Cocoa Butter Benefits For Skin

Have you ever wondered where the rich, creamy ingredient in your favorite skincare products comes from? I’m talking about cocoa butter, and it’s not just popping out of nowhere. This moisturizing marvel begins its life as seeds within the pods of the cacao tree, primarily found in the lush tropics.

Natural Coconut Body Butter

Now, what exactly happens between those cacao seeds and the cocoa butter in your products? It all starts with the seeds being harvested, fermented, and dried, which provides the base for what will become two beloved ingredients: chocolate and cocoa butter. The next step is pressing the fat out of the cacao beans at high pressure, yielding the golden butter, while the remaining components forge ahead to become cocoa powder.

Cocoa butter is a powerhouse of nutrition for your skin. It’s brimming with fatty acids like palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids, all of which are superstars for maintaining skin’s moisture and elasticity. And that’s just scratching the surface! The butter also contains vitamins and antioxidants that pamper the skin, guiding it towards naturally glowing health. You can imagine your skin saying, ‘Thank you!’ every time you apply it.

I’m sure you’re with me when I say that where our products come from matters. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it shapes the futures of local farming communities and the environment. So make sure you’re choosing cocoa butter that’s sourced ethically. That way, we get to enjoy the benefits without contributing to unwelcome practices like deforestation or unfair labor conditions.

With a better understanding of cocoa butter’s origins and its nourishing substance, let’s explore how this ingredient works tirelessly to keep your skin at the top of its game. In the next section, we’ll delve deep into the skin benefits of cocoa butter and discover how it’s making waves in various skincare products.

Embracing Natural Care: The Multifold Skin Benefits of Cocoa Butter

So you’ve learned about where cocoa butter comes from and its journey from the cocoa bean to your skincare routine. Now, let’s talk about what it can do for your skin. First up, we’re going to address its hydrating superpowers. Dry, flaky skin is no match for cocoa butter’s rich, fatty acid content, helping your skin retain moisture and maintain its elasticity.

If you’re looking to fade scars and blemishes, cocoa butter could be your new go-to. Some studies suggest that the regular application of cocoa butter might improve the appearance of scars, although more research is needed to understand the full extent of its benefits. But that’s not all. Cocoa butter is also an antioxidant stronghold, providing your skin with a line of defense against the environmental stressors that can lead to premature aging.



Considering the benefits, it’s no wonder you’ll find cocoa butter in a multitude of skincare products. Whether it’s in a luxurious body lotion, a hydrating lip balm, or a creamy hand cream, cocoa butter is everywhere. Its capacity to smooth, soften, and nourish your skin has made it a staple ingredient for those looking to enhance the health and appearance of their skin without resorting to harsh chemicals.

How can you start reaping these benefits? Well, integrating cocoa butter into your skincare regimen is downright simple. Choose products that list cocoa butter as one of the first few ingredients to ensure you’re getting an effective amount. Remember, everyone’s skin is unique, so monitor how your skin responds. Don’t worry too much about getting it perfect on the first try; you can always adjust your approach down the road.

To sum up, cocoa butter is a natural, powerful ingredient that might be just what your skincare routine is missing. By utilizing a product that includes this hydrating, healing, and protective ingredient, you could see enhancements in the suppleness, clarity, and overall resilience of your skin. Choose something that resonates with you, and remember to give your skin the care it deserves. After all, healthy skin is happy skin!

Follow this link to Cocoa Butter and Soap

Here is some more information on the benefits of Cocoa Butter 

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Posted in Bath and Body | 2 Comments

Lip Balm Recipe

You can make your own all-natural lip balm recipes from this one simple recipe.  like in cooking, you can alter the ingredients and get the same but different meals.  Lip balms are no different, well, lotions too.

Generally, you will need beeswax, not crude oil-based paraffin wax.  You could get stearic acid wax or emulsifying wax, just make sure they are vegetable oil-based, usually from palm trees, as these waxes could be petroleum-based as well.

nice labeling on a clear pot, or should you go with a tube?

Not all natural lip balms are natural. Or it’s all-natural till they put in the flavor – which is not natural. There is a lot of leeway on what claims are vs what is really in that product. So making your own is one way to ensure the naturalness of your lip balm.

