Oils for Lotion Bars

[Chaiat5]

Hi, y'all...

My husband is travelling for work and there are the more exotic oils and butters to be had where he is! These aren't to be found in my part of the world. He is able to bring me back some, so yayy! I've seen you guys sing praises to meadowfoam seed oil, so I should get some yes? Have you worked with any of these?

• Abyssinian oil
• Squalene olive oil
• Macadamia nut oil
• Tamanu oil
• Tsubaki oil
• Babassu oil

I'd appreciate the help so I can prioritize and narrow my choices down to maybe 2 oils. Thanks in advance!

 

[Kcryss]

That's awesome! Take advantage for sure!
I'm not familiar with a few you have listed, but for lotion bars I tend to use oils that are fast absorbing. Try looking for the absorbency rating for each and make a list of the properties you like for lotions.

 

[Zing]

So, major HECKYA on meadowfoam seed oil! You will want to bathe in it. Also, major YES on Abyssinian oil, it feels great on the skin. I'm not familiar with the others, look for them on Soap Queen maybe?

 

[A-Polly]

Olive-derived squalane is my absolute favorite to use in an oil serum for the face. It is a clear (colorless) lightweight oil with no scent and seems to soak in really well. I've not tried it in a lotion bar, though, but maybe I should! I bought more when Camden Grey had their closeout sale because the facial oil is the most popular Xmas gift I make.

Tamanu oil is a dark greenish color with quite a strong odor. I don't find the smell unpleasant at all, just sort of medicinal and earthy. Some call it "nutty" but that's not the word that comes to my mind. Tamanu is supposed to have a lot of "anti-" properties (i.e., anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial). Again, I haven't tried it in a lotion bar but would like to see how it goes.

Neither of these oils are cheap, alas, but they are both really nice.

Now I need to learn what Tsubaki oil is!

 

[Chaiat5]

Y’ALLLL! I am soooo excited now! @Zing … your passion for lotion bars is contagious I am ON that meadowfoam business.

That's awesome! Take advantage for sure!
I'm not familiar with a few you have listed, but for lotion bars I tend to use oils that are fast absorbing. Try looking for the absorbency rating for each and make a list of the properties you like for lotions.

You know, I’d never bothered with lotions until I moved to Pakistan. I’m from Singapore where it’s summer and humidity all year round. Now, I feel like a prune every winter.

Now I need to learn what Tsubaki oil is!

Right?? It’s a deep rabbit hole, this Thank you so much about the info on squalene and tamanu oils … I am now wondering if tamanu can help my friend who has psoriasis.

 

[A-Polly]

Just to add to what I posted above, there is a difference between squalEne and squalAne. I wonder which your husband will be able to purchase. From this Formula Botanica article, "squalene is prone to oxidation, limiting its effectiveness in skincare products....[and] when squalene oxidises, it can form squalene peroxide, which may trigger inflammation and contribute to acne." The stabilized "A" form is what's sold at the usual suppliers here in the US, so I've never seen or used the "E" kind. If you do come across it, I'd love to hear your impressions!

BTW, at the end of the linked Formula Botanica article there is a sample facial oil formulation that is very similar to the one I make. Mine (which is based on a Bramble Berry project from several years ago) uses a larger percentage of squalane but is otherwise pretty much the same. And there are links to more free formulas, too — another rabbit hole to get lost in!

 

[KiwiMoose]

Just do whatever @Zing says - he is the Lotion Bar King

 

[Mobjack Bay]

Lucky you! I love the feel of Abyssinian oil and olive squalane, with an "a", and use them in my face cream and a face oil I make that has a devoted following. I tried meadowfoam but didn't like it as much.

 

[Zing]

Just do whatever @Zing says - he is the Lotion Bar King

 

[KiwiMoose]

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I can't see those :-(

 

[KiwiMoose]

I can't see those :-(

Weirdly - I can see them on my email notification and not on this webpage - funny.

 

[Chaiat5]

Thank you @A-Polly and @Mobjack Bay for the heads up about squalene! How scary! Facial oils and serums sound like delightful rabbit holes to dive into

@KiwiMoose On it! I've taken notes too

 

[Relle]

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Links don't work.

 

[Tammyfarms]

I love squalane. I have used it straight on my face and in lotions and in hair products. Very nice oil. Babassu oil is another favorite in lotions and lotion bars.

 

[ewhitake]

I use Bandassu oil in soap recipes when I want to swap out animal fats. Similar profile. Also it makes a really moisturizing lotion/cream for dry skin

 

[Chaiat5]

Thank you @Tammyfarms and @ewhitake … I am adding the babassu to my list. I just hope my husband has enough luggage space for my nonsense

 

[Tammyfarms]

Thank you @Tammyfarms and @ewhitake … I am adding the babassu to my list. I just hope my husband has enough luggage space for my nonsense

He sounds like a keeper!

 

[ToniO]

Abyssinian Oil is a fabulous all rounder. Great for skin and hair and has a zero on the comedogenic rating. If I had to pick a second, I'd go with Jojoba Oil.
And Argan and Tamanu for splurges.
There are some awesome butters out there also.
My favorite hard butter is Kokum Butter, great for skin and face creams and cold process soaps. Number two would be either Mango Butter (another great allrounder) or Cupuacu Butter (incredible skin conditioning).

Sometimes psoriasis sufferers can find relief by avoiding certain preservatives that are in everything from moisturizers, and shampoos to laundry detergents and avoiding anything that says 'fragrance'. Parabens and Isothiazolinones being the most common. A chemical allergy test with a dermatologist might help them a lot!

 

[Chaiat5]

He sounds like a keeper!

Thank you ... he puts up with me, so yeah haha.

My favorite hard butter is Kokum Butter, great for skin and face creams and cold process soaps. Number two would be either Mango Butter (another great allrounder) or Cupuacu Butter (incredible skin conditioning).

Sometimes psoriasis sufferers can find relief by avoiding certain preservatives that are in everything from moisturizers, and shampoos to laundry detergents and avoiding anything that says 'fragrance'. Parabens and Isothiazolinones being the most common. A chemical allergy test with a dermatologist might help them a lot!

I really appreciate this information. A relative has very severe psoriasis and now has steroid shots. Those butters are less commonly found here, but I'll definitely keep a look out.

 

[ewhitake]

My favorite hard butter is Kokum Butter, great for skin and face creams and cold process soaps.

I totally agree!! I’ve been using Kokum butter since I started formulating. But have you tried Illipe butter? I just made some soap and an emulsified body butter with it. The soap still curing, but the body butter is fantastic!