Lavender Essential Oil - Information and Allergens

Lavender Essential Oil Description

The sweet fragrant smell of lavender 40/42 essential oil supplied in a quality Glass Amber Bottle with a dropper lid. Heavenly!!

Botanical Name: Lavandula officinalis
Plant Part: Flower head
Extraction Method: Steam distilled (40/42% Ester)
Description: The plant grows to about 1 meter in height and produces long thin purple- blue flowers. The entire plant is covered with oil glands, which are in the star shaped hairs that cover the plant.
Colour: Pale yellow with a tint of green
Consistency: Light
Note: Top
Aroma Strength:Strong
Blends well with: Most oils, especially citrus and florals; also clove, cedarwood, clary sage, pine, geranium, patchouli, etc. Aromatic Scent: Floral, herbaceous, fresh with balsamic woody undertone.
History: Lavender has been used since ancient times as much for it’s perfume as for it’s medicinal properties. Romans added lavender to their bath water, hence the name derived from the word ‘to wash’ – lavare.
Cautions: Avoid high doses during pregnancy because it is a uterine stimulant.

Usage Information

This is a concentrate which can be used in Soap, Candle and Potpourri making. This is also beautiful when burnt in an oil lamp to pamper yourself or maybe create a mood for that special massage.

This is a beautiful concentrate which can be incorporated with any of your soap or candle making materials to be sold within this country.

Candle Flash Point 71°C

Vegetable Waxes & Paraffin Wax Maximum Use 10%

Potpourri & Incense Maximum Use 50%

Bath Oils, Soaps, Bath Gels Maximum Use 10%

Lotions & Perfumes Maximum Use 5%

Cleaning Products Maximum Use 10%

Green Range Recommendations

Less is often more with Essential Oils so often just a few drops in a cosmetic cream or cosmetic body butter is perfect. For wash off products such as Melt and Pour Soap, Bubble Bath, Shower Gel, Organic Shampoo and Organic Conditioner try using 1% per volume so the essential perfume lasts in the product.

If you want to try a scented face cream or hand cream really try to keep the essential perfume at a minimum. 1 to 2 drops per 100g of product. Your skin will appreciate this.

Foot creams and butters you can add more but remember absorption into the feet is the quickest way into your blood stream so consult an aromatherapist if unsure.

Aromatherapy massage oils are heavenly but again keep your additions to a minimum and if unsure ask an aromatherapist. Adding the 100% pure oils to carrier oils such as grapeseed oil, extra virgin olive oil is a great way of maximising the usage whilst being kind to your skin.

 

Allergen Information

• COUMARIN
  • Inclusion Level: 0.1%
  • CAS Number: 91-64-5
• GERANIOL
  • Inclusion Level: 0.6%
  • CAS Number: 106-24-1
• LINALOOL
  • Inclusion Level: 38%
  • CAS Number: 78-70-6
• LIMONENE
  • Inclusion Level: 2%
  • CAS Number: 5989-27-5

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Teddy Soap Making Kit - How To Make Soaps With Kids?

Teddy Soap Making Kit Instructions

Making your own soaps with your children is a fantastic way of introducing healthy skin care in a fun and bright way. Make bath time fun and rewarding with a product made by little hands.

Safety Guidelines

Melt and Pour Soap does not need to be boiled so make sure you heat gently until the soap is just melted. If you are worried about little hands getting burnt use a plastic measuring jug so you have a handle to move the soap around and it is nice and easy to pour.

Soap Making Checklist

First time making melt and pour soap. Ensure you have all you need with our soap making check list.

Make sure you have the teddy bear mould like this denny teddy craft mould.

Melting Your Soap

You will need 200g of soap to make 4 bear faces. Cut your soap into small chunks and return to the microwave container. Melt the base slowly on a low setting starting with 40 seconds. Then burst of 10 seconds until all the lumps have gone. Try to avoid boiling as this will affect the quality of your finished soap.

**SAFETY** Ensure children are supervised when cutting and heating soap.

Colouring Your Soap

You now need to work fast once your soap base has melted. Add your colour a few drops at a time until you reach your desired colour. Add colour slowly because you can always add more but you cannot remove colour if it gets too deep.

If you want to make a brown bear, try adding some cocoa powder just a little from your kitchen cupboard. Will make the bear smell divine and give you a chocolate brown looking bear. The more cocoa powder you add the darker the bear.

REMEMBER: Only use our cosmetic grade colours and take care handling these colours as they are very concentrated. Protect all clothes and work surfaces.

Add Your Fragrance

Add you cosmetic grade fragrance oil in a general ratio of 2mls per 200g of soap base which is one fifth of a glass bottle. The intensity of the fragrance is personal choice but in general do not add more than 10mls per kilo especially for sensitive kids skin. Choose a fragrance that your children love.

