Why is my balm gritty?

[soapandco]

I have been having this gritty balm issue for a long time. No matter how long I put the beeswax in the double boiler, the end result will be gritty balm. I even tried using the microwave oven to heat it, but still not smooth... does anyone have this problem with balms? This happened even for simple recipe like 10% beeswax, 20% shea, 70% sweet almond oil/other oils....

 

[Dorymae]

It is most likely the shea butter. It will sometimes turn gritty and have to be tempered before using.

 

[soapandco]

Thanks, will try this

 

[Susie]

Yep, its the shea. I temper the whole thing when I get it in, so it is ready to be used in anything I want.

 

[Alprinceton]

I put my balms into the freezer right away.

So there's no time left for the shea butter to turn gritty.

Give it a try.

 

[soapandco]

Thanks, I didn't know it was the shea, always thought that the beeswax wasn't completely melted.

 

[Dahila]

It is shea butter, check Susan's blog there is a long post what to do with grittiness in butters. will link
clicky

 

[shunt2011]

I agree with the others, it's the shea. I melt, temper and then cool my balms quickly after putting them in their tubes.

 

[soapandco]

I tried it today with my shea tempered, and it is the smoothest balm I have ever made.. Thanks guys! I notice a hole on top of the balm instead of smooth surface, I am not sure if it is because I put it in the fridge

 

[Susie]

Just fill your tubes 2/3-3/4 full, cool, then remelt what is in your cup, and top off each tube. That gives a nice, smooth top.

I am not sure why that happens, either, but that happens to about half of my tubes.

 

[soapandco]

Just fill your tubes 2/3-3/4 full, cool, then remelt what is in your cup, and top off each tube. That gives a nice, smooth top.

I am not sure why that happens, either, but that happens to about half of my tubes.

Thanks! That's a great tip!

 

[Winter8]

It is most likely the shea butter. It will sometimes turn gritty and have to be tempered before using.

How long do you temper it? And I am guessing “temper” means leaving it on the stove and keep it heating?

 

[shunt2011]

How long do you temper it? And I am guessing “temper” means leaving it on the stove and keep it heating?

This post is 4 years old. The OP hasn’t been her in quite some time