Emulsified sugar scrub recipe

[Hendejm]

I found this recipe online and was wondering if those with experience think that it is a good/decent beginner recipe to try. I have seen recipes that have lots of different oils and was looking for a basic recipe to learn on. I was going to substitute jojoba oil/olive oil/coconut oil for the sweet almond oil. Thoughts?

• 50 g sweet almond oil
• 10 g cocoa butter
• 10 g shea butter
• 10 g beeswax or candelilla wax
• 15 g emulsifying wax
• 1 g essential oil
• 1 g cosgard or other natural preservative used at the recommended dose
• 150 g sugar (Use less for a slightly thinner product)

 

[Cellador]

That looks like a pretty good, standard recipe. I typically use stearic acid or a fatty alcohol (cetyl, cetearyl) in place of the beeswax. I think the beeswax would add too much drag and make it a really firm product.

 

[DeeAnna]

Here are some threads that might be helpful --

https://www.soapmakingforum.com/threads/emulsifying-sugar-scrub-guidance.60629/
https://www.soapmakingforum.com/threads/emulsified-sugar-scrub-where-to-start.59775/
https://www.soapmakingforum.com/threads/emulsified-sugar-scrub-is-runny.58808/

edit -- A few more --
https://www.soapmakingforum.com/threads/subbing-sugar-for-salt-in-scrub-recipe-changes-recipe.70672/
https://www.soapmakingforum.com/threads/sugar-scrub-info.58468/

 

[Hendejm]

typically use stearic acid or a fatty alcohol (cetyl, cetearyl) in place of the beeswax

Awesome! I have some stearic acid. Are flakes ok to use? Thanks for the info!

 

[Hendejm]

Here are some threads that might be helpful --

https://www.soapmakingforum.com/threads/emulsifying-sugar-scrub-guidance.60629/
https://www.soapmakingforum.com/threads/emulsified-sugar-scrub-where-to-start.59775/
https://www.soapmakingforum.com/threads/emulsified-sugar-scrub-is-runny.58808/

edit -- A few more --
https://www.soapmakingforum.com/threads/subbing-sugar-for-salt-in-scrub-recipe-changes-recipe.70672/
https://www.soapmakingforum.com/threads/sugar-scrub-info.58468/

Great posts! Thank!

 

[Cellador]

Awesome! I have some stearic acid. Are flakes ok to use? Thanks for the info!

Yup, flakes work great!

 

[BillOB]

honestly I tried equally parted shea butter，beeswax，coconut oil formula for lotion and I have to say the beeswax make it really greasy and not absorbing.It looks likes you got stained by splash of oils.I am assuming beeswax would behave similiarly in scrubs.I read about using cocoa butter instead of beeswax and it may work magic.

 

[DeeAnna]

@BillOB ... We are talking about scrubs that contain an emulsifier. If beeswax is included, it's only a small amount in proportion to the other ingredients.

What you made is more of a salve or lip balm, not a lotion. I'm not surprised that it's heavy and greasy ... that's normal for this type of product.

 

[Hendejm]

. We are talking about scrubs that contain an emulsifier. If beeswax is included, it's only a small amount in proportion to the other ingredients

Agreed! It turns to lotion very nicely and doesn’t leave an oily mess at all. It’s actually very nice on the skin.

 

[MGM]

Can I ask why the preservative is included? In case of water entering an open jar in the shower? Could you leave out the preservative if you used a squeeze bottle dispenser, do you think? thanks!

 

[DeeAnna]

Can I ask why the preservative is included? In case of water entering an open jar in the shower? Could you leave out the preservative if you used a squeeze bottle dispenser, do you think? thanks!

Yes, that's right. If you can make a scrub that can work in a squeeze tube, it might be okay without preservative for personal use.

I'd definitely still use a preservative if the product is going to be sold. You don't know how the consumer will use this product, so it's best to assume the worst.

 

[shunt2011]

Can I ask why the preservative is included? In case of water entering an open jar in the shower? Could you leave out the preservative if you used a squeeze bottle dispenser, do you think? thanks!

For personal use it's totally up to you. However, many sell or have intentions of selling. Preservative is necessary as you have no idea what the user will do with the product.

 

[BillOB]

@BillOB ... We are talking about scrubs that contain an emulsifier. If beeswax is included, it's only a small amount in proportion to the other ingredients.

What you made is more of a salve or lip balm, not a lotion. I'm not surprised that it's heavy and greasy ... that's normal for this type of product.

i see ok.yup i made lip balm with this recipe and i didnt like it.so you need preservetive in lotions.I am looking at phenoxyethanol and potassium sorbate are these enough to make it last long ？

 

[Christine Beale]

I have always used a preservative in my sugar scrubs. Most times a persons fingers are going to be wet when they scoop out some scrub. I have never used beeswax, but love my scrub with cocoa butter and shea butter!!

 

[pampermama]

I found this recipe online and was wondering if those with experience think that it is a good/decent beginner recipe to try. I have seen recipes that have lots of different oils and was looking for a basic recipe to learn on. I was going to substitute jojoba oil/olive oil/coconut oil for the sweet almond oil. Thoughts?

• 50 g sweet almond oil
• 10 g cocoa butter
• 10 g shea butter
• 10 g beeswax or candelilla wax
• 15 g emulsifying wax
• 1 g essential oil
• 1 g cosgard or other natural preservative used at the recommended dose
• 150 g sugar (Use less for a slightly thinner product)

Hello, I am starting too and I also used this as a base recipe except that I used a combo of sunflower and grapeseed oil, candelilla wax instead of beeswax, cetyl instead of stearic..
The result is ok but not that firm. I was hoping the scrub would turn a little firmer and thicker. Any advice?

Should I increase the ewax or candelilla wax?

Thank you!

 

[Hendejm]

Hello, I am starting too and I also used this as a base recipe except that I used a combo of sunflower and grapeseed oil, candelilla wax instead of beeswax, cetyl instead of stearic..
The result is ok but not that firm. I was hoping the scrub would turn a little firmer and thicker. Any advice?

Should I increase the ewax or candelilla wax?

Thank you!

I substituted half/half blend of Coconut and meadowfoam seed oil for sweet almond oil. It firms up really well for me. Maybe the coconut oil? I also used some steric acid and that helps firm up as well.

 

[SherSoapCo]

Has anyone worked with Aspen Bark Extract as a preservative in this? I use it in my lotions and wondered how it would be in the scrubs.

 

[Hendejm]

Has anyone worked with Aspen Bark Extract as a preservative in this? I use it in my lotions and wondered how it would be in the scrubs.

I’m not sure. Is it considered broad spectrum? Does it inhibit bacteria growth across all categories? Im a bit leery. Since it is a wash off product - im ok with using a commercial preservative like Germall plus.

 

[maya]

Has anyone worked with Aspen Bark Extract as a preservative in this? I use it in my lotions and wondered how it would be in the scrubs.

Are you using the PhytoCide aka Aspen bark extract? I don't use that one but a different ECO approved preservative.

 

[SherSoapCo]

The aspen bark extract is broad spectrum.

Key Benefits

• Water soluble

• Naturally derived botanical extract

• Virtually odorless

• Heat stable to at 60°C (140°F)

• Broad spectrum of antibacterial activity

• REACH Status - fully compliant

• Compatible with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients

• Can be used with other antimicrobials for broad spectrum activity

• Very mild, with low to no irritation potential

Initial efficacy testing has shown it to be effective at inhibiting the growth of E. coli, S. aureus, B. subtilis, P. aeuruginosa, yeast and mold.

This is the Phytocide Aspen Bark Extract. What product are you using?