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Whipped Perfection: DIY Non-Greasy Body Butter Recipe

**Introduction:** Welcome to our DIY skincare adventure! Today, we’re going to create a luxurious non-greasy body butter that will leave your skin feeling silky and nourished. Say goodbye to heavy, sticky lotions, and hello to a whipped, fluffy treat for your skin. Follow along with our simple recipe, and you’ll have your personalized body butter […]

Tallow

Beef tallow is a rendered form of beef fat that is solid at room temperature. Rendering is the process of melting and purifying animal fat to separate the solids from the liquid components. Tallow has been used for various purposes throughout history, including as a cooking fat, in candle making, and, more recently, in soap […]

Exploring the Beauty of Natural Colorants in Soap Making

Exploring the Beauty of Natural Colorants in Soap Making In today’s world, the pursuit of natural and eco-friendly products has become more than just a trend; it’s a way of life. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the ingredients they put on their skin and the environmental impact of their choices. This has led to a […]

Mastering Percentages in Cosmetics Formulation: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering Percentages in Cosmetics Formulation: A Comprehensive Guide Introduction In the world of cosmetics formulation, precision is paramount. Whether you’re creating your own skincare products or working as a professional cosmetic chemist, understanding how to calculate and work with percentages is a fundamental skill. Accurate measurements ensure your cosmetics are effective, safe, and consistent. In […]

A Comprehensive Guide to Common Soap Making Oils

A Comprehensive Guide to Common Soap-Making Oils Introduction Soap making is a delightful and creative hobby that allows you to craft unique, personalized skincare products. However, one of the key elements in soap making is choosing the right oils. The oils you select significantly impact the soap’s properties, such as its lather, hardness, and moisturizing […]

Neem Oil: History, Benefits, Cultivation, Extraction, Uses, Varieties, and Contraindications

Abstract Neem oil, derived from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), has a rich history spanning thousands of years and is renowned for its diverse benefits and applications. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of neem oil, including its historical significance, benefits, cultivation methods, extraction processes, various uses, different varieties, and potential contraindications. […]

How to Make Basic Cream Soap Recipe using Glycerin

Cream Soap Recipe for Exfoliating and Additives When it comes to creating the ideal medium-density soft soap formula suitable for incorporating exfoliants and diverse additives, our Basic Cream Soap Formula stands out as the perfect choice. Ingredients (by weight): – 4.6 oz. premium sweet almond oil – 6 oz. high-quality coconut oil – 4 oz. […]

What are the Benefits of Shea Butter?

Oils are known to be great for natural hair care, right next to their thicker and solidified cousins, butter. Butters are naturally heavier than oils due to their thickness, and they do a great job of providing heavy-duty moisture that oils alone may not be able to attain for your natural hair. Some of the […]

Making a Basic Cream or Lotion using an Emulsifier

What is an emulsion? An emulsion is a mixture of two liquids where one liquid does not dissolve in the other.  Ever notice how your salad dressing separates into two layers until you shake it up?  Shaking it causes it to combine, but why doesn’t it stay mixed?  That’s because a mixture of non-soluble liquids […]

What are Some Benefits of Aloe Vera?

The Aloe Vera plant has been used frequently in history for its medicinal properties. Legend has it that the Aloe Vera was Cleopatra’s beauty secret, it is mentioned in the Bible in over a dozen passages, and we now have scientific research to support its benefits. The Aloe Vera plant is easy to grow even […]

What are Some Beneficial Uses of Bentonite Clay?

If you’re on the hunt for an inexpensive and natural way to cleanse and boost your body’s well-being Saffire Blue offers the best Bentonite Clay you can buy. This clay’s age-old healing effects provide benefits from head to toe. Bentonite Clay – The Healing Clay Clays have been used in different African and Asian cultures […]

The Many Uses of Lavender

1. Lavender Works In The Treatment of Acne: Lavender oil is one of those few natural ingredients that help in getting rid of acne troubles. The oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can fight the bacteria that cause acne and inflammation. Simply dab some lavender oil on your acne blemishes using a cotton swab. […]

Cera Bellina Wax on sale NOW @ Saffire Blue

Cera Bellina Wax is derived from beeswax. It is hydrophilic, which means it can be easily incorporated into water-based lotions, creams and balms to provide a smooth, luxurious, satin-like texture. Cera Bellina Wax allows oils and butter to be gelled using relatively low wax concentrations. Cera Bellina Wax can also be used as a co-emulsifier […]

Lanolin – The Unlikely but Underrated Moisturizer

Lanolin is a soft, yellow, waxy substance, and though it is made up of mostly esters, alcohols and fatty acids, lanolin is much more of a wax than an oil or butter. Lanolin from Saffire Blue can be purchased in a solid (anhydrous lanolin) or liquid (hydrous lanolin) form.  Its waxy nature and high availability […]

African Black Soap – the Miracle Soap for Hair & Skin Care

If you’re looking for a soap that not only gets your skin or hair clean but also nourishes it and makes it look and feel healthier, African black soap is a perfect choice. To ensure that the soap you are getting is 100% pure, look no further than Saffire Blue.  Our African Black Soap is […]

7 BEST Recipes with Bentonite Clay from Saffire Blue

If you’re on the hunt for an inexpensive and natural way to cleanse and boost your body’s well-being,  Saffire Blue offers the best Bentonite Clay you can buy. This clay’s age-old healing effects provide benefits from head to toe. Bentonite Clay – The Healing Clay Clays have been used in different African and Asian cultures […]

Saffire Blue’s Best Tips for Using Shea Butter for Natural Hair Care

Oils are known to be great for natural hair care, right next to their thicker and solidified cousins, butter. Butters are naturally heavier than oils due to their thickness, and they do a great job of providing heavy-duty moisture that oils alone may not be able to attain for your natural hair. Some of the […]

Soap Calculator for Handmade Soap

Rosemary & Olive Oil Cold Process Soap

Much more than just another aromatic herb, rosemary is also one of the most powerful essential oils.   Rosemary essential oil offers a woody, citrus-like fragrance that deodorizes and disinfects. Ingredients: 2.5 oz Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) 6.25 oz Distilled Water 15 oz Olive Oil – Grade A Refined – Organic 3 oz Coconut Oil – […]