**NOTE** Chocolate, coconut and vanilla can change the colour of your soap.

Pouring into the Soap Mould

Pour an equal amount of soap into each teddy mould, letting any air bubbles rise to the top. Lightly spray the top of the soap base with surgical spirits and the bubbles will disappear. Allow the soap to cool for one to two hours then place in the freezer for a few minutes. This helps to release the soap from the mould.

Removing The Soap From The Mould

Turn over the mould and press with your middle two fingers to release the soap. Press gently at first gradually increasing the pressure until your soap pops out. It should take around 15 seconds for the soap to release, do not exert sudden pressure on the mould as this can damage the mould.

Wrapping Your Teddy soaps

As your soap contains natural glycerine, it will attract moisture from the air so you will need to wrap it in a protective layer. Use cellophane or cellophane bags to keep your teddies safe for bath time.

Where To Start?

You can either pop along to our shop with your shopping list and select what you need or try our teddy soap making kit which has everything you need except the microwave.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil - Information and Allergens

Eucalyptus Essential Oil Description

The luxurious deep herby smell of Eucalyptus Globulus supplied in a quality 10ml Glass Amber Bottle with a dropper lid. Heavenly!!

Botanical Name: Eucalyptus globulus
Plant Part: Wood and leaves
Extraction Method: Steam
Description: The Eucalyptus tree is beautiful; it is a tall evergreen that can grow up to 90 metres high (270 feet). The young trees have oval bluish-green leaves while the mature trees develop long, narrow, yellowish leaves, creamy-white flowers and a smooth, pale grey bark.
Colour: Clear
Consistency: Thin
Note: Top
Aroma Strength: Strong
Blends well with: pine, thyme, lavender, rosemary, marjoram, cedarwood and lemon.
Aromatic Scent: Eucalyptus has a very herbaceous scent. It also has soft wood undertones.
History: Eucalyptus essential oil has long been used in homes in Australia. In Spain, the timber of Eucalyptus was used in construction.
Cautions: Eucalyptus should be used in dilution, and avoided during pregnancy.

Usage Information

This is a concentrate which can be used in Soap, Candle and Potpourri making. This is also beautiful when burnt in an oil lamp to pamper yourself or maybe create a mood for that special massage.

This is a beautiful concentrate which can be incorporated with any of your soap or candle making materials to be sold within this country.

Candle Flash Point 47°C

Vegetable Waxes & Paraffin Wax Maximum Use 10%

Potpourri & Incense Maximum Use 50%

Bath Oils, Soaps, Bath Gels Maximum Use 10%

Lotions & Perfumes Maximum Use 5%

Cleaning Products Maximum Use 10%

Green Range Recommendations

Less is often more with Essential Oils so often just a few drops in a cosmetic cream or cosmetic body butter is perfect. For wash off products such as Melt and Pour Soap, Bubble Bath, Shower Gel, Organic Shampoo and Organic Conditioner try using 1% per volume so the essential perfume lasts in the product.

If you want to try a scented face cream or hand cream really try to keep the essential perfume at a minimum. 1 to 2 drops per 100g of product. Your skin will appreciate this.

Foot creams and butters you can add more but remember absorption into the feet is the quickest way into your blood stream so consult an aromatherapist if unsure.

Aromatherapy massage oils are heavenly but again keep your additions to a minimum and if unsure ask an aromatherapist. Adding the 100% pure oils to carrier oils such as grapeseed oil, extra virgin olive oil is a great way of maximising the usage whilst being kind to your skin.

 

Allergen Information

• LIMONENE
  • Inclusion Level: 8%
  • CAS Number: 5989-27-5

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Why We Use Aluminium Containers?

Why We Use Aluminium Containers For Our Toiletries and Cosmetics?

We have been asked by many of our customers why we use aluminium containers over PET plastic.

• Is it because they look contemporary and stunning? Yes

• Is it because they keep the contents in prime cosmetic shape and increase shelf life? Yes

The main reason is however re-use in two forms. We have an independent article later on from hydro.com about how aluminium is the green metal being so recyclable.

Aluminium Re-use At Home

Why not reuse our containers for your own home made cosmetics or household products such as washing up liquid to add a touch of style.

 All but the bubble bath come with a pump so they are just perfect. We can supply a pump for the bubble bath if you ask.

Even the tins can be used for storage of buttons, pins,etc..

The wadding can be removed and after a good wash they are perfect for anything.

Just remember when you have finished with them make sure you pop them in the recycle box.

If the perfume is still that little bit too strong, try washing with just a touch of vinegar to help neutralize the container.

