Need insight into skin irritation from watermelon lotion

[hatrabbit]

Hello... I am relatively new to lotion making, so far it's been a great success... until now. I made some lotion using watermelon juice, cucumber juice, and "gel maker" emulsifier, and ended up with red spots on my face. I gave some to friends, who had the same outcome. I'd like to know what's going on so I can avoid this in the future... anyone have a similar experience?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[carebear]

well, it would help to know exactly what was in the lotion and at what %. exactly. and how did you measure? how precise is your scale?

also, did you use a preservative? how did you clean your equipment? did you package in new stuff or re-use jars?

 

[hatrabbit]

The lotion consisted of 40ml watermelon/cucumber mix (about 30 ml. watermelon & 10ml. cucumber), measured in scientific glassware, with 3 ml GelMaker EMU (sodium acrylate, acryloyldimethyl laurate copolymer / isohexadecane/ polysorbate 80), and 2ml. polyglyceryl oleate.

A side note: I've made many other lotions using oils instead of juice, with all the other ingredients the same. It seems as though the juice is probably the culprit.

 

[hatrabbit]

oops I almost forgot, it also contained 5 drops vitamin E oil and 8 drops almond oil.

 

[carebear]

I don't see a preservative in there. So I'd possibly blame bacteria or mold.

What was the source of your juices?

Was there water as well? Otherwise I'm a bit confused because GelMaker EMU is not supposed to work in oil based products as you say you've made in the past (without juice).

 

[krissy]

when my DD was little every time she got watermelon juice on her face she broke out in red dots. it may be the watermelon juice.

 

[anissa_mathias]

The only think thing that I can think of, besides the lack of preservatives, is the fact that is has an amino acid that contains nitrogen and helps to create ammonia. This could make the juice itself harsh on the skin. You may need to balance to watermelon with a fruit -or vegetable- on the opposite pH scale to balance the acidity. Just a guess.