You will have to decide if to put your lip balm into little pots or tubes. There are pros and cons to both. The little pots are way easier to fill, less messy, and cost about 50 cents and up, the metal pots are about $1.00.  The tubes are way harder to fill, there will be a mess, and cost just a little more than the pots. I have a tool that the tubes attach to making it less messy and you can fill many tubes at the same time.  Below is a link to one they sell for about $15.00 and are well worth it.  The tubes attach to the tray and you pour over it.

Lip Balm Filling Tray

Also when filling the tubes, the warm liquid lip balm is getting thicker by the minute, making the filling a little more harder to do.  Using the filling tray helps with this, being able to pour more than one at a time.  The finished product, a tube is nicer to apply the lip balm with, rather than with your finger with the pots.

All natural Lip  Balm recipes:

  • 4 T of cocoa butter (or shea butter, mango butter, coconut oil)
  • 1/4 oz of beeswax
  • 1 1/4 T of jojoba oil (or rosehip oil, hemp oil, olive oil)
  • couple drops of Vitamin E – optional
  • couple drops of food-grade flavor – optional
  • melt together over a low-temperature

Some butters and oils have different finishes, for example, cocoa butter and olive oil leave a very shiny surface. Whereas mango butter and rose hip oil leave a matte finish. When making this lip balm, if you do not like the finished texture, it is an easy fix. If it is too soft, add more wax, and if too hard, add more liquid oils.

The following lip balm is all-natural, I checked their website. They’re labeling uses only the Latin or nomenclature wording for the ingredients, which is fine except that regular people may want to know what “helianthus annuus” is. It’s sunflower oil, by the way. Nice brand name, nicely separated wording, a great color scheme, and clear tubes.

 

 

The famous Burt’s Bees, which has been sold to the Clorox company for millions, gotta retire sometime right? Their labeling states “aroma”, for the vanilla and pumpkin spice varieties, and says 100% natural, yet I don’t think I can go a pick “aroma” off a tree. Anyway, I have used this brand before, and it doesn’t have the staying power that cherry chapstick does. I’ve tried a lot of natural lip balms and none of them have. My lip balm was probably a little on the harder side. Nice when making your own, you can perfect it the way you want.


Read about the amazing skin benefits that cocoa butter has, here.

#makingsoapnaturally #lipbalmrecipe #naturallipbalmrecipe #soap #giftideas #christmas #handmadesoap #naturalsoap #bathandbody
Posted in Skin Care | Leave a comment

Honey And Skin Care

Why is Honey Good for the Skin?

I’ve always been amazed by nature’s gifts.

Honey ranks high on my list for its array of uses and not only does it sweeten my tea, but I’ve also incorporated it into my skincare routine with impressive results. Why is honey good for the skin, you ask? Well, this delightful substance is much more than just a natural sweetener; it’s a powerhouse of skin-loving properties.

Honey acts as a natural moisturizer. Its humectant qualities allow it to draw moisture from the air into the skin, ensuring your face stays hydrated and supple. This is especially useful for those who experience dry skin. Additionally, honey’s rich antioxidant content helps to protect the skin by fighting off free radicals that can accelerate the aging process.

But the benefits don’t stop there. Honey comes packed with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can calm irritated skin and promote healing. It’s a common go-to for acne treatment because it can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that cause skin blemishes. Moreover, the gentle exfoliating effect of enzymes found in honey helps to clear dead skin cells without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Manuka Honey Antibacterial Wound Care

Now, when we talk about tackling skin blemishes, honey is a real game-changer. It can improve the appearance of persistent blemishes and scars, thanks to its soothing and repairing qualities. The enzymes in honey clarify the skin, while its natural antiseptic properties can reduce the appearance and prevent the occurrence of acne.

Honey’s Healing Touch: Beyond Skin Deep

While it’s no secret that honey can work wonders for the skin, its impact on health spans much further. Honey, a gift from bees, is a potent elixir that supports general well-being, but how does it fare when we look closer at its purported health benefits?