Himalayan Sea Salt Scented Hand Soap

This pearlescent liquid hand soap has a crystal concentrate base and, with the addition of Q-Pearl, delivers a luxurious, silky texture with depth.  Gorgeous crystal pink salts are not only beautiful for your eyes but also for your nose. Cool, salty mountain fresh air is captured in this fragrance and blissfully sweetened with baltic amber, comforting […]

Soothing After Sun Spray

Aloe vera gel is well known for soothing sun-damaged skin and providing fast relief from irritation.  Add to that the cooling sensation of witch hazel, the soothing scent of lavender and the healing properties of eucalyptus and you have the perfect after sun spray! Ingredients: 125 ml Aloe Vera Gel (Juice) 1X 75 ml Witch […]

Exfoliating Coffee Melt & Pour Soap with African Black Soap Base

This exfoliating coffee bar is made with our African black soap base, which is designed to cleanse, hydrate, and refresh the skin, balance and revive complexions, and produce a smooth, creamy lather. Ingredients: 2 lbs African Black Soap Melt and Pour Soap Base 1/2 cup Coffee Grounds (used) 0.5 ounces (by weight) Coffee Fragrance Oil […]

Oatmeal Cookie Sugar Scrub

Use this sweet scrub in the shower to get your skin ready for summer! Ingredients: 1/2 cup Oatmeal 3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar 3 Tablespoons Sweet Almond Oil – 100Pure 1 teaspoon Baking Soda 3 Tablespoons Fractionated Coconut Oil Directions: In a food processor or small grinder, grind oatmeal until powdery. Mix remaining ingredients in a […]

Rose Petal & Goat Milk Bath Bomb Recipe

These luxurious, skin-softening bath bombs offer a sweet rose petal fragrance. Ingredients: 1 cup Baking Soda 1/2 cup Citric Acid 1/2 cup Corn Starch 1/4 cup Goat’s Milk Powder 3 Tablespoons Epsom Salts 1/4 cup Rose Petals Pink 1 teaspoon Rose Distillate Water 1 Tablespoon Sweet Almond Oil Cosmetic Grade 1 teaspoon Rose Petals Fragrance […]

Healthy Skin Soap with Yellow Clay and Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Yellow Kaolin Clay is a mild clay, which can be used on most sensitive skin types.  It is believed to stimulate blood circulation while gently exfoliating and cleansing the skin. This clay is also used to draw out impurities helping to reduce blemishes and maintain a healthy appearance.  Since it is so mild in nature, […]

Sea Pearl Bath Bomb Recipe

Sea Pearl fragrance oil is enchanting and reminiscent of the gentle lapping of waves approaching the driftwood and seashells gathered at the seashore.  Relax in your bath with the aroma of seafoam, saltwater and warm white sand. Makes approximately (10) 4-ounce bath bombs. Ingredients: (measurements by weight, not volume) 16 ounces Baking Soda 8 ounces […]

Lavender & Honey Soap Recipe

This sweet, yet vibrant soap is a snap to make!  The melt and pour base makes it easy to create your own moisture-rich and fragrant homemade soap. Ingredients: 2 lbs Shea Butter Melt and Pour Soap Base 2 TBS Honey Powder 15 drops Lavender Essential Oil 40/42 3 TBS Lavender Flowers Super Whole Directions: Cut […]

Bath Salts using Natrasorb Bath Starch

Natrasorb Bath Starch is a fluffy powder that is able to absorb and carry large quantities of oils and anhydrous liquids, such as bath oils, essential oils, carrier oils and fragrance oils.  The starch is processed in a manner that creates unique “pockets” that can carry the oils in a solid, powder form. Natrasorb Bath […]

Peppermint Foot Glo Scrub Recipe

This invigorating and refreshing scrub is great to use in preparing for warmer weather – think flip flop season! Avocado Oil is a rich, heavy oil that nourishes and restores dry, dehydrated skin. This extremely deep-penetrating oil is rich in vitamins A, D and E, lecithin, as well as potassium – known as the youth […]

Lemony Sugar Scrub Recipe

This whipped sugar scrub takes a bit of time, but it’s worth it!  The energizing lemon peel fragrance lends an uplifting zing to this creamy, emollient scrub. Ingredients: Measurements by Weight not Volume 5.0 oz (141.75 grams) Emulsifying Wax 4.0 oz (113.40 grams) Stearic Acid 0.5 oz (14.17 grams) Cetyl Alcohol 8.0 oz (226.8 grams) […]

Foaming Sugar Scrub Recipe

This Foaming Sugar Scrub soothes skin with a luxurious, rich lather, while naturally exfoliating sugar crystals gently reveal your true radiance. Ingredients: Measurements by Weight not Volume 1.0 oz ( 28.35 grams) Aloe Vera Gel (Thickened) 2.0 oz (56.7 grams) Jojoba Oil 0.1 oz (2.83 grams) Fragrance 4.35 oz (123.32 grams) Granulated Sugar 2.0 oz […]

Quick Reference Guide to Safe Usage Levels of Cosmetic Ingredients

Sacred Moments Cold Process Soap Recipe

An exotic and sensual blend of essential oils combined with a gorgeous, silky lather makes for a sacred bathing experience! 18 ounces Lavender Hydrosol 6.7 ounces Sodium Hydroxide 16 ounces Coconut Oil 9 ounces Shea Butter Unrefined 5 ounces Palm Kernel Oil 1 oz Cocoa Butter 1 ounce Jojoba Oil 14 ounces Olive Oil 1 […]

Odour Neutralizing Foot Powder Recipe

Ingredients: 1/2 c baking soda 1/2 c arrowroot powder 2 tbsp zinc oxide powder 2 tbsp white clay 1 tsp orange essential oil Directions: Mix dry ingredients together (food processor, coffee grinder, mortar & pestle) and then add essential oil (slowly as to not clump). When mixed thoroughly, store contents in a powder bottle for […]

Sleepytime Balm Recipe

Remember this easy-to-make formula when you have overly-excited children on your hands–or when you could use a good night’s rest yourself!   Simply apply this sweet-smelling balm to the temples before bedtime.  It’s surprisingly effective, but gentle enough to pacify even the most irritable, restless little ones. Ingredients 1/4 cup Shea Butter 10 drops Orange Sweet […]

