countyline Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 So, I've been searching and I found several threads with people talking about testing out Truvia (stevia) and Agave nectar to sweeten their lip balms, but I never found anyone posting results of those tests. So, has anyone tried either of these? And do you mind sharing your results? I am getting back into the lip balm biz after a long hiatus and I just ordered supplies from WSP, but their sweetener was SO expensive, so I decided to pass. Now, I'm trying to find alternative natural sweeteners.And while I'm here, I know this is going to be a stupid question, but why is it not okay to use food flavoring extracts (vanilla, root beer, maple, peppermint etc) to flavor balms? I'm guessing because they are water based? Are there any that are safe? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sister Kya Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 I use MMS's Sugar Kisses, so I can't help you with new sweetner testing results.You are partly correct about using food extracts in lip balms - they are alcohol based instead of being oil based, so they just don't blend properly. Some candy flavorings use propylene glycol and other ingredients that make them separate out of the balms as well.It's not a question of safety, it's a matter of creating a lip balm and not a gooey flavored mess.There are a couple of candy flavorings from Wilton's and LorAnn that are plain oils, but you have to read the ingredients list closely. Also, the citrus, mint and spice oils can burn lips if they aren't used properly - so test, test and test some more before sharing your experiments with anyone.If you're truly going back "into the biz", you should really consider investing in quality sweeteners and oils. A few extra dollars spent today can save you time, frustration and lost sales in the future!Good Luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
countyline Posted July 20, 2009 Author Share Posted July 20, 2009 Thanks for your reply! I did already purchase several flavorings from WSP. I just wondered if there was any chance of other things working, too. I pretty much already new the answer to that one, but thanks for the explanation. As for "quality" sweetener, I do think stevia and agave are quality sweeteners. I am just looking for tips on how to successfully incorporate them into my balms. I had a hard time spending $30 on WSP's sweetener, when RE and other places have sweetener for significantly less money. I wasn't even for sure I wanted to sweeten my balms, so it wasn't worth the money at the time. I may change my mind later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bells4shells Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 I've used agave and it doesn't blend well--about the same as honey. You have to constantly stir and even then you're not guaranteed good results. I've also used stevia, but I've found that it hardens, crystallizes and sits at the bottom of my pyrex mixing bowl and even if I stir... ugh. I may try to incorporate it myself into some coconut oil and see if that helps any. I've used sugar kisses and it's been the easiest to work with. Just have to remember to shake it well before I add it. As for the stevia, it's pretty expensive stuff. I bought a tiny bottle (about the size of a salt shaker) at my local coop. It was about $10-12 but there is more than enough in there to last you with testing, etc. Maybe that will be an option too. HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeriM Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 I don't sweeten mine - after a lot of research... they say you shouldn't as it just promotes you to lick your lips and they stay chapped... I guess that would make them buy more lip balms .. they say the flavor is really all in your head anyway... makes sense as I'm guessing all you taste is sweet.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
countyline Posted July 20, 2009 Author Share Posted July 20, 2009 I don't sweeten mine - after a lot of research... they say you shouldn't as it just promotes you to lick your lips and they stay chapped... I guess that would make them buy more lip balms .. they say the flavor is really all in your head anyway... makes sense as I'm guessing all you taste is sweet....I understand you're not really tasting the flavor, but the sweetness, but it seems a touch of sweet brings out the fragrance more. I don't want super-sweet "Lip Smackers" type stuff, just a hint of sweetness. Hopefully that won't be enough to make people want to lick off all of the good stuff! Anywho, I may have to go unsweetened for this go-round anyway, until I can figure out how I want to sweeten them. Thanks, everyone, for your replies! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scented Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 I use the liquid stevia that Southern Soapers sells and I'll keep using that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CareBear Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 I love Sugar Kisses. I need more Sugar Kisses... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
countyline Posted July 21, 2009 Author Share Posted July 21, 2009 I love Sugar Kisses, too! Oh, wait? Were you talking about an oil? :rolleyes2 Seriously, though. I may have to break down and try this stuff, since everyone seems to love it. Scented: Where do you find liquid Stevia? Anywhere I don't have to order more stuff would be great! I can NOT just order one thing, you know?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scented Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 Southern Soapers. It's a small bottle, but it lasts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann M Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 I use the liquid stevia that Southern Soapers sells and I'll keep using that.I have been using this for the past 18 months or so. I just love it. It takes such a small amount and the bottle lasts forever. Ann M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bells4shells Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 I use the liquid stevia that Southern Soapers sells and I'll keep using that.This isn't the stuff mixed with glycerine is it? I'll have to take a look if it isn't! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
countyline Posted July 21, 2009 Author Share Posted July 21, 2009 This isn't the stuff mixed with glycerine is it? I'll have to take a look if it isn't!http://southernsoapers.com/cart/stevia-sweetener-oil-based-p-285.htmlNo glycerine! May have to try this stuff. Thanks, Scented, for the tip! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NaturallyTru Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 I buy my liquid stevia at my local health food store. Probably more expensive than online; but then I don't pay shipping that way. A bottle lasts a long time for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sister Kya Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 From where I'm sitting (never having tried either one, but considering it) it looks to me like the Stevia from SS is exactly the same as the Stevia from AH/RE but AH/RE sells it for less, especially if you want more than 1 oz...And...with the sampler sale AH/RE is about to begin, methinks it's time to restock sweetener and maybe grab some new flavors too. :rolleyes2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candybee Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 Elements just got a new sweetener in and also some new flavor oils. I orders the sweetener and some flavor oils from them and can't wait to try them out. They are also on sale right now.I ordered the strawberry, cherry blast, pina colada, and root beer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macyboutique Posted July 29, 2009 Share Posted July 29, 2009 Have anyone tried the flavoring oil from BCN? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuminousBoutique Posted July 29, 2009 Share Posted July 29, 2009 I used sweet cakes flavors and sweetener and I got separation.. I'll have to try the stevia! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sister Kya Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 Have anyone tried the flavoring oil from BCN?I've tried most of the flavors. All of my results are posted on the SSRB.I really like most of them but there were some that I liked more than others and the Java never worked for me at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macyboutique Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 What is SSRB? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sister Kya Posted August 2, 2009 Share Posted August 2, 2009 The Soap Scent Review Boardhttp://soapscentreview.obisoap.ca/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sister Kya Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 it looks to me like the Stevia from SS is exactly the same as the Stevia from AH/RE but AH/RE sells it for less, especially if you want more than 1 oz...And now we've got a co-op going here on CraftServer, so the price is even better!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdesousa5 Posted August 14, 2009 Share Posted August 14, 2009 The links for the scent review board don't work. I get a blank page. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sister Kya Posted August 16, 2009 Share Posted August 16, 2009 Right, that's a known issue. The managers are working on it now but aren't really sure just what's wrong... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faerywren Posted September 6, 2009 Share Posted September 6, 2009 I got some of the stevia powder from Brambleberry and it worked pretty well. I always added it to my warm melted oils to make sure it incorporated. Lately, I've been doing more glosses and I've been passing on sweetener and using just the plain flavor oils. They smell yummy, anyway. :-)About the food grade oils. I have used the LorAnn brand in a few different balms..pina colada, watermelon and strawberry. Luckily, I didn't have any ill effects. I have a few balms that I held back to see how they stood the test of time, and now, 2+ years down the road, they look great. Maybe I added the flavors when my oils were hot enough to evaporate any alcohols? *shrug* I've also used the actual lemon and mint oils as flavoring and they've done well, also. As Sister Kya mentioned the usage amount is very important!~Julia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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