Combining stable substances?

[luvpawpaw]

Hi all, I'm a newby Would like to mention in advance that this website has been an inspiration - you are all very talented and interesting peeps to say the least ... if i could invite you all to dinner i would but i suppose that would be a bit ... well ... not possible ...

Ive been making my own products for a while now - simple ones i suppose, but am becoming more adventurous.

I find myself wondering about 'stable substances'.

I would like to add the benefits of apple cider vinegar to my bath oils, I just dont know whether doing this would require a preservative?

I have researched forever but cannot find a single definite answer - as to whether this would be viable?

Would oils mixed with a bit of vinegar spoil?

My second question is whether or not I can add dry substances to oils without worry?

Okay, I know for a fact that adding salt, clays and oils work okay - because I have mixed up such concoctions in the past.

But what about adding powdered honey to oils? Dried fruit extracts to oils?

Would adding any dry substance to oil bases be safe? (considering they were all kept in an air-tight container) or is this not the case?

I like to keep my products as natural as can be, so would love some input regarding the above.

If any of you can share any light - i would very much appreciate it.

Logics tell me that vinegar doesn't spoil - and oil (for example fractionated coconut oil - is very stable) Would combining the two change all that?

Would adding honey powder to my bath salts (which include oils) make them require a preservative?

Sorry - and apologies in advance if these questions seem novice but I honestly cant find any real answers elsewhere. I am banking on your expertise

Thanks so much

Miss PP

[mychellec]

You might want to consider adding preservative whenever you add extracts, botanicals, etc to anything - even if it is anhydrous. Anything food-based is definitely going to require a preservative, in my experience. Salt and sugar can remain stable in an oil mixture as long as water is not exposed to the mix - I use a preservative for anhydrous products (such as phenonip) for my scrubs. Clays do tend toward microbial contamination, so you will want to preserve your oil/clay mixes as well (remember, just because you can't see growth doesn't mean it isn't contaminated). I am also very careful with extracts, botanicals, honey and aloe powders, etc - these things are classic "bug food," especially if water or bacteria are introduced. Also, Apple Cider Vinegar will need an emulsifier, such as Polysorbate 20, to blend with your oils - otherwise it will just sit on top. HTH! Happy crafting!

[luvpawpaw]

Thanks so much for your response and advise

Could you perhaps recommend a 'natural' preservative for such products?

Bath salts combined with honey powder and clays .... ? Normally I would just add the combo of grape seed extract as well as vitamin E. Thought that would be enough .... for simple oil and 'dry substance' mixes?

Also, why is it so - do you think?

I am just trying to understand it all. If oil is stable - and something like salt is .... and again something like DRY honey is - on its own. What / and why would dry honey powder (for eg) all of a sudden become unstable, once combined with oils?