Lotion bar issue

[Zing]

Okay, so the Lotion Bar Evangelist is about to be a vulnerable human here. I really need a friend right now, okay?

At the last hour I realized my best bud's birthday is tomorrow and I thought I'd whip up a batch of lotion bars to give and get ready for a Minnesota winter. I did 1/3 beeswax, 1/3 mango butter and -- a new ingredient for me -- 1/3 golden jojoba oil. It all just was not behaving like I'm used to in the double boiler. Usually I'm used to pouring liquid. This was a viscous, gloppy mixture. Fingers crossed that it'll all work out.

Usually, I use golden jojoba oil in a foot salve for Mrs. Zing. I know that it is a wax. We'll see how it works out. Living and learning.

I do have some sunflower oil in the fridge just in case I need to re-do the entire batch. Uf-da.

 

[Kcryss]

I think they will turn out beautifully!

This must be the night for lotion bars. I made a very small batch with 4 diff scents for a customer that wanted something more herbal but doesn't like citrus or anything sweet.

I'll cross my fingers for both of us.

 

[AliOop]

@Zing I will be very interested to hear how these turn out. Jojoba is one of my favorites, although at $100 per gallon here in the US, I'm have to reconsider using it in as many products as I do.

 

[Ephemerella]

Interesting, I use golden jojoba in my lip butter and its perfectly liquidy goldenness even heated to 140°.

@AliOop https://www.bulkapothecary.com/golden-jojoba-oil/

 

[Mobjack Bay]

I've made solid perfume and lip balm with golden jojoba and can't recall having any issues. Is it possible that you didn't get the temperature up high enough?

 

[AliOop]

Interesting, I use golden jojoba in my lip butter and its perfectly liquidy goldenness even heated to 140°.

@AliOop https://www.bulkapothecary.com/golden-jojoba-oil/

Ooooh, much better price than the last time I bought it - thank you!!

 

[Zing]

Update: So according to Mrs. Zing, they are fine. I am running out and about fell outta my chair with sticker shock at the one vendor -- I musta got that bottle on sale. So many thanks, @Ephemerella , for the reminder about Bulk Apothecary!

 

[Mobjack Bay]

Ooooh, much better price than the last time I bought it - thank you!!

I’ve used this brand from Amazon in the 16 oz size a number of times and have been happy with it.

 

[AliOop]

Thank you, @Mobjack Bay, I like that one, too! My last order some months ago was $99 for a gallon. I'm very glad to see that it's come back down.

 

[dibbles]

I know it’s more expensive per ounce, but if you don’t need a lot of jojoba oil Trader Joe’s sells 4 ounce bottles. I think the last time I bought it, I paid around $7-8. I honestly don’t make that many lotion bars, and usually use two liquid oils so I think a gallon would take years to use up.

 

[AliOop]

I use jojoba oils in my lips balms, lotions, and sugar scrubs - so I go through it pretty fast! But it's good to know there is a local option available if I run low.

 

[Nonnie]

If you've not tried Jedwards yet, the prices there are usually good. Bulknaturaloils.com

 

[AliOop]

If you've not tried Jedwards yet, the prices there are usually good. Bulknaturaloils.com

Thanks, but their shipping costs to my location are super high, making them one of the higher-priced options. Same with Soaper's Choice. It's a shame, because they both have great reputations.

 

[Nonnie]

Thanks, but their shipping costs to my location are super high, making them one of the higher-priced options. Same with Soaper's Choice. It's a shame, because they both have great reputations.

That's the way bulk apothecary is for me .crazy shipping. I use shay and company a lot, but right ow the jojoba isn't priced great there

 

[Zing]

Update: It was not the jojoba. My hot plate is not getting hot enough. And it's brand new. After the Great Beeswax Volcano Lava Flow of 2024 ( side eye to @Sting) that coated my trusty hot plate that got me through tough times, I bought a replacement that clearly is NOT cutting it. Uf da. I brought my double boiler to our stove and things are fine.

I prefer to keep my crafty stuff in my basement soapy shop because I am messy and don't wanna mess up our new renovated kitchen but oh well.

 

[dmcgee5034]

Update: It was not the jojoba. My hot plate is not getting hot enough. And it's brand new. After the Great Beeswax Volcano Lava Flow of 2024 ( side eye to @Sting) that coated my trusty hot plate that got me through tough times, I bought a replacement that clearly is NOT cutting it. Uf da. I brought my double boiler to our stove and things are fine.

I prefer to keep my crafty stuff in my basement soapy shop because I am messy and don't wanna mess up our new renovated kitchen but oh well.

Glad you figured it out, @Zing - the trusty ol’ double boiler doesn’t disappoint!

I don’t use enough Jojoba Oil to buy a gallon either, so I’ve been getting this one that is on cyber sale right now.

 

[Sudds]

I have a question for your folks that make lotion bars. I am going to make some but can't decide if I want to use molded ones or use jars/tins for them! Which way do you prefer to make them and why? I am anxious to get started so hope to hear your pros and cons! TIA!!

Also a special THANK YOU to ZING for helping me along this road! If it weren't for him complaining about his cracked hands I would have never started on the journey...it just took me a year to begin it LOL!

 

[KiwiMoose]

I have a question for your folks that make lotion bars. I am going to make some but can't decide if I want to use molded ones or use jars/tins for them! Which way do you prefer to make them and why? I am anxious to get started so hope to hear your pros and cons! TIA!!

Also a special THANK YOU to ZING for helping me along this road! If it weren't for him complaining about his cracked hands I would have never started on the journey...it just took me a year to begin it LOL!

I prefer to roll it in my hands, and rub it on my legs/arms, so poured into a tin or jar is out for me. It's not a balm remember - so it's not soft enough to scoop out of a jar on your finger. You'd need to chip it out with a spoon or something.

 

[Nonnie]

You can always pour in a mold then store in tins

 

[AliOop]

I prefer to pour mine in mini-deodorant containers (aka giant lip balm containers), like the one pictured below. This makes for easy application while making it easily portable in a purse or backpack. They come in a variety of sizes (.35oz, ½ oz., 1oz). You can also choose from round or clear.