is to allow the soap to cool and harden naturally. You want your soaps to harden at room temperature (70-72 degrees). Even though you can speed up the hardening process by placing your molds in the fridge/freezer, it should NEVER be any longer than 15-20 minutes depending on the size of your mold. Also, this step should never occur right after you poured the hot melted soap in the mold. Wait until your soap has already started to harden. The drastic temperature change from piping hot to freezing cold will lead to soap sweat. And, you never want to completely freeze soap. When the frozen soap thaws, you can almost guarantee soap sweat.On a closing note, soap sweat does not affect any of the soap's abilities. Soap sweat happens naturally in humid environments that the soap is in. Although using the preventative measures listed above will help to reduce the amount of soap sweat that occurs on your bars of soap, soap sweat may still appear. The humectant agents in your soap are just doing their job, collecting moisture from the air, just as it will to moisturize your skin.

Rebatching your soap can literally be a saving redo for your soap recipe.Sometimes your homemade soap bars are cracked, brittle, or just not performing like what you were hoping for. These are all perfect examples as to why you would rebatch your recipe. But, it just doesn t stop there. Soapers rebatch a soap recipe for a variety of reasons. Below is a list of the benefits and key points you should know about rebatching a soap recipe. Rebatching soap is essentially making the soap twice. The first time you are completing the saponification process. (Or, you may be using soap that has already been through the saponification process.) Then, the second time you grate down the soap and melt it (for the reason you are rebatching). Benefits of a RebatchRebatching a soap recipe for the addition of heat sensitive ingredients: Sometimes with homemade soap crafting, there are certain fragrances or essential oils that you really want to scent your soap bars; but worry that the scents cannot handle the high heat due to the saponification process. Many times with low flash point fragrances or essential oils, there is scent burn off. What results in your finished bars is soap that has little or no scent. Rebatching soap will not only safely allow you to add these heat sensitive scents, but allow them to stay true to their scent (less burn off). Also, some fragrance oils may cause cold process soap to seize (turning your soap into a solid mass with no fluidity). If you have your heart set on using one of these fragrances in your soap recipe, it can be done through the process of rebatching; without seizing your batch. Usually fragrance oils that seize your soap contain DPG. None of the fragrance oils we carry at Natures Garden contain DPG. When it comes to coloring for cold process soap, it is very important to select ones that do not morph. Through the process of rebatching, you do not need to worry about pH sensitive colorants. And, sometimes this is just the answer to achieve that certain color. With rebatch soap, the soap base that you are using has already completed the saponification process; therefore, the colorants that normally would discolor will not. This is true for herbs that are used as natural soap colorants as well. Although it should be stated that some herbs naturally discolor due to oxidation. Herbs not only offer color, but also wonderful and various benefits to your finished bars of soap. The only problem is they can directly affect your soaping procedure. Many herbs can speed up trace. Even more so, some herbs cannot survive the saponification process and will discolor as a result. With rebatching, this is not as big of an issue. Herbs like lavender flowers, for example, can be added without worrying that those beautiful flowers will turn brown. Rebatch OpportunityRebatching allows for perfection:Rebatching is also a wonderful method to use to correct a soap recipe. Things can get a little chaotic when soaping, and it could be possible that you overlooked adding one of your soaping ingredients and did not realize it until after the soap was molded. This resulted in your finished bars being too lye heavy. A rebatch allows you the perfect opportunity to add that missing ingredient and balance out your soap. This opportunity also allows for superfatting a recipe after saponification; or correcting soap bars that are too soft (made with too many fats or soft oils).It is possible too that while making soap, your batter becomes too thick too quick for the addition of color or scent. With rebatch, the soap can be scented and colored like you never missed a beat. Rebatch can also help correct a false trace recipe. Rebatch, a Second Chance for SoapsSometimes, as a soaper, you will have pounds of soap scraps that you have on hand. Rebatching the soap lets you make loaves (and bars) of them once more. And will clear out all of that soaping space. Points to Know about RebatchSome soapers love to rebatch soap, others rebatch only when necessary, and some soapers just do not like to rebatch. What ever your stance is on rebatch, it is a method that allows for many otherwise missed opportunities. Here are some key points to know about rebatch. When making soap that is a rebatch, it will never completely liquefy. Even after spending hours in the crock pot, or on the stove top (with the double boiler method), the best you will ever achieve is more of a thick gel like state. Sometimes the soap may even be globby like. This does not affect the soap being soap, but it will affect the finished look of your bars. When it comes to molding your rebatch soap, it is highly likely to get trapped air bubbles. This is just the nature of the thick gel like globby beast. It is extremely important to tap your mold as your fill it to prevent these pesky little buggers from being a problem in your finished soap bars. You may also notice that it may be slightly more difficult to mold your soap while in this state. This will be especially true if you are used to pouring it (like cold process soap batter). With rebatch soap, you will need a ladle and scoop the rebatch soap into your mold. For the finished bars of rebatch soap, they will look very similar to hot process soap bars. They have a very rustic look to them, and will not have the traditional smooth and creamy look that cold process has. On a final note, rebatching soap is truly a labor of love. There will be lots of TLC (because of the time put in) and additional work to do this method. But, if you are willing to put in the extra effort in (grating the soap), you will be able to rebatch your soap and have the end results that you are looking to achieve.

