A question for the lotion makers...

[TheOneWhoSoaps]

Have any of you successfully incorporated cyclomethicone and dimethicone into your lotions or creams before?
I have both here and every time I add them at the cool down phase, they cause my mix to separate horribly and I have to throw out all these really nice ingredients I used in the mix.

Every lotion or cream I have made so far has been fine, up until now.

 

[new12soap]

How much of the 'cones are you using, and what is your emulsifier?

I think 1-2% is about as high as you want to go, and when I use one I usually make sure there is some BTMS-50 in my formula. It's very good at emulsifying silicones.

HTH

 

[Meganmischke]

Though you add cones in the cool down, they are counted as a oil to emulsify. If you are having separation you need to look at you ewax/emulsifier amount and likely add more.

 

[TheOneWhoSoaps]

Thanks for the replies, the 'cones are accounted for in the emulsifying wax total. I use 2% of each silicone. My emulsifying wax (BTMS-50) is calculated at 25% of total oils used.

I tried another lotion after it separated last night, but I added the 'cones into the oil phase instead, it worked great until the cool down phase when I added a fragrance and preservative. Once I added those, bang, instant separation.

Hmm, I havent had this problem before, I'm not sure what I've done wrong.

 

[Meganmischke]

What preservative are you using? Some cause seperation especially with btms.

 

[TheOneWhoSoaps]

I've used both Phenonip and Liquid Germall Plus interchangeably without any issue.

The lotion works great and is starting to solidify a little, but as soon as an EO or FO and preservative is introduced, that's when it starts to turn really ugly.