lip balm question

[Galavanting Gifts]

I was wondering....does lip balm need a preservative? reason I ask is I figured because moisture (saliva) is on the lips, or at least so close to where the balm is applied I wasn't sure if it were the same as wet hands scooping out sugar scrub in a tub. I'm sure I must be heading down the wrong thought track with this one but could someone please direct me on this one. TIA

 

[adiva]

vitamin e oil can act as a preservative. it's what i use in mine. hope that helps.

 

[carebear]

vitamin E is NOT a preservative in the sense in which the word is most typically used. "preservative" indicates that it protects against the growth of bacteria and mold, and Vitamin E doesn't do that. It DOES, however, protect somewhat against oxidation (and thus rancidity) and is typically termed an antioxidant.

preservatives are not necessary in lip balms (tho they are in scrubs where the water is likely to be introduced and not completely then eliminated, whereas with a lip balm the saliva will dry or roll off), but an antioxidant might be a good idea depending on what oils and butters you use in your product.

 

[adiva]

Oh I see. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[pink-north]

I'm so glad I happened on this thread. Does anyone have any good starter recipes?

 

[SimplyE]

I'm so glad I happened on this thread. Does anyone have any good starter recipes?

It would be the same as a lotion bar at 1:1:1

1/3 beeswax
1/3 butter or combo butters of your choice
1/3 soft oils of your choice

Go from there.

 

[pink-north]

Thanks so much. I will try that out.

 

[agriffin]

Thanks so much. I will try that out.

Hey Pink-north,

I just did one with

2 oz avacado oil
2 oz beeswax
1 oz shea butter
1 oz cocoa butter
perpermint EO

It turned out really well.

 

[pink-north]

Thanks so much for the recipe. I appreciate it.

BTW for the Canadians out there I called Health Canada regarding the sanitization of the lip balm containers and they don't have much information. I would have to check with the manufacturer of the item I am planning to use and see if the item has any ingredients on the "do not use" list. If the item is safe and doesn't contain any chemicals from the list then it is okay to use it.

Thanks again everybody for all your help

 

[Woodi]

Hi Cindy!....long time no talky! Busy summer?

Methinks you are worrying far beyond most lip balm sellers do.....not that it's a bad thing, but....worrying about weather the empty lip balm containers are sterilized, well - seems to me beyond necessary. I don't sell cosmetic things though, just soap bars....so what do I know?

 

[artisan soaps]

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