Lotion Bar Tutorial

Procedure: Weigh each ingredient into a heat proof glass container. Heat slowly in the microwave to 70-75 C (158-167 C) with stirring until the mixture is uniform, melted and mixed.

*You can also use indirect heating in the form of a double boiler to gently heat the product til it melts. This gives control for even, gentle heating and prevents overheating. A large Pyrex custard bowl nested over a small sauce pan containing boiling water works well as a make shift double boiler.

Nest the container over boiling water in a sauce pan and gently heat. Stir as the wax begins to melt. Cool down to 110 F with occasional mixing and spoon or pour into containers.

It's important to allow the lotion balm to cool down slightly before filling

into containers. For best results, the temperature should be between

110-115F to prevent damaging containers by melting.

Remember that Pyrex can get hot, so use a pot holder. When the lotion bar is melted, you may add your oil based color, mica and/or fragrance. Usual rate for fragrance is 0.25 to 0.5% of the total weight of your ingredient. Make sure that your fragrance is skin safe. One drop of oil based color should be enough or mica that just fits the tip of a knife.

Filling your containers: This can be done using a disposable pipette, a spoon, by pouring directly into your lotion bar container, or with a filling syringe. You can get a syringe from your local vet or your local feed store should have them.

If the mixture gets too hard to pour, gently reheat in the microwave or your double boiler.

This product is firm enough to be packaged in lotion balm tubes, but

also suitable for packaging in pots or lotion tins.

Your lotion balm base may be stored for later use. Just scoop your pre-made base into a heat proof container and gently reheat.

You may find that according to your climate that you may want to adjust proportions of oils and butters slightly.

Note: Lotion bars don't need preservation, since there is no water in them.

Lotion Bars are my favorite choice for skin softening capabilities, especially on really rough spots like feet and elbows. They are great for windchapped skin and fingernails too.

Here's a tip:

Not all of us live in the same type of climate. To find out if you like the consistency of your formula, you can do one of two things. After everything is melted, drop a couple of drops on a sheet of wax paper and let harden. Or put a metal spoon in the freezer, then use that spoon to lightly dip into the formula. This hastens the hardening. You should be able to tell, if you drag the back of the spoon against the back of your hand, if this is what will work for you and your climate.

In warmer climates you might need to use a little bit more of beeswax. In colder climates, you might need more liquid oils.