Whipped Sugar Scrub thickening agent

[chrysta]

Hello! Im trying to figure out how to thicken a whipped sugar scrub. I make my own bath butter base, whip it up and add 10% light oil, 5% FO and 150% sugar. Its still a bit loose and I was hoping for a thicker consistency. Ive done some research on this and I see some recipes with added M&P base, stearic acid or glycerin. Anyone have any guidance or thoughts on this? Thank you!!

 

[Quanta]

Without knowing what's already in it, I can't suggest anything, sorry.

 

[lsg]

12% Cetearyl alcohol can be used as a thickening agent along with 5% Polawax as an emulsifier.

https://www.humblebeeandme.com/pemberley-whipped-sugar-scrub/

 

[amd]

I make my own bath butter base, whip it up and add 10% light oil, 5% FO and 150% sugar.

5% sounds high for FO, sorry, I know that's a bit off topic, but I noticed it. Edited: If you are calculating 5% FO without the sugar amount, then it's ok, mine below is 4% without the sugar amount.

I don't have my recipe using bath butter base handy - oh wait... maybe it's on my phone...
Yep, I do have it! My recipe includes the sugar as a percentage of the mix, but it's x2 the amount of only the bath base. I've added the % without the sugar included in ( )
Base 30% (76%)
sugar 60% (152%)
glycerin 5% (13%)
oil 3% (8%)
Fragrance 2% (4%)

This is very loose the day I whip it, but the following day will be stiff. If yours is still loose the next day, I would tweak the amount of oil and try using some glycerin. ETA: I think the glycerin helps stabilize the bath base when you whip it.

 

[chrysta]

this was so helpful!! thank you soooo much! I'll try adding some glycerin to it. That may help! and adjusting my percentages as well.

I forgot to add that I also add in 1% preservative. The base already has it in but I add a bit more to account for the additional oils. Unsure if this is needed?

Also, thank you for the suggestion for the Cetearyl alcohol and Polawax! I was thinking about playing around with that. Appreciate all the advice

 

[amd]

The base already has it in but I add a bit more to account for the additional oils. Unsure if this is needed?

Yes, it is needed. I add it to my scrubs as well.

 

[Complexions]

You can melt some M&P, and drizzle it in while mixing to whip up the base before adding sugar. It helps give a whipped sugar scrub a bit more body/firmness that you are looking for. You can also go up to 200% sugar to help make it thicker.