Have you ever tried to wash dirty dishes equipped only with a sponge and water? This can be quite a feat. You will notice that it takes a lot more time and elbow grease to get the job done. Wondering why this is? The answer as you will notice right away is that the dish soap is missing.Did you know that the most eminent surfactant in existence is soap?Surfactants seem to always get the bad rap. Many people associate surfactants as bad ingredients to have in your recipes, but truth be told, this statement is not true! Yes, SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) is a surfactant, and it can be more irritating to your skin than other surfactants, but is it as bad as what you read in the media lately? It is an urban myth that Sodium Lauryl Sulfate causes cancer. In fact, many of the surfactants that will be listed in this class are derived from a natural source and they work to improve the integrity and performance of your cosmetic formulations.Surfactants work with various liquids and substances; including oil and water. Much like that of the role of the emulsifiers, surfactants have a hydrophilic (water-loving) head, and a lipophilic (oil-loving) tail. In fact, emulsifiers are surfactants, and surfactants are vital to the industry of bath and body products too. They comprise the largest category of cosmetic chemicals, and seem to have an endless list of cleansing capabilities. So, needless to say, there is quite a variety to select from when seeking the perfect surfactant for your recipes.The main qualifier in deciding which surfactant to use is all based upon the benefit that each surfactant provides. Just like cold process soaping or any homemade bath and body products, the components that you choose to use in your recipes have a direct beneficial affect on the skin when the recipe is transformed into a finished product. Therefore, when selecting which surfactant to use; it is just as equally important as to what you are looking to achieve in your finished product. Each surfactant has key functions in which it will excel and equivocally each will also have other functions where it will be lacking.The term surfactant is actually a combination of its meaning: surface acting agent. Let s look at it again: surfactant = SURFace ACTing AgeNT. But the term surfactant is not always the one that everyone sticks with. It seems that surfactants have several names that all become applicable depending of the role of the surfactant in a specific recipe. For example, in recipes where foam is the finished product, the surfactant used maybe referred to as foaming agents. Surfactants used in body recipes, can even be termed as detergents or soaps. Or, in the example of shaving creams, surfactants are considered lubricants because they protect the skin from irritation and the razor s sharp edge while still allowing the removal of all of the unwanted hairs.Everything that a surfactant does occurs at the surface levels of the liquids. The biggest role that a surfactant has is the capability to lower the surface tension of a liquid. The reaction which then occurs is the conversing of the liquid (with the lower surface tension) and the additional substance. To break this down in simpler terms; a surfactant has the power to change the properties of a substance. This process is known as adsorption. The term adsorption means: the gathering of gas or liquid in a condensed layer on the surface. This condensed layer creates a film which is why the surface tension is lowered. There are four different categories of classification for surfactants based on their interfaces and charges. They are: Anionic, Nonionic, Cationic, and Amphoteric.Education is always a powerful thing, and it is not necessary to completely know the ins and outs of everything surfactants. But, you will want to have a general idea of each group of surfactants and how they play a role in your finished product. This is especially true if you are looking to accomplish a made from scratch recipe. It is also beneficial to know a few other things about surfactants too. This would include information like why the surfactants are grouped or classified together or how/if surfactants work with additional groups of surfactants in a collaborate manner. Spoiler alert: Not all surfactants play nice with one another!Anionic surfactants are considered to be the go to surfactant for many formulations. This group of surfactants is also the most commonly used among foaming product productions, like shampoos or body washes. The reasoning for this is because the anionic surfactant s primary functions are creating high foam, high cleansing, and high washing capabilities in a finished product.Anionic surfactants have a negatively charged water-loving head. Anionic surfactants work very well in recipes which have a reaction between a chemical (like lye) and fatty acids or alcohols (like animal lard or vegetable based oils). Hand processed soap, whether it is CP, CPOP, or HP, are all examples of anionic surfactants. Other examples of anionic surfactants are Sodium sulfates, Ammonium sulfates, sulfosuccinates, sarcosines, sarcosinates, isethionates, and taurates.One of the drawbacks of using an anionic surfactant relates to skin sensitivity. Due the high foaming, cleansing, and washing capabilities, skin irritations can occur. It is for this reason that if you are looking to create a handmade recipe it is best to choose another category of surfactants, or balance the anionic surfactants with amphoteric surfactants.Amphoteric surfactants are the go with the flow surfactants. They have the possibility to either have a positive or negative charge. Their charge is all based on the pH or alkalinity of your finished product. Hence the amphi prefix.When an amphoteric surfactant is used in a recipe where the end result of a finished product has a lower pH, the amphoteric surfactant takes on a more conditioning and nourishing role. On the other hand, when an amphoteric surfactant is used in a recipe where there is a higher pH in the end product, it resembles more of an anionic surfactant with high foaming and cleansing capabilities. Neither option is necessarily bad; they are just on two different planes of the beneficial skin aspects.Amphoteric surfactants are the most docile of the surfactants. They are also the second most used surfactants in the industry. This is because when used alone, they are able to provide a gentle aspect to the nature of your end product. Adversely, when an amphoteric surfactant is coupled with an anionic surfactant, the amphoteric surfactant mellows the harshness of the anionic surfactants. In fact, amphoteric surfactants can be used solo and in conjunction with any other of the surfactant groups. There adaptability is just one of the reasons why they are so widely used.Some examples of well know amphoteric surfactants are Coco Bentaine, Lauryl Bentaine, and Hydroxysultaines.Cationic surfactants are the opposite of anionic surfactants. They have a positively charged water-loving head. It is because of this positive charge that cationic surfactants can offer many skin loving, nourishing benefits to the skin and body. These surfactants are best used in recipes where foaming is not necessarily mandatory such as hair conditioners. Cationic surfactants alone do not allow for ample foaming capabilities.Cationic surfactants work well with 2 of the 3 remaining surfactant groups. Both amphoteric and nonionic surfactants will be compatible with cationic surfactants with no problems. However, because