Aluminium the Green Metal

(Original Resource: http://www.hydro.com/en/Subsites/Extrusion-Ltd/Aluminium/Recycling-Aluminium/)

Aluminium has a unique and unbeatable combination of properties that make it into a versatile, highly usable and attractive material.

Lightweight, high strength, durability and resistance to corrosion are some of the key benefits of aluminium.

Aluminium is also one of the most environmentally friendly metals in use today.

One of the major advantages of aluminium is that it is recyclable, which is a characteristic that can be designed into any product, regardless of its use.

What starts life as a walkway on a bridge can, in another incarnation, become a window or curtain walling section.

In fact, Aluminium is infinitely recyclable which is why it is often referred to as the “green metal”. Because of this feature, 70% of all aluminium which has ever been produced is still in use.

The properties of the recycled material are no different from the primary metal. In contrast to many other materials, aluminium’s properties never change.

However recycled aluminium uses only 5% of the energy used when producing primary metal from raw materials, reducing environmental impacts by 95%.

Today 95% of aluminium used in automative applications is recycled. For buildings and cans the recycling rate is 95% and 57% respectively.

Hydro scores highest among aluminium companies in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) rankings. All process scrap, even swarf, is recycled, different alloys being segregated to achieve optimum recycling economies.

Used metal recycling is an area that Hydro will be concentrating on in the future. By 2012 Hydro will have doubled the volume of aluminium scrap that we recycle.

Calendula Oil - Why We Use It In Our Cosmetics?

Calendula Oil Benefits

Calendula flowers or its petals are steeped in oil to extract a golden orange coloured oil. Calendula oil is one of the amazing oils for alleviating a number of common skin problems. We use calendula petals steeped in Sunflower Oil due to its emollient properties.

Calendula, also known as pot marigold is a genus, that includes around 12 to 20 species of annual or perennial plants. Calendula or pot marigold is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the plant family Asteraceae. Its flowers are bright yellow to orange-colored, and their petals are used to extract oil with the help of steam distillation.

This is basically classified as infused oil, as the flower petals are infused or steeped in oil, we prefer Sunflower Oil. The oil extracted in this way is usually golden orange in color with a wonderful aroma.

This oil is known for its amazing healing and soothing properties. Even the ancient Egyptians were aware of its benefits for skin, and used it for curing a number of skin conditions.

Calendula Oil Uses

It is cherished for its mildness, for which it can be used even by those people who have a sensitive skin. Apart from being a mild and soothing oil, calendula has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial and anti fungal properties, which make it an ideal oil to treat a number of skin disorders and infections.

More commonly, it is the oil preferred for treating dry and chapped skin, skin rash, wounds, burns, inflammation, skin irritation and several other skin disorders. Commercially, it serves as an excellent base for salves, lotions, creams, herbal ointments and many other natural cosmetics. It is also one of the commonly used base oil in aromatherapy.

Calendula Oil Benefits

Its benefits can be attributed to its medicinal properties. This oil possesses anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. At the same time, it is so mild that it can be used on infants and young children as well. Even people having sensitive skin can also benefit from this oil.

• It is an excellent remedy for soothing and moisturising dry and chapped skin.
• Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, this oil can be used for skin sores and inflammation. It can relieve the swelling and inflammation caused by bruise or muscle sprain as well.
• This oil is gentle enough to be used on babies or infants. Using this oil for diaper rash can help to provide significant relief in this skin condition.
• The oil extracted from calendula blossoms can also be used for accelerating the healing of minor cuts or wounds, acne, burns, insect bites, bed sores and sore feet.
• It is a traditional remedy for some common digestive problems like, stomach cramps, flatulence, constipation and colic.
• People suffering from dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema can also benefit from the topical application of calendula extract and oil. This oil can reduce the skin inflammation associated with such conditions.
• It is renowned for its antifungal properties. It can work as an amazing remedy for ringworm, jock itch and athlete's foot.
• This oil can also be helpful for conditions like, varicose veins, spider veins, leg ulcers and chilblains. Chilblains is the condition characterized by the inflammation of the hands and feet, due to an exposure to extreme cold or moisture.
• Apart from these, you can use it for scars, or for preventing or reducing the formation of scar tissues. Oil derived from calendula can increase the collagen level, and this is the reason why it can prevent the formation of scar tissues, while facilitating the healing of wounds.

So, this oil can be considered beneficial for maintaining a healthy and problem free skin. It can be termed as an invaluable oil, when it comes to skin care. Using this oil for massaging the skin can help in cell regeneration, besides making your skin soft, supple and radiant.

