beeswas vs. emulsifying wax

[ilovedoxies]

I've noticed some recipes for lotions, body butters, and whipped body butters call for one or the other.

Is one a substitute for the other? Can I use food grade parrafin instead?

I have beeswax and when I've used it in my whipped body butter it makes it really hard.

Opinions and advice is much appreciated

 

[Kleine Teufel]

From what I've learned, you need either emulsifying wax or a beeswax/borax combo. Somehow the beeswax works with the borax to form an emulsifier. It's apparantly not as stable as the E-wax though.

 

[ilovedoxies]

Thanks. I was hoping to avoid ordering more stuff, lol.

 

[MychelleC]

For oil-in-water emulsions, such as lotions, creams, and most body butters, you want to use Emulsifying Wax. It is a pre-made blend of high and low HLB emulsifiers. A combination of Beeswax and Borax has been used for centuries in water-in-oil emulsions, such as cold creams. The combination of wax and salts creates a soap-like emulsion and can hold the oil and water together. These types of emulsions can be difficult to create and remain stable. I would recommend starting with E-wax and simple emulsions and going from there. HTH!

 

[itunu]

Yes I agree. When you buy emulsifying wax try and get the brand called: polawax

Also take a look at
www.swiftcraftymonkey.blogspot.com
She has some lovely recipes/tutorials