Test Batches of Lotion

[SudsyKat]

I'm just about to dive headlong into the world of lotion making. Remember your first lotion? Wish me luck!

My question is this - what's the smallest reasonable batch size to make, realistically? I have a scale that measure to .1 grams, which is precise enough - theoretically. But I'm picture how to actually transfer 1 gram of something from one container to another - the preservative, for example. It seems like practically speaking, a 100 gram batch might be impossible to make, though that would be my preference. I'd love to know what you think.

 

[Hazel]

My scale also goes to .1 oz. I've never had any luck with test batches below 8 oz (227 g) but my scale isn't real great. There are gram scales on the market that would be better for small batches.


Maybe something like one of these scales might work.

http://www.oldwillknottscales.com/gold-scales.aspx

Good luck!

 

[photoshadows]

My scale does grams and I've done as small as a 4oz batch of cream and a 6oz batch of lotion. It's not easy to do (mostly because finding a container to mix in is difficult), but it seems to have worked. For things that are a really low in percentage like scent, I use a mL dropper.

 

[cowgirl4him]

For small amounts I find it easier to keep my mixing container on the scale and tare my scale between adding more ingredients, you have to be careful though if you add too much you usually can't take it back. This prevents having to use several containers to make a small batch of lotion. I do all my solids first and if I put in a bit too much of something I can remove it, you can't do that with liquids.

 

[kelleyaynn]

For small amounts I find it easier to keep my mixing container on the scale and tare my scale between adding more ingredients, you have to be careful though if you add too much you usually can't take it back. This prevents having to use several containers to make a small batch of lotion. I do all my solids first and if I put in a bit too much of something I can remove it, you can't do that with liquids.

If you use this method, you can add the really small amounts (like preservative), by using a dropper and adding drop by drop to get a gram.

Another thing you could do is test how much of your preservative (in ml) will equal one gram. Measure out 1 gram, then suck it up in a dropper and mark the dropper to that level. When you need a gram in the future, use the same dropper and measure to the line.

 

[Hazel]

My scale does grams and I've done as small as a 4oz batch of cream and a 6oz batch of lotion. It's not easy to do (mostly because finding a container to mix in is difficult), but it seems to have worked. For things that are a really low in percentage like scent, I use a mL dropper.

When I make small batches, I always do them in grams but my scale isn't very good.

What type of scale do you use?

 

[SudsyKat]

My scale also goes to .1 oz. I've never had any luck with test batches below 8 oz (227 g) but my scale isn't real great. There are gram scales on the market that would be better for small batches.


Maybe something like one of these scales might work.

http://www.oldwillknottscales.com/gold-scales.aspx

Good luck!

Thanks to all for your input - very helpful. Hazel, I actually have one of these scales - they all seem to go to .1 grams like my scale. I feel fairly confident in the weighing aspect, but was concerned about the logistics of actually handling such tiny amounts.

I like the idea of weighing stuff into the same container (per phase, of course). I do that when I soap, but if I make a slight boo boo and over-add an ingredient, it doesn't worry me too much in soaping. I think I'll give an 8 oz batch a try and if I feel confident, I can go to smaller batches next time. I'm so excited - thanks again!