of the opposing charge cationic (positive) and anionic (negative) surfactants will not combine.Some common cationic surfactants used in bath and body recipes are your chlorides (Benzalkonium, Stearalkonium, and Centrimonium), Trimethyl Ammoniums, and Methyl Sulfates.Nonionic surfactants have no foaming capabilities which is why this group of surfactants are rarely used as a recipe s main surfactant. Evident by the prefix non, these surfactants do not have a charge in their water-loving heads. The end result of using a nonionic surfactant will allow for a finished product that has a very gentle cleansing ability. But, just because it doesn t foam, it doesn t mean it does cleanse.Psychologically speaking, there is a direct mental correlation between foaming and cleansing. We as a race have somehow inherently made this connection. Whether it is a physical view of suds equating to cleanliness, or simply urban myths that have taken on a life of their own, the reality is; it could not be further from the truth.Nonionic surfactants, or at least some of them, are ethoxylated. What this means is that the nonionic surfactants have had some reaction to the addition of ethylene oxide. With this reaction comes an even more water-loving head, almost as if it has been supercharged. This then makes nonionic surfactants (like Polysorbate 20) perfect solubilizers.But, don t just disregard this category of surfactants yet. Nonionic surfactants can also be used in formulations to reduce irritants, due to their gentle cleansing ability. They also have the capability to be used as an emollient, softening or soothing skin. Not to mention, these surfactants can be used to stabilize foam in recipes. Hold on to your seats though folks, because it gets a little better! Due to its lack of a charge, nonionic surfactants love every other category of surfactants; you can consider them the peacemakers!Some common nonionic surfactants used in bath and body recipes are your Polysorbates, Emulsifying Wax NF, E-wax, Glyceryl Oleate, Glyceryl Stearate, ingredients with the prefix PEG, Ceteareths, Oleths, Sorbitans, Lauryl Glucoside, and Polyglycose.In summary, surfactants are amazing little compounds found in many items we use every day like adhesives, bath gels, creams, lotions, frozen foods, chewing gum, inks, and fabric softeners; just to name a few! There are four main applications of surfactants particularly in just bath and body recipes. They include: cleansing, solubility, emulsifying, and conditioning.Some other additional aspects of surfactants to bath and body recipes include: the potential to increase stability of a product; certain surfactants can be used as thickening agents; due to the composition of a surfactant, some maintain anti-microbial elements and therefore can be used as preservatives; there are even some that have the capability to reduce irritation allowing for a milder product on the skin.Interested in adding some surfactants to your recipes? Below is a list of some commonly added surfactants to bath and body recipes:sodium lauryl sulfate (can be derived from coconuts) Produces High Foam; easy to thicken. Strong Anionic Surfactant; can cause irritationammonium laureth sulfate (derived from coconuts) Produces High Foam; easy to thicken. Strong Anionic Surfactant; can cause irritationdisodium lauryl sulfosuccinate (derived from coconuts) Foaming agent, Mild Anionic Surfactant; gentle on the skinCocoamphocarboxyglycinate (derived from coconuts) Mild, Amphoteric Surfactantdecyl Polyglucoside (vegetable derived, used in baby shampoos for its gentleness)cetearyl alcohol stearyl alcohol Cocamidopropyl Betaine (derived from coconut oil) Amphoteric SurfactantDecyl Glucoside (derived from sugar)Glyceryl Cocoate (derived from vegetables)Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (derived from coconuts)Almond Glycerides (derived from vegetables)Sodium Lauryl Sulphoacetate (much milder surfactant than SLS)Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate (derived from vegetables and is a natural substitution for SLS) sodium methyl cocoyl taurate (derived from coconut)Sucrose Cocoate (derived from sugar)polysorbate 20 (vegetable derived)polysorbate 80 (vegetable derived)

What is Spinach Powder Used for? At Natures Garden we use herbs, like Spinach Leaf Powder, for creating all sorts of lovely cosmetic products. This powered herb is perfect for adding to your homemade soap supplies, lotion making supplies, and supplies for many more wonderful cosmetic recipes. Not only can you use spinach as a natural colorant, but it is full of great properties and nutrients for the entire body. You can eat fresh leaves of spinach and you can use the spinach in a powdered herb to nourish your body inside and out! This is sure to maximize the exposure of these beneficial vitamins and minerals to your entire body. So, let's get into what exactly the properties are that these healthy greens have for our bodies.What is Spinach Powder Used for? Growing ConditionsSpinach plants prefer to grow in cooler temperatures. For common spinach, you will want to plant in midsummer. If you have a mild winter, you could even plant in the fall. However, this depends on your climate. Either way, the soil should not be over 70 degrees Fahrenheit for your seeds. However, your spinach is able to survive all the way down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Once your spinach sprouts are about two inches high, you should thin them to be about three inches apart. After this, all you have to do is water regularly and use mulch to keep them moist. You can harvest the leaves whenever they are big enough, but you should try to cut the outer leaves first. This will ensure that the middle leaves can continue to grow.One wonderful tip for reducing damage due to leaf miners is to plant radishes. The radishes will not only distract the pests from your spinach, but the roots will continue to grow unaffected! While starting sprouts inside and transplanting them will be less appealing to pests like cutworms, there are other preventative measures you can take. For wireworms, can try to plant carrots nearby to trap these pests. Then, every few days after the carrot has reached maturity you can pull up the carrots, remove the worms, and replant the affected carrot. For flea beetles, you can try to lay reflective mulch or aluminum to ward them off. Also, there are baits, traps, and pesticides that you can get for your home garden for many kinds of major infestations.What is Spinach Powder Used for?: Industrial UsesThere are many beneficial ways to use spinach. Firstly, you can use spinach to add some added nutrients to your meals or smoothies. This is useful for getting more vitamins and minerals in your diet. Further, spinach contains properties that are amazing for reducing symptoms of various diseases or illnesses. Plus, these nutrients can be useful for promoting healthy skin and hair. So, let's talk about all these amazing benefits for our products and body!What is Spinach Powder Used for?: Food and BeveragesThere are so many different ways to prepare spinach and enjoy its multitude of vitamins and nutrients. Some people like to saute or steam spinach to add it to a meal. Other people enjoy this leafy green in their salads or health smoothies. While a little bit of the nutritional value is lost during cooking or steaming, it is still a great source of nutrition due to the abundance of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial properties. In fact, spinach has nutrients