I Love My Body Lotion Bar Recipe

These bars leave your skin feeling soft, smoothed and sensuous. The rose and cocoa are sultry and decadent additions! 1 cup Shea Butter – Virgin – Ghana 1 cup Sweet Almond Oil – 100 Pure 1 cup Cocoa Butter – Natural 1/2 cup Jojoba Oil – Golden 1/2 cup Coconut Oil – 76 (Organic) 2 […]

Chocolate Covered Cherry Lip Balm Recipe

A wonderfully fragrant and rich treat for your lips! Ingredients: (Measurements by weight, not volume) 42 grams Aloe Butter 14 grams Sweet Almond Oil – 100 Pure 14 grams Beeswax Cosmetic Grade – White Pastilles 13 grams Olive Oil – Squalane 13 grams Cocoa Butter – Natural 11 grams Anhydrous Lanolin 7 grams Vitamin E […]

Shower Cream Soap with Foaming Bath Whip Recipe

Measurements by Weight not Volume 1 lb Foaming Bath Whip 1 oz. Jojoba oil 1 oz. Avocado oil 4 oz. Aloe juice (or distilled water) Essential oil, Fragrance oil and/or Colourant to preference Method: With an electric mixer, blend the Foaming Bath Whip, jojoba oil, avocado oil and aloe juice for about 5 minutes. Add […]

Herbal Bath Blends

These herbal bath blends are wonderful for steeping in your bath water, added to bath oils, bath bombs or bath salts. To enhance your bath we suggest you create the perfect essential oil blend to compliment your herb blend. Herbal Bath Blend – Cold Relief Mix 9 cups Eucalyptus 7 cups Peppermint 6 cups White […]

Skin Softening Bar Soap Recipe

This easy-to-make soap is “superfatted” with meadowfoam and avocado oils, creating an extremely emollient bar.  “Superfatting” is the process of adding extra oils or butter to a soap recipe so that there is more fat in the mixture than the lye can react with.  This “superfatting” leaves a portion of unincorporated oils in the finished […]

Creamy, Dreamy Bar Soap with Shea Butter and Rose Water Recipe

This will become one of your favourite luxurious soaps.  This creamy bar soap contains a large amount of shea butter for super-moisturization, along with pure rose hydrosol (rose water) and essential oil. Ingredients Measurements by weight, not volume 36 grams rose hydrosol 14 grams sodium hydroxide (lye) 4 grams cocoa butter 22 grams virgin coconut […]

Balneotherapy Essential Oil Bath Blends

Balneotherapy (also called Hydrotherapy) involves the use of water in any form or at any temperature (steam, liquid, ice) for the purpose of healing. Water has been used medicinally for thousands of years by many cultures, including ancient China, Japan, India, Rome, Greece, the Americas and the Middle East.  Modern balneotherapy can be traced to […]

Energizing Tangerine & Lemongrass Cold Process Soap Recipe

Wake me up before you go-go!  The citrusy aroma of this bar will shake the cobwebs from your head in no time.  Fragranced with tangerine, spearmint and lemongrass, this bar cleanses mildly and is highly moisturizing – leaving skin soft all day! Ingredients: (measurements in weight, not volume) 9.1 ounces Distilled Water 3.3 ounces Sodium […]

Relaxing Bath Oil with Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is one of the most powerful remedies in the plant world, offering both physical and emotional relief from problems such as migraines, insomnia, stress and nervous tension. Lavender baths are a wonderful way to relax and rejuvenate the body and mind.  This bath oil offers the additional benefit of softening dry winter skin. The […]

What’s the deal with Phthalates anyway?

What are phthalates? Phthalates are industrial chemicals commonly found in many consumer products including, vinyl flooring and wall covering, detergents, lubricating oils, solvents, food packaging, and personal care products such as soaps, shampoos, hair sprays and nail polish. Other phthalates are used in flexible plastics like blood bags, tubing or children’s toys, and in some […]

Cinnamon & Frankincense Winter Balm for Dry Skin Recipe

Exotic, yet comforting, this cinnamon and frankincense scented balm will warm your senses and leave even the driest skin feeling smooth and supple. This deeply hydrating balm will help dry, rough, winter skin retain moisture and stay soft and silky. Ingredients: 125 grams Beeswax Cosmetic Grade - White Pastilles 125 grams Cocoa Butter - Deodorized [...]

Fragrance Families

Each fragrance can be put into a fragrance “family”, grouping it with many other similar fragrances.  Fragrance families are classification systems that assign individual fragrances into olfactory groups based on their predominant characteristics. Women’s Fragrance Families Chypre Scents in this family include sage, lavender, oakmoss, patchouli and resins. Named for Mediterranean Island of Cypress and […]

Sinus Relief Bath Bomb Recipe

Eucalyptus is well known for relieving sinus inflammation, clearing nasal congestion and easing respiratory blockages.  In addition to clearing the air passages, inhaling eucalyptus has been shown to cause an increase in the uptake of oxygen from the lungs to the bloodstream.  The antiviral and antibacterial properties of eucalyptus can even help fight off colds.  […]

Gingerbread Lip Gloss Recipe

This simple lip gloss offers the warm and comforting taste of the classic holiday cookie without the hassle of baking!  With umber mica for a hint of shimmer, this gloss is perfect for daily use. Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil – 76 (Organic) 1 Tablespoon Beeswax Cosmetic Grade – White Pastilles 1 Tablespoon Sweet Almond […]

Peppermint Cocoa Cold Process Soap Recipe

Cuddling up with a hot mug of cocoa is one of the loveliest cold weather experiences.  This peppermint cocoa soap brings the comfort of that warm winter treat to your bath.  It’s all of the rich, minty pleasure without all of the calories! Makes a 2 lb batch Ingredients: 4.8 ounces Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) 14 […]

Perfectly Pomegranate Lip Balm Recipe

When the brisk winter air makes your lips dry and chapped, this lip-smacking balm makes the perfect soother.  The addition of your choice of lip tint or mica can turn this balm from simply soothing, to sassy and sparkly.  Experiment with adding more or less tint to get the level of coverage you desire! Ingredients: […]