Honey’s composition is as complex as it is beneficial. It’s filled with natural sugars, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These components have been celebrated for their healing properties. When regularly incorporated into a diet, honey could play a role in antioxidant defense systems, contributing to reduced inflammation and improved heart health.

The idea that honey can improve athletic performance isn’t baseless either. Its natural sugars, glucose, and fructose act as energy sources, which can be particularly useful for endurance athletes seeking a quick burst of energy. However, despite the potential benefits, it’s important for athletes to consume honey in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.

Organic Honey Energy Chews (gluten-free)

But honey’s influence doesn’t stop at diet and energy levels. Scientists have scrutinized honey for its therapeutic potential, finding evidence of its ability to combat certain bacteria and support digestive health. This supports the concept that honey’s use in medicine could go beyond a simple home remedy.

Crafting Honey-Infused Skincare Products at Home

It’s empowering to take skincare into your own hands, especially with ingredients as natural and effective as honey. The combination of clay and honey in a face mask harnesses their collective benefits for an at-home spa experience. Making your own Clay and Honey face mask not only personalizes your skincare regimen but also ensures you’re using the freshest, most natural ingredients. I’ll guide you through creating this simple yet potent mask, focusing on the complementary roles of clay’s purifying properties and honey’s hydrating effects.

However, the adaptability of honey extends beyond face masks. It’s also a fantastic addition to homemade soaps, providing moisturizing properties that leave the skin soft and supple. If you’re intrigued by the idea of crafting your own Honey-infused soap, I’m here to walk you through the benefits, along with a word of caution. Honey can be tricky to work with due to its thickness and the way it reacts during the soap-making process, but with precise instructions, you can create a luxurious soap that elevates your daily routine.

You can purchase this Oatmeal and Honey Melt and Pour Soap on Amazon – just click on the link

Remember, while incorporating honey into your skincare products offers numerous perks, it’s crucial to be mindful of any allergies and to conduct a patch test before indulging in a full application. With careful consideration and a little creativity, honey can become a staple in your beauty cabinet, naturally enhancing your skin’s health and glow.

#makingsoapnaturally #handmadesoap #naturalsoap #soapmaking #soaps #artisansoap #bathandbody #cpsoap #skincare
Posted in Skin Care | 5 Comments

Pop up Market Tents

These pop-up market tents are great for farmer’s markets

I just replaced my old Impact one with this one….what a great price!

My old tent was also an Impact Tent – I had it for 12 years and took it to markets every summer – Farmer’s market from May to Sept, music festivals, and more.  Packing up during a storm someone came to help me and the tent leg got stuck and snapped,    So it was time to get a new one.  I never replaced the top in these years, but did have to spray with water repellent the last few years.

These tents are easy to put up and take down by yourself when on solid surfaces.  I find when I am on grass I can do it alone by walking the corners in, but it is easier with someone to help.

Follow this link to get your Impact Pop-Up Canopy Tent

The storage bag has wheels making it easy to move.

The pocket on the front of the storage bag holds the canvas top, or if you buy sides they can be folded up and put in there as well.  Comes with spikes and a rope kit.

I would highly recommend this tent to anyone wanting to do markets.

easy to set up, great size 10 x 10, canvas UV-coated waterproof top.

Below are some other products from Impact Canopy – side walls, mesh walls, etc

Tent Side Wall

A tent is a must for doing Farmer’s markets and other events.  For a soap business, it’s very important to keep the sun off your soap.  Exposing it to the sun can fade the color and cause soft oils like olive oil to oxidize giving your soap those dreaded Orange Spots also known as DOS.

I always try to get a spot where my tent will shade the soap.  The heat can also cause problems if you are selling lotions and creams.  Too hot and those can turn to liquid.

If the temperatures are scorching I take a cooler to put some products in.   I have also bought some nice reusable gel ice packs that I can put under the display to keep them cool.


These packs have been great!

Some of the pop-up tents also come with sides, which can be handy.  If I am doing an outdoor two or three-day market I always attach the sides and roll them up, this way I can pull them half down, or one side or the other, and then at the end of the day close the tent up.