that are essential for healthy baby development. Without folic acid, which you can find in spinach among other foods, a baby is more likely to develop spina bifida. Although some cases are mild and unnoticeable, bad cases can lead to spinal cord damage and occasionally death. So, this nutrient is important for the fetal development of the spinal cord.What is Spinach Powder Used for?: Bath and Body ProductsSpinach is a healthy food that is amazing for health on the inside, but there are even more wonderful things that this herb can do for your skin and hair. Adding the extra nutrients directly to your hair and skin is a great way to promote vitality! So, it would be a great idea to add this cosmetic herb to your homemade bath and body products First, using this wholesale herb in a lotion recipe or any melt and pour soap recipes would be amazing for your skin! Many have found that spinach contains pigments that can help protect your body from UV light and reduce the potential for cell damage. Also, using spinach in a face wash is thought to be useful for fighting acne, as the herb can help remove the grime and impurities that could clog your pores.Additionally, you can use spinach to prevent signs of aging. Since spinach contains antioxidants that fight free radicals, it is able to fight free radicals and push back the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Further, spinach can be useful for reducing dark under eye circles. While there are many factors that can contribute to these circles, spinach can be useful for reducing their appearance. The vitamin K is useful for strengthening the blood vessels under your eyes and reducing inflammation. Together, these properties will work to fade your circles. Another great way to use is in hair care products, which can be useful for reducing hair loss and promoting healthy growth.What is Spinach Powder Used for?: Natural Colorants for Bath and Body ProductsIf you are curious about how to make natural soap that is colorful, then herbal colorants are perfect for you. Pigmented herbs, like spinach leaf powder, have a natural color that will remain in your homemade products. So, you can use spinach powder as a natural, green colorant to provide your natural bath and body recipes with a natural, green hue.What is Spinach Powder Used for?: Natures Garden RecipesFirst of all, our Watermelon Emulsified Sugar Scrub Recipe is a perfect example of this herb's natural colorant abilities. the green portion of the watermelon scrub was only colored using spinach powder and provided a perfect green hue. Not only is this herb perfect for a natural colorant, but it has some beneficial properties, too. Our Lucky Leprechaun Face Mask Recipe is beneficial for skin tone, reducing acne, and skin repair. So, it is perfect for including with your other wholesale facial supplies, like in this recipe that blends a variety of herbs that are great for skin care.What is Spinach Powder Used for?: Medicinal UsesNot only is spinach amazing for providing your body with a nutrient boost, but it has some properties that can be helpful against diseases. So, this food is a perfect natural remedy to try for some of these ailments. However, anyone that has issues with kidney trouble may want to consult a doctor before consuming high does of Spinach, as it does contain oxalic acid. Although this is a natural chemical that many plants, and even people, can produce, high levels can increase the chance of kidney stones. If you aren't predisposed, then you can enjoy the many benefits without the increased danger of kidney stones.Now, let's look into some of the wonderful benefits that spinach can provide. First, the nutrients in spinach, like Lutein, that promote eye health and sight. It has been shown to slow macular degeneration, which is often attributed to aging. These nutrients can be used by the eye to help protect the eyes from UV light damage. Also, spinach is rich in vitamin K, which a vitamin necessary for blood clotting. So, many people have found that this is useful for treating hemophilia by helping the blood clot faster.Additionally, spinach has been known to reduce inflammation, which can be useful for reducing the symptoms of arthritis, gout, and other diseases that cause inflammation. Further, the nitrate levels found naturally in spinach have been linked to promoting proper function in the intestines. Additionally, the glycoglycerolipids in spinach help promote a healthy digestive tract lining, which can reduce the occurrence of ulcers and inflammation.What is Spinach Powder Used for?: Other UsesAnother fun use for spinach is making homemade paints from plants. This is a perfect idea for anyone with a toddler. Since the paint is created using pigments found naturally in food, they are absolutely safe for your little one. Basically, you allow the color to stain the water, remove the solid pieces, and you are ready to paint! If you want to know exactly how to make your own paint, check out Nature of Art for Kids' article Veggies Can Make Natural Safe Paint for Kids for a quick, easy recipe that your kids are sure to love.What is Spinach Powder Used for?: Tips for Making Your Spinach LastHere are a few tips on how to store your leafy, food grade spinach. First, you will want to pick out yellow and wilted leaves. Plus, you shouldn't store things like, tomatoes, apples, or melons nearby, because the spinach is sensitive to the chemicals that these fruits produce. Also, make sure that you don't wash your spinach before storing and you will want to add a paper towel to your container. These will both help keep the moisture levels down and prevent premature wilting.While this will help you keep your spinach fresh longer, you don't want to have to store spinach long. Studies on folate in spinach have shown that about half of this vitamin's amount was gone after seven days. If you have a lot of spinach grown, then you can try freezing to extend your storage time to about two or three months. Check out How to Store Spinach by Garden Guides to learn more tips on making your spinach last!What is Spinach Powder Used for?: Talk to UsWe hope you enjoyed this herbal cosmetic blog and learned something new about the benefits of spinach! You can find wonderful herbs like this one and many others on our Herbs and Spices page. These herbs can be used with our Spinach Leaf Powder to create an even better product for your body! If you have any other questions about how to create some great wholesale bath and body products, then please reach out to us for help. We are available online, in the Natures Garden store, and on our HUG Line. I would suggest our social media for anyone that wants to find us online. We have a Facebook and our handle is @ngscents for both Twitter and Instagram. Hope to hear from you soon!What is Spinach Powder Used for?: Reminder About Our HerbsNote: Natures Garden sells herbs, like our Spinach Leaf Powder, for external use only. We do not sell our spinach leaf powder as a food item. The information that we provide on our herbs is only for educational purposes. We do not intend for this information to be used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated any of this information. Make sure that you keep all herbs out of reach of children and pets. Also, pregnant and/or lactating women should take special care when handling any of our herbs. Natures Garden accepts no responsibility (written or implied) for any products you make with our herbs. All product testing is the responsibility of the customer.