Baby Powder Recipe with Orange, Ylang Ylang and Rose Geranium Essential Oils

This baby powder will absorb moisture on delicate skin and leave a sweet floral, citrus aroma.  This lovely blend will leave your skin silky and smooth, while the fragrance of sweet orange and rose geranium will lift your spirits! Ingredients: 2 ounces Corn Starch 2 ounces Arrowroot Powder 1 TBS White Kaolin Clay 10 drops […]

Iced Evergreen Cold Process Soap

The creamy smooth texture and uplifting Iced Evergreen scent of this soap make it perfect for Christmas gifting!  With hints of mint, cherry, cranberry, this lovely holiday fragrance is sure to become an instant classic.  The coconut oil in this bar provides a rich moisturizing lather, while the olive oil cleans your skin without stripping […]

Moonlit Lotus Massage Candle

Soy lotion candles, also known as Massage Candles, are made from pure 100 soybean wax, which is a natural moisturizing agent that makes your skin feel like silk.  Massage candles are much different than your traditional wax candles, as they are specifically made for use on the body. By using soy rather than traditional waxes, […]

Warm Cider Hot Process Soap Recipe

Cozy up to the warming aroma of sweet apples, cinnamon, clove and allspice simmering in your crockpot.  This hot process soap recipe puts your slow-cooker to use and is a hit for autumn.  The palm oil in this highly moisturizing bar is rich in toctrienols, which are a potent form of Vitamin E considered to […]

Island Plumeria Solid Perfume Recipe

Plumeria is very often associated with exotic tropical islands (Hawaii, Tahiti) and their tradition of making leis to mark important events and special occasions.  This simple, yet the exotic fragrance is soft, fruity, peachy, and creamy on the canvas of the soft gardenia-like aroma.  Similar to Tiare, the scent of Plumeria in perfumes is often […]

Pumpkin Spice Body Butter

With gently exfoliating enzymes, antioxidants, beta carotene, and other vitamins and minerals beneficial to your skin, the addition of pumpkin powder make this body butter a delight to the skin, as well as the senses! Pumpkin Spice Body Butter Ingredients: 1/4 cup Cocoa Butter – Natural 1/4 cup Shea Butter – Ivory – Virgin 1/4 […]

Sinfully Cinnamon & Vanilla Bean Melt & Pour Soap

The warm, spicy scent of cinnamon and the gentle exfoliation of organic vanilla bean specks will leave your skin feeling energized and smooth.  For a sinfully rich lather and ultra-moisturizing skin feel our Olive Oil melt and pour base contains olive oil and high glycerin content. Sinfully Cinnamon & Vanilla Bean Melt & Pour Soap […]

Romantic Rose Melt & Pour Soap

The romantic and oh so beautiful aroma of exquisite Damascus Rose with a sparkling Citrus top note and a Vanilla and Muguet accord make this Rose Petal soap a classic favourite.  Our white melt and pour soap base offers a simple way to make your own soap without having any special tools or training.  With […]

The HLB System – Choosing Which Surfactant to Use in Your Formulation

Emulsions are one of the most common forms of cosmetic products.  If you are formulating an emulsion, such as a cream or lotion, the HLB (Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance) System is particularly useful to identify which surfactant to use for optimal oil and water emulsification. What is HLB? HLB is a number system that lets you know […]

Properties of Vegetable Oils

Wondering which oil to use for a certain skin type?  Not sure of the required HLB for a certain oil?  Looking for the SAP value for your next soap formulation?  Be sure to bookmark our handy cheat sheet on the properties of vegetable oils! View the Spreadsheet: Properties of Vegetable Oils

Elemi & Lavender Hydration Creme

Often used in salves, soaps, and incense formulas, Elemi Essential Oil is also a fantastic addition to a natural skin-care regime.  It offers rejuvenating properties which may help reduce wrinkles and fine lines and nourish mature skin.  This highly effective antiseptic and antimicrobial essential oil have a fresh, citrusy fragrance, with balsamic, slightly green and […]

The Perfect Brown Sugar Body Scrub

Brown sugar is the base for this gentle, yet incredibly effective scrub.  Chock full of glycolic acid, using brown sugar as a scrub can give you younger, fresher-looking skin by breaking down glue-bonded skin cells and supporting cell turnover.  In addition, it is a natural humectant that prevents loss of moisture and helps to retain […]

Satsuma, Mandarin & Jasmine Melt & Pour Soap

The tropical scent of this fragrance opens with luscious citrus notes, then follows with the intoxicating and romantic fragrance of jasmine flowers.  Our odourless melt & pour soap base offers superior fragrance lift and is non-yellowing, even at high temperatures.  You’ll love the creamy, luxurious lather of this bar! Ingredients: 1 lb Melt and Pour […]

Chamomile & Lavender Bath Tea Recipe

Herbal bath teas are a lovely way to relax and relieve stress as well as soothe aching muscles.  This Chamomile and Lavender blend contains healing salts, rich in magnesium and potassium, to draw out toxins and promote tissue healing.  Lavender is well known to calm agitated nerves and promote relaxation.  The addition of Chamomile flowers […]

Mojito Salt Scrub

Kick back and enjoy the aroma of the traditional Cuban cocktail, while leaving skin smooth and richly hydrated. Ingredients: 1 cup Dead Sea Salt – Coarse 3 Tablespoons Coconut Oil – Fractionated (Triglyceride) 10 drops Lime & Sugarcane Fragrance Oil 3 drops Spearmint Essential Oil Zest of one lime (optional)* Packaging Suggestion: Clear PET Single […]

Soap Frosting Recipe

This soap frosting can be used to decorate soap cupcakes, bath bombs, etc. Use your imagination to come up with different ways to enhance your products. Ready to package within 24 hours of making. You can find all the ingredients needed in our Soap Frosting Kit! Yield: Frosting for 12-16 Cupcakes Ingredients: 1 Pound Melt […]

Basic Lip Gloss Formula

Phase I 3 parts Castor Oil 3 parts Refined (clear) Jojoba Oil or other light, clear oil 1 part Beeswax 1 part Polysorbate 80 Phase II 1 part Vegetable Glycerin Phase III Flavour oil Lip safe Mica Preservative (at recommended usage rate) Melt the ingredients in Phase I over a double boiler. Add Vegetable Glycerin […]

Oils, Oils, Oils – What’s in that bottle?