Market Tent Side Walls

When I first got my tent the side walls were all solid, since I have seen some with windows, which can be nice at events.  It brings the light in and you can also see through them.  With the solid walls, you are in your tent and don’t see what’s going on around you.  Often at the two-day events, there will be music or other events that you can watch.

The tent walls below come in all kinds of colors and are reasonable prices.  I’m pretty certain I am going to get a pair for next year’s markets.

SideWall for 10 x 10 Canopy Frame – 2 Pack 

Another option for side walls are screen.  They let the light in but not the direct sunlight and if it’s a hot day the breeze will come through.


Half walls are great, especially if you are storing your stock under tables.  The half walls will hide this giving you a nice clean look for the event.

These half-walls attach nicely to the poles and come in a variety of colors.

Sunwall two Half Walls  for 10 x 10 Market Tent

Canopy Weights – Tent Weight Bags

There are many different kinds of weight bags out there.  Some you fill with sand, others you can fill with water, weight plates, and others are made of concrete.

When I first started doing the markets, the only option was bags you fill with sand.  This year I will be upgrading.  Below are some of the options I will be considering.

The first one I am looking at is the Tent Weight Plates.  They are 27 lbs and I like how they lock around the canopy pole.

Tent weight plates – 27lb 4 pack 

These are a little more expensive than the sandbags, but they look to me to be easier to pack and easier to use.

The Bag Feet Drum is the second one I have looked at, these drums can be filled with sand or water.  Filling with water would make them light to pack and fill at the event.  The price is about the same as the weight plates. At the time of this writing that was $77.74

 

Bag Feet Drum – Fill with Water or Sand

The Weight Bags

This is what I am currently using and have been using for 15 years.  They work well, but after all this time the bags are wearing down and the sand is leaking out in a couple of them.

These bags are attached to a rope from your tent and hold the tent down.

These are relatively cheap to purchase with a price of 25.95 at the time of this writing, and they did last me 15 years.

Leg Weights for Pop-Up Canopy Tent

So there you have it.  A market tent will be one of the best investments you ever make especially if you are doing farmer’s markets and other outdoor events.

The choice of side walls varies between half, mesh, or full walls. What you choose will be determined by the type of event you are doing.  For overnight venues, I highly recommend the full side walls so you can close your tent up for the night.



The weights are a must even if you stake the legs down.  I have seen tents fly away on more than one occasion.  So make sure you are weighted down well.

#handmadesoap #naturalsoap #makingsoapnaturally #soapmaking #soapmaking #soaps #artisansoap #bathandbody #cpsoap #coldprocesssoap #etsy #soapbase #soapcrafter #soapmaker #soaping #soapcrafting #soaphandmade #soap #giftidea #christmas #barsoap #handmadesoap #natural #organic #skincare #coldprocess #soapsupplies

 

 

Posted in Craft Fairs and Events | 3 Comments

Soap Making Kits

If you are interested in making your own homemade soap but are not really sure if you are ready to jump into it.  Some really good soap-making kits can help you get started.

Making soap 

Making soap can be an expensive hobby, but if you want to turn it into a business it may not be so expensive.  I can attest to this.

I started out making soap for my own health, then started experimenting with adding color and essential oils, it got costly because the essential oils were so expensive to buy in small quantities.  It got to the point that I and a friend would order and split the costs.  Later she went on to open a soap-making store in our town and ordering bulk helped us both. Continue reading

Posted in Making Soaps | 4 Comments

Best Oil to Make Soap

Trying to figure out the best oil to make soap when creating a soap recipe can be confusing.  What and how much of each oil should I use?

 

There are so many reasons and/or purposes for each of the oils used for making soap. Below you will find a list of the Pros and cons of some of the most used Oils and butter in soap making.



Pros and Cons of the best oil to make soap

When choosing oils for making soap different oils and fats will give your soap different properties.  Solid oils like palm, palm kernel, and coconut oil, and fats like lard and tallow will make a hard bar. Continue reading

Posted in Recipes, Soap and Skin Loving Oils | 7 Comments

About Teresa

Hello and welcome to my site!

“Happy New Year!

This morning I realized it’s been a few years since I started this website and I thought it is probably time to update my about me page…..this was written a few years ago.  I guess that makes  20+ years of experience.  I don’t do the markets so much anymore, have slowed down and am just doing a few shows each year and a couple of stores.