Some of our newbie customers have been curious and asking, What Is Melt and Pour Soap? So, we are going to talk a little bit about use, ingredients, and some simple recipes that are perfect for beginners. Melt and pour is the simplest way to have some fun with soap and create beautiful bath and body products that are great for your skin. If you have never tried MP soap, then you are really in for a treat. No matter what recipe or soap mold you start out with, you are sure to have a create time creating something unique and great for your skin.What Is Melt and Pour Soap?: How Do You Use Melt and Pour Soap?One of the absolute best parts of Melt and Pour Soap is that it is super easy to use! All you need to do is cut and heat. Since the base is perforated, you can easily cut a few squares, each weighing about an ounce, off the block. Then, you can put these in a microwave safe bowl and heat them in thirty second intervals. Just make sure that you stir your soap in between these intervals. After it has been melted you can add about 0.5 to 1 tablespoon of fragrance oil to your soap depending on the usage. Further, you can color you melted base and use soap molds to create exactly what you want!What Is Melt and Pour Soap?: Melt and Pour Soap KitIf you are just getting into the whole thing of making melt and pour soap, then you may want to try out our Melt and Pour Soap Kit. This kit will come with all of the ingredients that you need to create soap melt and pour soaps. You can choose between Goat's Milk and Ultra Clear MP soap base. Also, you relieve all four of the following unique fragrance oils; Sweet Pea Fragrance Oil, Best Friends Fragrance Oil, Oatmeal Milk and Honey Fragrance Oil, and a lovely Lavender Fragrance Oil. Plus, you even receive both red and blue soap dyes, which you can use to make red, blue, or even purple soaps! Finally, you will receive two soap molds to choose between, which are the decorative oval and the angel heart molds.What Is Melt and Pour Soap? What is Melt and Pour Soap Made of?Melt and Pour Soap is made of 50% soap and 50% solvents to create a luxurious bar of soap that is able to be reshaped and crafted. Although MP soap contains soap and has the same properties, some melt and pour soaps are actually classified as "cosmetic products" by the FDA. This classification change is for MP soap that use detergents to enhance the quality, performance, or clarity of the bars. All of the MP soap bases contain a few of the same ingredients, which are Glycerin, Sodium Stearate, Sodium Myristate, Sodium Cocoate, and Coconut oil. The Glycerin is put in to attract moisture to your skin and actually have a higher percentage of glycerin than many store bought soaps that will dry your skin. Also, the Sodium Stearate, Sodium Myristate, and Sodium Cocoate are all cleansing agents in the soap. Then, the coconut oil is added to each soap base to ensure that it has enriching oils that care for the skin. Additionally, all of the white soap bases use some titanium dioxide to maintain the color.What Is Melt and Pour Soap?: Cocoa Butter Melt and Pour Soap IngredientsWhile there are some ingredients that remain constant in all MP soap bases, the Cocoa Butter Melt and Pour Soap base has a few ingredients that set it apart from the rest. This soap base contains Palm Oil, Sunflower Oil, and Cocoa Butter, which are all wonderful for skin care and keeping your skin feeling refreshed. Plus, this base doesn't use any detergents, is SLS free, and is gluten free. One fun and simple recipe that you can create using this melt and pour soap base is the Vanilla Sugar Scrub Cubes Recipe. This will exfoliate, cleanse, and moisturize your skin all in one bar!What Is Melt and Pour Soap?: Goat's Milk Melt and Pour Soap IngredientsNext, we have the Goat's Milk Melt and Pour Soap with ingredients that will take great care of your skin. This recipe includes both Sunflower Oil and Palm Oil. Also, this soap base doesn't use detergents, is SLS free, and is gluten free. Furthermore, this soap base recipe includes goat's milk, which is known for providing skin with a youthful glow! One simple and effective way to utilize this wonderful soap is our Solid Sugar Scrub Recipe. This recipe is cute, simple, and so much fun to create!What Is Melt and Pour Soap?: Diamond Clear Melt and Pour Soap IngredientsAnother option for soap making is the Diamond Clear Melt and Pour Soap base. This MP soap base includes some different ingredients that make the bar that much more effective, which include detergents so be sure to label accordingly. Both the Sodium Laureth Sulfate and the Sodium Laurate are used in soaps to increase the lather, so this bar is sure to suds up! The Triethanolamine in this soap base reduces the surface tension of water, emulsifies the oils and water, and balances the PH of the bar. The Propylene Glycol is in the soap base to retain moisture and emulsify the oils and water. One fun recipe that you can create using this soap base is the Salt Water Taffy Soap Recipe, which uses four vibrant colors to create some adorable salt water taffy soaps!What Is Melt and Pour Soap?: Hemp Oil Melt and Pour Soap IngredientsAlso, the lovely Hemp Oil Melt and Pour Soap has some other skin loving ingredients that not every soap base has. These unique ingredients are Palm Oil, Sunflower Oil, and Hemp Oil, which are added to help moisturize and care for your skin. Plus, this MP soap base doesn't use detergents, is SLS free, and is gluten free. You can use this soap base in the Bamboo Hemp Soap Recipe, which uses two layers of soap and some star anise to create a beautifully rustic soap recipe. This is a simple way to make an elegant design for you soaps.What Is Melt and Pour Soap?: Mango Butter Melt and Pour Soap Melt and Pour Soap IngredientsAnother fun soap base that you can try in your own homemade cosmetic recipes is the Mango Butter Melt and Pour Soap Melt and Pour Soap. If you are looking for some great melt and pour soap making supplies, then you may want to give this a try. The Mango Butter soap base includes luscious Mango Butter, Palm Oil, and Sunflower Oil along with the typical mp soap ingredients. Further, this soap base doesn't use any detergents, is SLS free, and is gluten free. Also, you can include this skin loving soap in recipes like the Mango Loofah Melt and Pour Soap Recipe. So, you will be able to create a gorgeous bar of soap quickly and simply!What Is Melt and Pour Soap?: Oatmeal Melt and Pour Soap IngredientsAlso, you can create some fun soaps with the Oatmeal Melt and Pour Soap base. This soap base contains some additional ingredients, like Palm Oil, Sunflower Oil, and Oat Kernal, which care for and are gentle with your skin. Plus, this soap base doesn't contain any added detergents, no SLS, and is completely gluten free. An easy recipe that you can create with this sensitive soap base is the Pooch Smooch Solid Shampoo Bar Recipe. All you have to do is melt the soap, mix the ingredients, and pour it all into the mold. Then, you will have some soap that is gentle and cleansing enough for your precious pup!What Is Melt and Pour Soap?: Shea Butter Melt and Pour Soap IngredientsAdditionally, you can use the Shea Butter Melt and Pour Soap to create some wonderful bath and body products! This soap base uses Palm Oil, Sunflower Oil, and Shea Butter that are perfect for replenishing the skin. Another