Lotion Bars

[Teresa66]

I am currently making scented lotion bars and was wondering if I need to add color stabilizer if using a fragrance oil with vanillin in it..

 

[DeeAnna]

bump -- can anyone help Teresa? I make lotion bars, but I don't use vanilla stabilizer, so can't answer their question.

 

[VikingChick]

I don’t use vanilla stabilizer either, but doesn’t vanilla-containing FO discolor due to the low pH of the lye when making soap? If so, then it wouldn’t be an issue in lotion bars.

 

[AliOop]

Here is a question that was asked and answered on the WSP site, regarding their vanilla color stabilizer for lotions and washes:

Posted By: ANGIE | January 16, 2021
"Can this be used in body butters?"

Staff Answer: Products consisting of only oils, butters and waxes do not change color from vanilla.

 

[DeeAnna]

Good stuff, Ali! So using the stabilizer in an anhydrous product would be okay, if I generalize the answer from WSP.

I think I remember someone here saying once they did put vanilla stabilizer in lotion, but that wouldn't be anhydrous.

 

[AliOop]

From what I could tell, their position in this and other posts is that you may use the stabilizer in an anhydrous product, but that it isn't necessary, because only products with water will brown due to the vanillin.

I could see this being useful in an anhydrous emulsified lotion bar, like this one that doesn't contain water, but will get wet because it is used in the shower.

 

[justsomeguy]

From what I could tell, their position in this and other posts is that you may use the stabilizer in an anhydrous product, but that it isn't necessary, because only products with water will brown due to the vanillin.

I could see this being useful in an anhydrous emulsified lotion bar, like this one that doesn't contain water, but will get wet because it is used in the shower.

But, but, but, the stabilizer is water based, right? So that'll require an emulsifier and preservative, right? And the stabilizer has a, er, distinctive scent that I find unpleasant...

 

[DeeAnna]

But, but, but, the stabilizer is water based, right? So that'll require an emulsifier and preservative, right? And the stabilizer has a, er, distinctive scent that I find unpleasant...

In the example that Ali used -- an emulsifying-type lotion bar or emulsifying scrub -- the product is essentially anhydrous but there is an emulsifier already in the product. So a small amount of water-based additive would blend right in.

And most people do add a preservative to this type of product, since it's used in wet environments -- the water on the skin mixes with the emulsifier and fats in the product to form a water-based lotion right on the skin.

As far as the unappealing odor of the stabilizer, that would be a deal breaker for me too.

I guess I'd be more inclined to use a scent that doesn't need stabilizer. There are so, so many scents to choose from -- why struggle with one that's problematic when others might be just as nice and easier to use?

 

[justsomeguy]

In the example that Ali used -- an emulsifying-type lotion bar or emulsifying scrub -- the product is essentially anhydrous but there is an emulsifier already in the product. So a small amount of water-based additive would blend right in.

Oh.

 

[AliOop]

The stabilizer definitely smells bad while making the product, but for me, it has always dissipated quickly during the cure. Still, I tend to either embrace the brown or find another scent. If I were selling, it might be more important because scents and pretty designs (or non-brown lotions!) are important for sales.

 

[paradisi]

Here is a question that was asked and answered on the WSP site, regarding their vanilla color stabilizer for lotions and washes:

Posted By: ANGIE | January 16, 2021
"Can this be used in body butters?"

Staff Answer: Products consisting of only oils, butters and waxes do not change color from vanilla.

Nice! No need for it in lotion bars.

I wouldn't use it anyway, even if vanilla browned them, but since it won't, one less thing for the OP to worry about.