When shopping for essential oils, you will often come across the terms “100 pure”, “all-natural”, “nature identical” or “essential oil blend”.  You may find yourself wondering what these terms mean and which oils you should choose.  Our guide to oils may help you make a decision on which oil is best for your application. Pure […]

Make Your Own Foaming Liquid Hand Soap

Formulating your product Airless foamers are designed to work with products of a water-like consistency. Your formula must include sufficient surfactants (ie. soap or detergents) to create the foam. Your liquid product should be water-based and able to foam using only normal air (no gasses or other propellants). Handmade liquid soaps will work well in […]

Sensual & Spicy Perfume Blend

It’s fun and easy to create your own signature scent using essential oils and perfumery alcohol!  Most commercial perfumes today are made from a combination of synthetic chemicals that may be derived from petroleum.  These synthetic ingredients may include chemicals such as benzene derivatives, aldehydes, phthalates, and many other known toxins that are capable of […]

Lavender Sage Bath Salts for Stress & Pain Relief

Epsom salts are well known to ease stress, soothe migraines and relieve aching muscles.  Rich in magnesium, Epsom salts help to decrease inflammation, improve blood flow and oxygenation throughout the body, and eliminate toxins from the body.  The combination of lavender essential oil and clary sage essential oil in this bath salt creates an intensely […]

Sea Buckthorn Berry Facial Soap

Sea Buckthorn Berry oil is well known for its healing and rejuvenating effects on the skin. This highly nutritive soap is rich in essential fatty acids, beta carotene, vitamins and minerals which may reduce the signs of ageing. This bar is high in oleic acid, which makes oils richer and heavier, so they seal in […]

Energizing Himalayan Sea Salt Scrub Recipe

Salt and sugar scrubs are an easy but indulgent way to refresh and revitalize dull, irritated skin.  This scrub recipe is best suited for oily/combination skin types. Perfect for sensitive skin, Apricot Kernel oil offers a light, non-greasy oil that leaves skin with a velvety texture. Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil is a purifier of congested, […]

Chamomile Baby Powder Recipe

Ingredients: 2 tbsp Finely Crumbled Chamomile Flowers 1/4 cup Corn starch 1 tbsp Orris Root Powder 1.2 tsp Alum Instructions: Mix ingredients together in a bowl. Sift and store in powder shaker. Use to keep baby’s skin soft and dry.  

Aloe, Hemp & Shea Cold Process Soap Recipe

Aloe butter and shea butter lend their ultra-moisturizing properties to this fresh-scented bar.  Aloe Butter aids in the rapid hydration of dry skin while remaining light and non-greasy.  Hempseed oil is rich in omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids which are key components in maintaining healthy skin. The linoleic acid present offers anti-inflammatory properties […]

Formulation Guidelines for Lotions and Creams

Keep our basic guide for lotions and creams handy when formulating your next creation! Facial Lotion Formula Distilled Water or Hydrosol – 80 Humectant – 4 Liquid Oil – 10 Thickener – 2 Emulsifier – 4 Hand Cream Formula Distilled Water or Hydrosol – 70 Humectant – 2 Liquid Oil – 15 Solid Oil / […]

Emulsions: What the heck are they?

In basic terms, an emulsion is a mixture of two liquids where one liquid does not dissolve in the other.  Ever notice how your salad dressing separates into two layers until you shake it up?  Shaking it causes it to combine, but why doesn’t it stay mixed?  That’s because a mixture of non-soluble liquids requires […]

Soothing After Shave Oil Recipe with Aloe & Vitamin E

This cooling after shave oil is perfect for preventing irritation and post-shave bumps.  Vitamin E and Aloe will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated. Soothing After Shave Oil with Aloe & Vitamin E Ingredients: 50 grams Aloe Vera Gel (Juice) 1X 40 grams Soybean Oil – Non-GMO 15 grams Vitamin E 15 grams […]

Creamy Exfoliating Foot Soap

To our Basic Cream Soap Formula, add exfoliants in the amount of 1-2 of the weight in cream soap you will be using. For example, to a 10 oz. batch of Basic Cream Soap, add: 0.1 -0.2 oz pumice 20 drops tea tree essential oil 20 drops lavender essential oil 20 drops peppermint essential oil

Fancy Fresh Foot Cream Recipe

This ultra-rich foot cream moisturizes and deodorizes, leaving your feet in tip-top shape for summer!  A combination of shea butter, almond oil and coconut oil offer intense hydration, while bentonite clay removes impurities.  Lemongrass essential oil not only imparts a fresh, citrusy aroma to this cream but also offers antiseptic properties which deodorize to leave […]

How Can I make Products That Work?

Written by Mark Fuller Recently I travelled to the NYSCC Suppliers’ Day, a huge exhibit of new raw materials and new technologies in the Cosmetic Industry. As I wandered the huge exhibit hall and was bombarded with new materials promising anti-ageing, anti-wrinkle, environmental protection and other “Fountain of Youth” complaints, I was admittedly overwhelmed. Then […]

Triple-Butter, Charcoal & Clay Melt & Pour Soap Recipe

This invigorating soap revitalizes and boosts the cell renewal of the skin while drawing out impurities.  The sweet, floral fragrance of palmarosa will stimulate your senses, as well as your circulation.  It also imparts antibacterial properties, which may make this soap a good choice for acne-prone skin. Triple-Butter, Charcoal & Clay Melt & Pour Soap […]

How can I avoid GMOs in my products?