bonus is that this base doesn't use any detergents, is SLS free, and is gluten free. Plus, you can use this soap base to create simple and effective recipes like the Shaving Soap for Sensitive Skin Recipe!What Is Melt and Pour Soap?: SLS Free Glycerin Melt and Pour Soap IngredientsAnother great option for soap making is the SLS Free Glycerin Melt and Pour Soap. This soap base is perfect for anyone that wants to use diamond clear, but needs something more moisturizing. The Sodium Laurate provides a light lather. The Triethanolamine in this soap base reduces the surface tension of water, emulsifies, and balances the PH. The Propylene Glycol is there to retain moisture and emulsify. Also, the Sorbitol improves clarity of the soap and m moisturizes. Since this recipe uses detergents to enhance the bar, you need to label the ingredients on your finished products. We used this skin loving cosmetic product in our fun and simple crayon soap recipe.What Is Melt and Pour Soap?: Yogurt Melt and Pour Soap IngredientsNext, take a look at the Yogurt Melt and Pour Soap base. It includes Palm Oil and Sunflower Oil nourish the skin. Further, this soap base uses real yogurt to pamper your body. Plus, this base doesn't use any detergents, is SLS free, and is gluten free. You can use this soap base in the delightful Perfectly Pampered Shaving Soap Recipe to create products with quality ingredients that are sure to care for your body and leave you feeling fantastic.What Is Melt and Pour Soap?: Soya Milk Melt and Pour Soap IngredientsAnother good soap base you can use is the Soya Milk Melt and Pour Soap. This recipe includes Sunflower Oil, Palm Oil, and Soya Milk, which are all great for skin care! Furthermore, this base doesn't use any detergents, is SLS free, and is gluten free. You can include this lovely soap base in the Solid Pink Salt Scrub Recipe.The cleansing power of this soap base combined with the Pink Himalayan Salt and luxurious oils is perfect for a nice soak in the bath. What Is Melt and Pour Soap?: Honey Melt and Pour Soap IngredientsThe Honey Melt and Pour Soap is another great soap base that has some skin loving ingredients. This MP soap has Palm Oil, Sunflower Oil, and some actual honey added to the typical recipe. You can tell that the ingredient is actual honey because the color of the soap changes. This change is dependent on the types of flowers that are available for the bees, so this can change based on the season and location. Additionally, this soap base has sorbital, which is used to improve the clarity of the base. Another positive is that this base doesn't use any detergents, is SLS free, and is gluten free. Also, you can use this wonderful base to create some wonderful homemade recipes with this Melt and Pour Soap, like the Loofah Honey Melt and Pour Soap Recipe. This recipe is a fun, simple way to create some moisturizing and exfoliating soaps!If you are curious about the color of honey, then check out what the National Honey Board has to say about Honey Color and Flavor.What Is Melt and Pour Soap?: Talk to UsWe hope that all of our new soap makers out there were able to learn something from our MP soap blog. If any of you have questions about things we didn't cover, then feel free to talk to us. We are always happy to answer a question. You can find us on the Natures Garden Facebook page. Also, we are available on both Instagram and Twitter and you can find us with @ngscents.

What are fragrance oils made of?Fragrance oils are a mixture composed of essential oils, synthetic aroma chemicals, and aromatic resins. In order to achieve the scent that a perfumist is trying to achieve, the perfumist has more than 3000 different fragrance ingredients that he may use (natural and synthetic). These ingredients come in the form of liquid, powder, or crystalline. In order for a perfumist to be able to dissolve the powder and/or crystalline ingredients into liquid oil, he must use solvents. A common solvent that has been used for over 50 years is DEP (Di Ethyl Phthalate). While this solvent has been declared as safe by even the most intense worldwide standards, many companies, such as Natures Garden, decided years ago to only add fragrance oils to our line that were phthalate-free (at the request of many customers). Additionally, 99% of our old fragrance oils were reformulated phthalate-free years ago; our perfumist used alternative solvents that were phthalate-free.Although solvents are a necessary component in fragrance oil production, some companies may sell fragrance oils that contain diluents: cutting agents that ultimately reduce the strength of a fragrance oil. A common diluent is DPG (Di Propylene Glycol). Important note to anyone who is using fragrance oils for candle making or soap making: Never use fragrance oils that contain DPG for these applications. DPG prevents a candle from burning correctly, and is one of the main reasons that Cold Process Soap seizes. Natures Garden sells concentrated fragrance oils, and we never dilute our fragrance oils. Although diluents should not be used for candle making or soap making, they are a necessary ingredient to use when making incense/potpourri (cones, sticks, and liquid). Another example of the need to use diluents is when making candles with essential oils. Some essential oils may need to be thinned out with a diluent so that they can properly travel up the wick and burn correctly. Typical diluents added to essential oils for this purpose are: iso Propyl Myristate, or di-Octyl Adipate. Neither of these diluents are natural, but are effective for this purpose. According to our perfumist, in order to create natural candles, fractionated coconut oil may be used as a diluent for essential oils; however, we have not personally tested this. As stated above: Never add DPG to essential oils for candle making or soap making. All of the essential oils sold at Natures Garden are 100% pure and unadulterated. Therefore, it is up to you to add diluents to them when making candles.So, how does a perfumist create a fragrance oil? We know that fragrance oils are a mix of essential oils, synthetic aromatic chemicals, and resins. We know that a perfumist must use the proper solvents to dissolve powder and crystalline ingredients into the fragrance oil. A perfumist can either duplicate an aroma by use of gas chromatographic (GC)-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) (which shows him the ingredients contained in a fragrance), or he can create a unique fragrance oil by combining the right combinations of top, middle, and base notes.Top notes are the fragrance aromas that you smell when you first open the bottle. This is because they tend to evaporate the quickest of other notes used in fragrance manufacturing. Perfumists typically use between 15-25% of top notes in fragrance production. Common examples of top notes are: Lemon, Orange, Mandarin, Grapefruit, Basil, Bergamot, Cardamom, Clary Sage, Coriander, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Neroli, Peppermint, Pine, Tea Tree, Thyme, and Lavender.Middle notes provide the body of the fragrance, and are smelled after the top notes have faded. Perfumists typically use 30-40% middle notes when creating a fragrance oil. Examples of middle notes are: Chamomile, Cedar, Cinnamon, Clove, Frankincense, Geranium, Rose, Ylang Ylang, Palma Rosa, Jasmine, and Marjoram.Base notes