How to make Exfoliating Body Scrubs; Formulating for Beginners

Summary

This video offers an in-depth guide on making body scrubs, focusing on both anhydrous (oil-based) and emulsified (water and oil-based) scrubs. It covers basic recipes, ratios, and ingredients, such as oils, sugar, and preservatives, and highlights the differences between body, facial, lip, and foot scrubs. The video also dives into customization options with exfoliants, colorants, and fragrances. The presenter explains key concepts like batch size, formulations, and the importance of using preservatives in emulsified scrubs. Viewers are encouraged to experiment and learn through practical demonstrations and tips.

Takeaways

• 😀 Body scrubs can be formulated in various ways, including body scrubs, foot scrubs, face scrubs, and lip scrubs, with different types of formulations for each.
• 😀 Anhydrous body scrubs are oil-based, made with oil-soluble ingredients, while aqueous body scrubs are water-based and may also contain oil-soluble ingredients.
• 😀 A simple body scrub formula consists of sugar and oil, with a recommended ratio of 20% oil to 80% sugar, but the proportions can be adjusted to personal preference.
• 😀 To convert a formula to a recipe, calculate the desired batch size (e.g., 250g) and determine the amount of each ingredient (e.g., 200g of sugar, 50g of oil).
• 😀 Anhydrous scrubs do not require preservatives but can be susceptible to contamination if exposed to water. It’s best to avoid taking the whole scrub into the shower.
• 😀 For added longevity and to prevent rancidity, ingredients like Vitamin E can be included to extend the shelf life of oils in the scrub, though it doesn't act as a preservative.
• 😀 Other ingredients to enhance scrubs include various exfoliants (e.g., coffee grounds, jojoba pearls, strawberry seeds), fragrance oils, clays, and colorants like mica and iron oxides.
• 😀 Emulsified body scrubs are more complex, requiring melting and mixing of ingredients like emulsifying wax and oils, which results in a less greasy scrub that is easier to handle.
• 😀 Emulsified scrubs offer more versatility in ingredient choices, including oils, butters, waxes, and other emulsifiers, and they have a more stable consistency for shipping and use.
• 😀 Emulsified scrub formulations can vary based on preferences, with adjustments made to ingredients like emulsifying wax and fatty acids to alter the scrub's consistency and texture.

Q & A

What are the two main types of body scrubs mentioned in the video?

The two main types of body scrubs are anhydrous scrubs (oil-based) and aqueous scrubs (water-based).

What is the basic formula for an anhydrous body scrub?

A basic anhydrous body scrub formula consists of 20% oil and 80% sugar. This ratio can be adjusted based on personal preference.

Why is salt not recommended for anhydrous scrubs?

Salt is more abrasive than sugar, and it can burn the skin if there are cuts. Additionally, salt is typically better suited for foot scrubs.

How do you calculate the ingredients for a body scrub recipe based on a batch size?

To calculate the ingredients for a specific batch size, you multiply the percentage of each ingredient by the total batch size. For example, for a 250g batch, you would need 200g of sugar (80%) and 50g of oil (20%).

Why do anhydrous formulations not require preservatives?

Anhydrous formulations do not contain water, which means there is no risk of microbial growth. However, if the scrub comes into contact with water, preservatives may be needed.

What are some common preservatives used in body scrubs?

Common preservatives for oil-based body scrubs include Optifin and Phenonip. Optifin is preferred as it does not contain parabens.

What is the purpose of vitamin E in body scrub formulations?

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps prevent oils from going rancid, prolonging the shelf life of the scrub, though it is not a preservative.

How do emulsified body scrubs differ from basic body scrubs?

Emulsified scrubs require the melting of ingredients like waxes, oils, and butters, and then solidifying them to create a less greasy and more stable product. They also allow for a wider variety of ingredients.

What ingredients can be used in emulsified body scrubs?

Emulsified body scrubs can contain emulsifying wax, fatty acids, oils, butters, oil-soluble extracts, fragrances, mica powder, and preservatives like Optifin.

What is a typical formula for an emulsified scrub?

A basic emulsified scrub formula includes 10% emulsifying wax, 3% stearic acid (or fatty alcohols), 34% oil, 1.5% Optifin (preservative), 0.5% vitamin E, 1% fragrance, and 50% sugar.

Why are aqueous scrubs usually more expensive than anhydrous scrubs?

Aqueous scrubs typically contain more expensive ingredients and require more specialized formulations, including water-soluble ingredients and preservatives to prevent contamination.

Can you use salt in aqueous scrubs?

No, salt cannot be used in aqueous scrubs because it dissolves in water, which can cause clumping and affect the consistency of the scrub.

Why is it important to adjust the ratios of emulsifiers and hardeners in emulsified scrubs?

Adjusting the ratios of emulsifiers and hardeners, like stearic acid, allows you to control the consistency of the scrub, making it softer or firmer depending on your preference.