If you’re concerned about GMOs in your products, be sure to confirm with your supplier that the ingredient is certified non-GMO or Organic before making your purchase. How can you avoid GMOs in your products? Organic means NO GMOs. The USDA National Organic Standards prohibit GMOs. Choose products that have been verified as non-GMO by […]

Sweet Coconut Milk Bath Recipe

This creamy, dreamy coconut milk bath will soothe your tired body and nourish your skin.  Treat yourself to a soak in this bath after a long day and transport your senses to the tropics. Sweet Coconut Milk Bath Recipe yields 1 bath Ingredients: 2 13-ounce cans Coconut Milk 1/4 cup Vegetable Glycerin 1 cup Dead […]

Formulating Vegan Products – Ingredients to Avoid

It’s estimated that 4  of Canadians are vegetarian or vegan and approximately 2.5 of the U.S. is vegan. This means that approximately 1.3 million Canadians and 7.5 million Americans have some interest in products that do not contain animal-derived ingredients. If you’re interested in delving into this ever-expanding market, be sure to check out this […]

Lemon Dream Body Butter Recipe

With an aroma reminiscent of tangy lemon meringue, this dreamy body butter will leave your skin quenched without feeling greasy. Ingredients: 1/2 cup Coconut Oil – 76 (Organic) 1/3 cup Cocoa Butter – White 20 ml Vitamin E 2-3 ml Lemon Essential Oil 2-3 ml Warm Vanilla Sugar Fragrance Oil Equipment: Small saucepan Cobalt Blue […]

Smooth and Silky Bentonite Clay Mask Recipe

This mask is especially wonderful for dry skin. The seabuckthorn berry oil imparts a multitude of skin-softening nutrients, as the bentonite clay gently draws excess impurities from the surface of the skin.  The lovely rose geranium fragrance is both uplifting and soothing, with the reputation of being profoundly useful in treating and relieving stress and anxiety. […]

Himalayan Sea Salt Soap Recipe

Gorgeous crystal pink salts are not only beautiful for your eyes but also for your nose! Cool, salty mountain fresh air is captured in our Himalayan Sea Salt fragrance, which is blissfully sweetened with baltic amber, comforting lavender and refreshing cypress. Himalayan Sea Salt Soap Ingredients: 2 lbs (0.91 kg) Goat’s Milk Melt and Pour […]

Sweet Orange & Calendula Re-Batch Soap Recipe

Our Re-batch soap base allows you to make “cold process” style soap without the need to buy or use Sodium Hydroxide (Lye). Most re-batch bases turn into a putty-like material when melted and are difficult to mold. This product liquefies when melted and is easy to pour into molds. This sweet orange fragrance provides a […]

Aztec Chocolate Lip Balm Recipe

Ingredients: 2 oz (by weight) Cocoa Butter – Natural 1 Tbsp Sweet Almond Oil – 100 Pure 2 ml Chocolate Flavour Oil 4 drops Peppermint Essential Oil 1 drop Neroli Essential Oil – Nature Identical Method: Melt the Cocoa Butter in a double boiler. Remove from heat and add the Sweet Almond Oil. Stir well […]

Ask the Formulator: Free Live Chat

We will be holding a FREE Ask the Formulator chat tonight, April 2nd at 6:30 p.m. EST Our guest formulator is Mark Fuller.  Mark is a professional cosmetic formulator and would be happy to answer any formulation questions that you have. The chat will be held in our chat room at www.saffireblue.ca/blog/live-chat You will be […]

Cognac & Cubans Beard Balm Recipe

This creamy balm will leave your man’s beard moisturized and smelling fantastic.  Our Cognac & Cubans fragrance oil offers the scents of cedarwood, fresh leather, zesty lemon, cognac and spicy tobacco for a distinctly masculine aroma. Cognac & Cubans Beard Balm Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons Beeswax White Pastilles 2 Tablespoons Shea Butter – Refined 1 Tablespoon […]

Kool-Aid Lip Gloss Recipe

This simple lip gloss is a great party favour for kids’ birthday parties!  The colour of the Kool-Aid appears vibrant in the jar but is subtle when applied to the lips. Kool-Aid Lip Gloss Makes 5-6 half-ounce jars of lip gloss Ingredients: 4 Tablespoons Coconut Oil 1 envelope of Kool-Aid powdered drink mix Few Drops […]

Smoochable Jasmine Lip Balm Recipe

Ingredients: 1 oz Beeswax 1 oz Jasmine Wax 1 drop Jojoba Oil 2 oz Camellia Oil 2 oz Rose Hip Oil 1 Tbsp Alkanet Infused Olive Oil 10 Drops Rose Absolute or Rose Otto Measurements by Weight not Volume Method: First, make the alkanet root infused olive oil. To do this, infuse a handful of […]

Why is Preservation So Scary?

Written by Mark Fuller In my day-to-day work, I will encounter numerous Home Crafters and I am able to watch as they advance from more difficult and challenging products as they grow inexperience. Typically, I see clients start out first with Body Butters, which requires fairly simple steps to stabilize. Oftentimes the obstacle for these […]

Whipped Shea & Aloe Body Butter Recipe

This creamy, luxurious body butter moisturizes and rehydrates dry, cracked skin.  Use it after your shower, or anytime your skin feels dry, to restore moisture and protect your skin against the elements. Ingredients: (measurements by weight, not volume) 4 ounces Shea Butter – Refined – Ghana 1/2 ounce Vitamin E 1.5 ounces Jojoba Oil – […]

Lavender, Oatmeal & Shea Butter Soap Recipe

This creamy, nourishing soap cleanses without stripping or upsetting the delicate natural pH balance necessary for soft, healthy skin.  This soap gives a fantastic lather and soothes and moisturizes with its combination of Oatmeal and Shea butter.  The lavender flowers provide a gentle exfoliation, as well as a lovely pop of colour in your finished […]

Vanilla Latte Goat’s Milk Melt & Pour Soap

What better way to wake up than with the scent of warm, creamy coffee?  Get the wonderful aroma in your shower with this Vanilla Latte Goat’s Milk Soap recipe! Ingredients 2 lbs (0.91 kg) Goats Milk Soap Base 1/4 cup Strongly Brewed Coffee 2 TBS Coffee Grounds (reserved from brewed coffee) 60 ml Vanilla Bean […]

Aquolina Pink Sugar Cube Scrubs

A scrumptious blend of vanilla and caramel scents comes together in this ultra-sweet and feminine blend.  These adorable cubes both moisturize and exfoliate without leaving any oily mess behind.  Each one-ounce cube is a single-use scrub. To use,  knead with water in the palm of your hand, then rub over your skin, paying special attention […]

Hello Sugar! Bath Bomb Recipe

These bath bombs smell of sweet sugar cane with notes of lemon rind and shortbread.  The delectable tart lemon sugar scent is spot-on to the original Bath and Body Works fragrance! This recipe makes approximately 5 eight-ounce bath bombs. Ingredients: (measurements by weight, not volume) 16 ounces Baking Soda 8 ounces Citric Acid 8 ounces […]

Warm Vanilla Glow Honey Soap (Hot Process Soap Recipe)