are the notes that tend to linger in the air, and are smelled last. Base notes, such as musk, are the ingredients that give a fragrance staying power . Without the use of base notes, fragrance notes will evaporate very quickly and not provide ample scent throw. A perfumist typically uses 40-55% base notes in the formulation of a fragrance. Base notes, such as musk, are one of the most expensive components in fragrance production. Without the proper use of these ingredients, fragrance will not last very long. Examples of base notes are: Musk, Benzoin, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vanilla, and Vetiver. The main perfume house that Natures Garden works with also owns multiple musk-manufacturing companies. The partnership that we have with this perfumist allows us to keep our prices lower than most of our competition. In fact, the majority of fragrance manufacturers rely on our perfumist to supply them with the musk components they need to manufacturer their scents.It is important to understand that even though a perfumist has high-tech machinery at his disposal to analyze the components of a smell , perfumery is an art, reserved for individuals with the talent of blending fragrance notes to create beautiful fragrance accords. Perfumery is a science and a real art. Fragrance oils are protected under the trade secret clause of the FDA, therefore, perfumists never disclose a full ingredient list of the art that they created. When selling a product in the US that is governed by the FDA, one must simply state the word fragrance on the label. Ingredients of your product must be listed in descending order according to weight; which usually (but not always) means that fragrance is listed as one of the last ingredients on your label.The alternative to fragrance oils is essential oils. Although essential oils are natural and may provide therapeutic benefits, there are several drawbacks to using essential oils that should be mentioned: 1. The cost of essential oils are typically much higher than fragrance oils, 2. Essential oil prices can fluctuate based on weather, crops, and the trade relationships between countries, 3. Essential oils are not as sustainable as fragrance oils, 4. Essential oils do not provide the variety of scents that fragrance oils provide. You will never get a vanilla essential oil, a blueberry muffin essential oil, or a strawberry essential oil; only fragrance oils can provide these scents, 5. Essential oils can cause just as many allergic reactions as fragrance oils (perhaps even more). In fact, if the EU is successful at preventing known allergens from being contained in perfumes, many of the most well-known perfumes will need to be reformulated without essential oils. The majority of the 26 known allergens on the EU list are from natural sources; 16 are essential oil constituents and two are absolutes. While the debate continues on whether you should use fragrance oils or essential oils in your finished products, Natures Garden carries both fragrance oils and essential oils (for those who want all-natural scents). Regardless of whether you choose fragrance oil or essential oil, scent sells products. Not only do scents allow people to smell nice, scents also have the ability to create memories. What happy memories do you have with certain scents? I'm certain you have many.Thank you for relying on Natures Garden for your fragrance oils and essential oils! Natures Garden has more than 16 years of experience in the fragrance industry, and we are the largest distributor of fragrance oils in the US. Our fragrance oils and essential oils are truly priced at wholesale prices; allowing our customers to make quality products, and earn a higher profit margin themselves.

What is a Carrier Oil? These are all the natural cosmetic oils that you can use in your homemade recipes. They are perfect for creating homemade soap, crafting a skin-loving lotion recipe, and making many of the other kinds of cosmetic recipes. So, knowing about these oils is important for creating the types of bath and body products that you need!What is a Carrier Oil?: Making Soap SuppliesIf you are looking for a good recipe for making soap, then it is going to have some carrier oils in it. Anyone making soap from scratch knows that the carrier oils you choose can influence the quality of your bars. So, these ingredients are essential for cold process soap recipes. You can see specifics on how each oil affects the soap on our Soaping Oil Properties. Even melt and pour soap recipes can benefit by adding some carrier oils to the soap base, which is often done to make the bar more conditioning to the skin.What is a Carrier Oil?: Lotion MakingAlso, our bulk carrier oils can be used to create an amazing homemade lotion recipe. These are the oils that we include to nourish and moisturize your skin. In fact, the oils are what do the majority of the skin care in lotions. While you can use butters along with your oils, they can lead to a thicker cream or even a body butter. So, lighter lotions need key carrier oils to perform effectively!What is a Carrier Oil?: Using Essential OilsAlthough essential oils are natural, they aren t safe to put directly on your skin. Plus, adding a carrier oil will help hold on to the aroma longer than on its own. So, it is actually beneficial for your scent to mix an essential oil with a carrier oil before applying. One of the best carrier oils for essential oils would have to be Sweet Almond Oil or Argan Oil.What is a Carrier Oil?: Kinds of Carrier OilsThere are many different kinds of carrier oils that you can mix together for your recipes. Depending on your skin type or level of dryness, you may want to have lighter or heavier oils. Also, some oils are better for face lotions or for foot care. So, the blend of carrier oils that you want varies based on your product and its purpose.What is a Carrier Oil?: Apricot Kernel OilFirst, we have Apricot Kernel Oil, an oil that is light and excellent for skin care. While this oil is light enough to not block pores, it is conditioning enough to be a luxurious oil for cp soap. It's great for making lotions that don t leave a greasy feeling and skin into the skin. Also, its perfect in soap because the oil will sink into the skin quickly to fully moisturize the skin. We ve used this wonderful oil in many bath and body recipes, including the Chamomile Light Lotion Recipe and the Strawberries and Champagne CP Soap Recipe.What is a Carrier Oil?: Argan OilNext, we have an oil that is amazing for skin care. Argan Oil is easily absorbed into the skin and won t leave a greasy feeling on your skin. Plus, this cosmetic oil allows your skin to breathe and doesn t block pores. In fact, this ingredient is used in many acne-fighting recipes. We included this oil in a few cosmetic recipes, like the Argan Soap Recipe and the Sour Watermelon Sugar Scrub Cubes Recipe. In our cp soap recipe, this oil increased the lather and nourished the skin beautifully.What is a Carrier Oil?: Avocado OilAlso, adding Avocado Oil to your homemade recipes is a perfect way to increase the moisturizing ability of your product. This cosmetic ingredient is a heavy oil that is perfect for providing dry, damaged skin with the nourishment it deserves. Plus, the high level of unsaponifiable fatty acids and high vitamin content make this skin-sensitive oil great for