I’m here to pass on some of my knowledge and recipes to the younger soapers that are starting and want to learn and get recipes from me ”  Jan 2023 Continue reading

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Soap Making Safety

When making soap one of the most important things to think about is Soap Making Safety

Everything Soapmaking Book

When making soap and using lye (sodium hydroxide) safety is a very important part of the soap-making process. Continue reading

Posted in Making Soaps, Skin Care | 8 Comments

Bar Soap Packaging Supplies

Soap Boxes

 

 

There are many ways to label your soap; having soap in boxes is another way to present your craft.  These soap boxes are perfect for most soap sizes.

I have used the cigar label for years and I like it because you can see the colors or additives in your soap bar and potential customers can pick it up and smell it, but picking up and smelling it can be another issue.  Most people are pretty good about it and I don’t have all the soap out to smell but……

In today’s times with the coronavirus and really the flu or colds I have decided to put my soap in boxes.  I don’t really want people at the market to be picking up and smelling all the bars displayed and potentially leaving germs for someone else to pick up.

So now if you see me at the markets you will find that I have cut up small pieces of soap placed out for people to smell, hold and take home with them.  There are soaps on display but in limited quantities.

A bonus to putting soap in a box is that it looks professional and the boxes can be labeled or even written on if you are better than I at handwriting lol.

Here are a few soapboxes that I found online.  The prices are reasonable and there is a great variety of sizes and shapes to choose from. Continue reading

Posted in Making Soaps | 5 Comments

The Flash Point of Soap Oils

Flash Point of soap oils

What is the flashpoint of oils

Flashpoint is the temperature at which a combustible or flammable substance will burn when it is exposed to a spark.

  • Flashpoint can be used as a rough measure of how volatile a flammable/combustible substance is, but it’s good to also note that not all volatile substances are flammable or combustible. Some soapers use the flashpoint to safely add fragrance or essential oils at or below the flashpoint. I don’t really pay much attention to that because once mixed with the soap it won’t burn and you shouldn’t be handling your fragrances around an open flame. When adding fragrance or essential oils to my soap the temperature is at 100.  The soap oils I never heat above 120 I have never had a problem and don’t soap make around open flames.For your knowledge here are a few flashpoints.

    Coconut Oil Flash Point is 450 degrees
    Olive Oil Flash Point is 468 degrees
    Canola Oil Flash Point is 400 degrees
    Castor Oil Flash Point is 392 degrees
    Lard Flash Point is 390 degrees

    So you see the oil would have to be heated to such a high temperature that it would surely take all the benefits of the oils away as well.  When making soap the oils should never reach these temperatures making soap making oils safe from becoming flammable.

    Essential Oils Flash Point

Angelica Root113° F
Anise200° F
Balsam – 200° F
Basil164° F
Bergamot125° F
Calendula200° F
Carrot Seed117° F
Cedar Leaf135° F
Cedarwood – 200° F
Chamomile – 127° F
Cinnamon  -190° F
Cinnamon Leaf – 190° F
Citronella – 170° F
Clove Bud – 200° F
Eucalyptus 80 / 85 – 118° F
Eucalyptus Lemon – 118° F
Frankincense104° F
Geranium Leaf185° F
Grapefruit Pink  – 142° F
Lavender156° F
Lemon – 110° F
Lemongrass160° F
Orange  – 110° F
Oregano145° F
Peppermint – 151° F
Rosemary110° F
Sage – 125° F
Spearmint122° F
Tea Tree134° F
Thyme  – 131° F

Looking at all the flashpoints you can pretty much make soap without worrying about them.




#handmadesoap #naturalsoap #makingsoapnaturally #soapmaking #soapmaking #soaps #artisansoap #bathandbody #cpsoap #coldprocesssoap #etsy #soapbase #soapcrafter #soapmaker #soaping #soapcrafting #soaphandmade #soap #giftidea #christmas #barsoap #handmadesoap #natural #organic #skincare #coldprocess #soapsupplies #oilflashpoint
Posted in Making Soaps, Uncategorized | 3 Comments