This recipe creates a luxurious and soothing soap bar, with a warm vanilla fragrance. Ingredients (measurements by weight, not volume) 8 ounces Coconut Oil – 76 (RBD) 10 ounces Olive Oil – Grade A Refined – Organic 6 ounces Tallow 3 ounces Shea Butter – Virgin Organic – Ghana 4 ounces Castor Oil 10 ounces […]

Oatmeal Cleansing Bags

Oatmeal Cleansing Bags Recipe by Ashley Lewis Ingredients: 3 cups rolled oats 1 bar of soap, grated* (or try our rebatch soap base) 10 drops essential oils Muslin bags Directions: Combine all ingredients and put in muslin bags. Each bag can be re-used a few times. * Author used Ivory Soap  

Peppermint Swirl Soap

Peppermint Swirl Soap Recipe by Diane Woodall Yield: 575 g (just over 1 lb of soap) Ingredients: 158 g Coconut Oil 85 g Olive Oil 57.5 g Palm Oil 42.5 g Mango Butter 30 g Castor Oil 17 g Rice Bran Oil 56.4 g Lye (NaOH) 129 g Water 0.8-ounce Peppermint oil 0.5 tsp Red […]

Give Me Some Sugar – Moisturizing Lip Scrub

Give Me Some Sugar – Moisturizing Lip Scrub Recipe by Amelia Macisaac Ingredients: 5g Beeswax 7g Coconut Oil 5g Cocoa Butter 10g Avocado Oil 1g Vitamin E oil 10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil 2tbsp White Sugar 10 Lip Balm Tubes Directions: Melt the beeswax, coconut oil, cocoa butter, avocado oil, and vitamin E oil together […]

Cupcake Soaps

Cupcake Soaps Recipe by Anka Schwarz Ingredients: 1.1-ounce Avocado Oil 7.7 ounces Canola Oil 1.1 ounce Castor Oil 4.4 ounces Coconut Oil 5.5 ounces Palm Oil 2.2 ounces Natural Shea Butter 3 ounces Lye 7.2 oz Distilled water titanium dioxide yellow mica pink mica sugar pearls glitter Directions: So first I melt all the oils […]

Orange Clove Christmas Soap

Orange Clove Christmas Soap Recipe (Makes approx 4 lbs of soap) by Sarah Varey Ingredients: 600 gr. Olive Oil 600 gr. Coconut Oil 600 gr. Rice Bran Oil 200 gr. Sunflower Oil 280 gr. Lye 760 gr. Water (with 1/2 Tbsp. paprika added) 1/2 Tbsp. Cloves (ground) 1 Tbsp. Cocoa Powder 1.75 oz 5 Fold […]

Herbal Tooth Powder Recipe

Third Place in our Favourite Recipes Contest! Herbal Earth Tooth Powder Recipe and Photo by Rural Rooted (McKayla Martin) Ingredients: 4 Tbsp Bentonite Clay 1 1/2 Tbsp Baking Soda 1 Tbsp Arrowroot Powder 3 Tbsp Powdered egg-shells (egg-shells should be rinsed thoroughly with hot water and dried over-night, then baked in the oven at 300◦C […]

Sweet Almond Butter and Oatmeal Soap

Second Place Recipe in our Favourite Recipe Contest! Recipe by Marcy Knopf Sweet Almond Butter and Oatmeal Soap Ingredients: 1 lb. Melt & Pour Glycerin Base with Shea and Mango Butters 1 cup Old Fashioned Rolled Oats 2 Tb Sweet Almond Oil 2 Tb Pure Honey 10 drops Vitamin E (optional) Directions: After a quick […]

Colouring Soap Naturally

Colouring soap with natural ingredients will yield more muted tones than artificially coloured commercial soaps.  Some natural colourants also offer additional benefits, such as exfoliation and antioxidants. Alfalfa Leaf Powder Colour:  Medium green Benefits:  Relieves fatigue, muscle tenderness, pain and inflammation Alkanet Root Powder (infuse in oil) Colour: Purple, Blue or Pink depending on amount […]

Can I Sell My Products?

Written by Mark Fuller Here you are. You have had a chance to research your materials, you have gotten your hands dirty and now you have a Product! You Family loves it. Your friends swear by it. People rave about it. What do I need to do to start selling my product? My company works […]

Lavender Body Cream Recipe

This thick, luxurious cream is lovely for nighttime use. 171.8 grams Water (distilled) 10.5 grams Stearic Acid 13.3 grams E-wax 10.5 grams Babassu Oil 10.5 grams Borage Oil 10.5 grams Evening Primrose Oil 20.6 grams Shea Butter 7.3 grams Glycerin 2.55 grams Liquid Germal Plus 1 tsp. Corn starch 1/2 tsp. Lavender Essential Oil Directions: […]

Love Potion Perfume Recipe

This perfume blend is an especially romantic potion filled with alluring fragrances thought to increase romantic desire. Ingredients: 7 drops Vanilla Bean Fragrance Oil 7 drops Sandalwood Fragrance Oil 4 drops Rose Petals Fragrance Oil 3 drops Ylang Ylang 1 Essential Oil 2 drops Frankincense Essential Oil – Serrata 2 drops Rose Geranium Fragrance Oil […]

Rose Petal Cold Process Soap Recipe

Amounts by Weight not Volume Ingredients: 2 oz Sweet Almond Oil – 100{2f217b6ef4e944ec449aa2c625e1f0e1f43c0ee840d0a16b8bf46c3ef1173473} Pure 4 oz Apricot Kernel Oil 4 oz Coconut Oil 3 oz Palm Oil 2.33 oz Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) 6 oz Distilled Water Rose Petals (Pink) or Rose Petals (Red) Rose Petal Fragrance Oil Heart Shaped Soap Mold Instructions: Add lye to […]

Shea & Mango Body Butter

Measurements by Weight not Volume Ingredients: 3 oz Refined/Unrefined Shea Butter 3 oz Mango Butter 1.5 oz Olive Oil 1.5 oz Jojoba Oil 1 oz Babassu Oil 1 tsp. Vitamin E Oil 1 – 2 tsp. Fragrance Oil Method: Place Shea Butter and Mango Butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat just until melted. Add […]