adding some extra conditioning power to your soap bars, which you can see in the Gentle Avocado Cold Process Soap Recipe.What is a Carrier Oil?: Castor OilAnother great oil for your homemade cosmetic recipes is Castor Oil. Not only is this oil thick and perfect for nourishing dry, damaged skin, but this oil is a humectant. This means that oil will pull moisture to it, which will further moisturize your skin as it absorbs. Perfect for creating lotions for feet, like the Natural Salve Recipe , which are often one of the most damaged areas of skin. While this oil would provide some conditioning properties and a rich, creamy lather, it can make your soap sticky. So, avoid adding too much of this oil in your cp soap formulations. By limiting the amount of Castor Oil, we were able use the beneficial properties without as many drawbacks, like with our St Pattys Day Cold Process Soap Recipe as well as many other soaps.What is a Carrier Oil?: Coconut OilCoconut Oil is a great oil for skin that sinks in well and is perfect for scrub recipes like the Foaming Hibiscus Scrub Recipe. Also, this sensitive oil is perfect to add to lip balm supplies for making recipes like the Kahlua and Cream Lip Balm Recipe. For soapmaking, this oil provides a hard bar with a bubbly lather that is cleansing. Many find that adding more than 20% of this oil is drying for the skin, so some people may include more conditioning oils to the recipe or even super fat the formula to include more oils.What is a Carrier Oil?: Grapeseed OilAnother fantastic oil for bath and body recipes is Grapeseed Oil. This oil is perfect for cosmetic supplies because it is a lightweight moisturizer that is effective without being too greasy for the skin. So, this oil is perfect for creating lotions sensitive enough for the face, like our Natural Facial Night Cream Recipe. Also, this oil is perfect for soap-making, like our Raspberry CP Soap Recipe. This oil is moisturizing, and even anti-acne, for soap but it doesn't leave a greasy, heavy oil feeling on the skin.What is a Carrier Oil?: Jojoba OilWhile Jojoba Oil is technically a liquid wax, it is still fantastic for skin care products. This cosmetic ingredient is perfect for everything from lotions like our Shea Lotion with Herbal Infusion Recipe to lip care products like our Green Apple Lip Balm Recipe. In your soap recipes, this cosmetic ingredient is just as conditioning as luxury oils. But, this oil has a longer shelf life.What is a Carrier Oil?: Lanolin Oil Lanolin Oil is a great cosmetic oil that is wonderful for moisturizing and protecting damaged hair and dry skin. This oil contains very few saponifiables, so it maintains its conditioning properties and provides the bar with a silky feeling. So, we used this wonderful oil in our Strawberries and Champagne CP Soap Recipe. Also, you can use lanoin in a solid form, which still absorbs well and is great for protecting damaged skin. This thicker oil has all of the same beneficial properties and can even be used in soaps, like our Beard Soap Recipe.What is a Carrier Oil?: Macadamia Nut OilNext, we have Macadamia Nut Oil, which is an oil that is light and perfectly absorbs into the skin. This non-greasy oil is perfect for creating lotions, like our Almond Body Cream Recipe. Also, this oil is perfect for adding conditioning properties to your soap and is even great for mature skin types. So, we included this oil in our Lavender Cold Process Soap Recipe.What is a Carrier Oil?: Meadowfoam Seed OilAnother great oil that skins into the skin beautifully is Meadowfoam Seed Oil. Not only does this oil work to repair damaged skin, but it has a long shelf life due to its high level of antioxidants. So, it worked wonderfully in our Honey Vanilla Lip Balm Recipe. Also, this cosmetic oil can be used to superfat soap, reduce rancidity, and increase the fragrance's lifespan. So, this oil was a great addition to our Raspberry CP Soap Recipe.What is a Carrier Oil?: Olive OilOlive Oil is often a top choice for soapers, because it is very conditioning, helps harden the bar, and creates a mild bar of soap. While some soapmakers may use only olive oil in Castille soap or mostly olive oil in Marseille soap, it makes the bar a bit slimy and barely has a lather. So, many soapers will combine this oil with others to create a great soap recipe, like in our Creamy Cocoa Craziness Cold Process Soap Recipe.What is a Carrier Oil?: Palm OilNext, we have another great oil for creating soaps, which is Palm Oil. This soap making ingredient creates a hard, white bar that has a rich, creamy lather. We have used this wonderfully cleansing oil in many recipes, like our Calendula Swirl Soap Recipe and our Beer Cold Process Soap Recipe. You may find that your cosmetic oil has solidified, this is because the melt point is slightly above room temperature. Luckily, this is easy to fix. All you have to do is set your bottle in a bowl of warm water until the oil melts again.What is a Carrier Oil?: Pumpkin Seed OilPumpkin Seed Oil is rich in vitamins and minerals, which provide great properties for the skin. This oil sinks into the skin without leaving oily residue to repair damaged skin. So, it was a perfect addition to our Pumpkin Sugar Scrub Recipe.What is a Carrier Oil?: Rice Bran OilRice Bran Oil has benefits similar to Olive Oil, so it is conditioning and great for soaps! So, we included this lovely soaping oil in our Wine Cold Process Soap Recipe as well as other great cp soap recipes. Plus, this rich, conditioning bar is perfect for both mature and sensitive skin types.What is a Carrier Oil?: Safflower OilAlso, we have a nourishing and skin-loving oil that is perfect for homemade products. Safflower Oil is moisturizing and nourishing for the skin, so we included it in many soap recipes and our own Hair Conditioner For Redheads Recipe.What is a Carrier Oil?: Sesame Seed OilAnother great cosmetic oil is Sesame Seed Oil, which is a light cosmetic ingredient full of nutrients for the skin. We include this lovely oil in recipes like our Giraffe Bubble Bars Recipe or our Beard Balm Recipe. Also, this oil can be used in cp soap to help slow trace, nourish the skin, and provide a silky lather.What is a Carrier Oil?: Sunflower OilAlso, Sunflower Oil works well with palm oil and olive oils to provide a rich creamy lather. Plus, this oil is very moisturizing and will provide a silky feel to the soaps. So, this is perfect for adding to our soap recipes and bath products, like our Natural Beet Root Lip Gloss Recipe.What is a Carrier Oil?: Sweet Almond OilLastly, we have a light oil that will perfectly absorb into the skin Sweet Almond Oil. So, it was a great choice for bath and body recipes like Tranquility Bath Melts Recipe or Fruity Rings Emulsified Sugar Scrub Recipe. Plus, this oil is perfect for adding some conditioning properties to your soaps.What is a Carrier Oil?: Reach Out to UsWe hope that you were able to find some carrier oils that you enjoy for your bath and body products. Not only are there many to choose from, but there are many combinations that you can try for your recipes. Just start with your favorites and build from there! If you have anymore questions about these oils and how they will work in your recipes, then reach out to us. An easy way to get in contact with us is to reach out on social media. We are on Facebook, Instagram (@ngscents), and Twitter (@ngscents).