  Original Article By Chandramita Bora

Stephensons White Opaque Melt and Pour Soap Base - Technical Information

Stephensons White Opaque Melt and Pour Soap Base

The Stephensons Melt and Pour White Soap Base is the same formula as the Clear Soap Base. It is odor free and is cream to white in color. This Glycerin Soap base is all vegetable oil and contains no alcohol or harmful products to dry your skin! Glycerin, a natural emollient, draws moisture out of the air to benefit skin health. It cleanses without stripping or upsetting the delicate natural pH balance necessary for soft, healthy skin. And, since we use no heavy animal oils, our soap rinses clean and leaves no soapy film behind. All our soap bases are produced from the highest quality double distilled and deodorized clear coconut oil, forming luxurious lather and sparkling clarity.

Features

• Highly moisturizing formula
• No artificial colors added
• No animal testing
• 100% Vegetable base
• Biodegradable
• Creamy luxurious lather
• Wide temperature ranges, from 140 F to 180 F
• Odorless base for a superior fragrance lift
• Neutral pH of approximately 7.8
• Compatible with wide range of fragrances

Top Tip

Ingredients

• Water
• Glycerin
• Sodium Stearate
• Sorbitol
• Sodium Laurate
• Propylene Glycol
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
• Sodium Chloride
• Stearic Acid
• Lauric Acid
• Titanium Dioxide
• Pentasodium Pentetate
• Tetrasodium Etidronate

Our Review

We have found this base to be one of the best generic melt and pour bases out there with a soft lather and brilliant white finish.

It does contain a very small amount of SLS but we find it suitable for all but the most sensitive of skin. This base feels much nicer on the skin and seems leave the skin softer than the Claranol SLS free version.

The natural base is the other alternative which contains no synthetic foamer but we really don't like that base. It doesn't leave a nice feeling on the skin and hardly foams.

So unless you have ultra sensitive skin this is a great base to start your adventure into soap making.

The base can also be coloured but the shades won't be as bright as with the Crystal Clear version but you can still make very pretty coloured soaps.

Where To Start?

Clary Sage Essential Oil - Information and Allergens

Clary Sage Essential Oil Description

The luxurious deep earthy floral smell of Clary Sage supplied in a quality Glass Amber Bottle with a dropper lid. Heavenly!!
Botanical Name: Salvia sclarea
Plant Part: Leaves and Flowers
Extraction Method: Steam
Description: Clary Sage is a short biennial or perennial herb that grows up to 1 meter in height (approximately 3 feet). It has large, hairy leaves with small bluish – purple flowers.
Colour: Light Golden Yellow
Consistency: Thin to Medium
Note: Middle
Aroma Strength: Medium to Strong
Blends well with: Clary Sage essential oil blends well with generally any essential oil, though it works particularly well with Bergamot, Cedarwood, Roman Chamomile, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Orange, Rosewood, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang.
Aromatic Scent: Clary Sage essential oil has an earthy, fruity and floral aroma that is both nutty and herbaceous.
History: The name Clary Sage is derived from the Latin word for clear – probably because the herb was once used for clearing mucous from the eyes. During the sixteenth century it was also used in England for brewing beer as a replacement for hops.
Cautions: Clary Sage is non-toxic, and non-sensitizing. It is not to be used during pregnancy.

Usage Information

This is a concentrate which can be used in Soap, Candle and Potpourri making. This is also beautiful when burnt in an oil lamp to pamper yourself or maybe create a mood for that special massage.
This is a beautiful concentrate which can be incorporated with any of your soap or candle making materials to be sold within this country.
Candle Flash Point 79°C
Vegetable Waxes & Paraffin Wax Maximum Use 10%
Potpourri & Incense Maximum Use 50%
Bath Oils, Soaps, Bath Gels Maximum Use 10%
Lotions & Perfumes Maximum Use 5%
Cleaning Products Maximum Use 10%

Green Range Recommendations

Less is often more with Essential Oils so often just a few drops in a cosmetic cream or cosmetic body butter is perfect. For wash off products such as Melt and Pour Soap, Bubble Bath, Shower Gel, Organic Shampoo and Organic Conditioner try using 1% per volume so the essential perfume lasts in the product.

If you want to try a scented face cream or hand cream really try to keep the essential perfume at a minimum. 1 to 2 drops per 100g of product. Your skin will appreciate this.

Foot creams and butters you can add more but remember absorption into the feet is the quickest way into your blood stream so consult an aromatherapist if unsure.

Aromatherapy massage oils are heavenly but again keep your additions to a minimum and if unsure ask an aromatherapist. Adding the 100% pure oils to carrier oils such as grapeseed oil, extra virgin olive oil is a great way of maximising the usage whilst being kind to your skin.

 

Allergen Information

• GERANIOL
  • Inclusion Level: 2.2%
  • CAS Number: 106-24-1
• LINALOOL
  • Inclusion Level: 24%
  • CAS Number: 78-70-6
• LIMONENE
  • Inclusion Level: 1%
  • CAS Number: 5989-27-5

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