Lickable Body Butter

This fun body butter is designed to be edible! Ingredients: 100 gms Cocoa Butter (non-deodorized) 50 gms Grapeseed or light oil 20 gms Stearic Acid 15 gms Equal Sweetener 4 gms Vitamin E 50 gms White and Dark Chocolate (total) 6 gms Flavour extract (total) *Chocolate & Coconut 2 gms Vanilla Powder Method: A double […]

Lemon Cream Body Butter Recipe

If you love luxurious body butters, this is one to try!  This body butter is super simple to make and melts easily into the skin, leaving those rough patches smooth and soft. Ingredients: 4.5 fl oz Coconut Oil (about 9 tablespoons, if solidified) 6 tbsp Cocoa Butter 1-1/2 tbsp Sweet Almond Oil 1/2 tsp Lemon […]

Mocha Cold Process Soap Recipe

This recipe makes  a 2 pound batch at 5{2f217b6ef4e944ec449aa2c625e1f0e1f43c0ee840d0a16b8bf46c3ef1173473} superfat. Amounts listed are by weight, not volume. Ingredients: 8 oz coconut oil 8 oz palm oil 8 oz palm kernel flakes 4 oz cocoa butter 4 oz grapeseed oil 4.8 oz lye (NaOH) 12 oz double-strength coffee 2 tsp cocoa powder 2 lb wooden soap […]

DIY Foaming Face Wash

This recipe makes approximately 6 ounces of luxurious foaming face wash. Ingredients 2 ounces Liquid Castile Soap Base 1/4 teaspoon Sweet Almond Oil – Cosmetic Grade 7 drops Ylang Ylang 3 Essential Oil 4 drops Patchouli Essential Oil 3 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil 4 ounces Distilled or Filtered Water Clear PET Cylinder Bottle (Foamer) – […]

Essential Oil Blend for Stress & Insomnia

Research shows that the scent of lavender eases anxiety and insomnia. In one study done at Britain’s University of Southampton, researchers tested the efficacy of Lavender versus a placebo as a treatment for insomnia.  Ten adults (5 men and 5 women) completed the 4 week study.  Half of the participants slept in a room where […]

Christmas Scented Pine Cones – DIY Recipe

  Rustic, scented pine cones are a lovely way to decorate for the holiday season!  But why pay for a few scented pine cones when you can make them yourself? What you need: Pine cones Amber PET Bottle – 2 oz White Fine Mist Sprayer w/ 6 3/4″ Dip Tube 24-410 30 ml of Your […]

Brown Sugar Body Scrub Recipe

Ingredients: Measurements by Weight not Volume 3.5 oz Mango Butter 1.6 oz Macadamia Nut Oil 1.6 oz Fractionated Coconut Oil 1.5 oz Emulsifying Wax 1 oz BTMS 0.5 oz Polysorbate 20 0.2 oz Fragrance 0.05 oz Germall Plus Preservative 10 oz Brown Sugar Instructions: In a double boiler, melt the mango butter, emulsifying wax and […]

Tahitian Neroli Cream Recipe

Ingredients: Measurements by Weight not Volume 0.1 oz Citric Acid 0.3 oz Stearic Acid 0.3 oz Emulsifying Wax 0.4 oz Coconut Oil 0.9 oz Monoi de Tahiti 0.4 oz Aloe Vera Juice 8.0 oz Neroli Hydrosol Method: Gently warm the hydrosol and dissolve the citric acid in it. Stir to completely dissolve the citric acid […]

How Do We Develop a Natural Standard?

As I read through my previous Blogs I see that I could be perceived as being “anti-natural” or not a huge advocate for Formulating in a “natural” manner. This is far from the truth. In fact my emphasis is producing products that are Naturally compliant/Certified in an ethical and effective way. As I have mentioned […]

Why isn’t “Natural” good enough?

Written by Mark Fuller In a previous blog I covered the term “natural” and why we need to follow a Natural Certification to make this a useful term. However, can we simply be “natural” and create an entirely ethical product line. My simple answer is no. I believe that we need to take it an […]

Am I Peddling Snake oil?

Written by Mark Fuller One of my favorite Cosmetic Formulators and authors has always been Johann Wiechers. In fact I believe that his book “Memories of a Cosmetically Disturbed Mind” should be required reading for anyone in the Cosmetics Industry. He covers many issues we deal with on a daily basis in a witty manner. […]

Dreamy Cream Recipe

Dreamy Cream is exactly that! This is a wonderful cream inspired by one of my favorite essential oils, ylang ylang. Mixed with a bit of sweet orange and rose geranium, this rich, oil-based cream is heady and delicious. Use a little for normal to oily skin and a bit more if your skin feels dry. […]

What is “Natural”?

In my initial meetings with my clients I will ask them routinely to describe the product that they would like to design. Oftentimes they will state “I want it to be Natural.” I will then counter with “What is Natural?” At this point I generally get the answer “Natural, you know, natural.” This really reinforces […]

Peppermint Exfoliating Foot Soap Recipe

A bar of soap to deodorize and exfoliate the feet. Ingredients 3-4 oz opaque M&P soap 1 tsp kokum butter 2-3 drops peppermint essential oil 1 scant drop red or pink food colouring (optional) Pumice powder Melt soap and butter over a double boiler. Add peppermint oil and colouring and stir gently to incorporate. Pour […]

Coconut Rose Body Whip Recipe

This recipes makes a creamy, whipped up body butter that smells fantastic due to the virgin coconut oil and rose hydrosol. Ingredients 60 grams (about 2.2 ounces) rose hydrosol 16 grams (about 1/2 ounce) extra virgin olive oil 10 grams (about 1/3 ounce) virgin coconut oil 8 grams (about 1/4 ounce) emulsifying wax 4 grams […]

Grease Junky Soap Recipe

Ingredients: 1 lb Melt and Pour Soap Base 22 grams Finely Ground Pumice 1/2 gram Vanilla Bean Specks Directions: Gently melt the soap base until liquid. Add the Ground Vanilla Bean Specks. Allow the soap to cool until slightly thickened. Add the pumice and stir well. Pour the soap into your mold and allow to […]

Whipped Body Frosting or Lip Frosting Recipe

This recipe makes a great Lip Frosting by simply omitting the fragrance oil and substituting flavour oil. Ingredients 8 oz Virgin Coconut Oil 4.5 oz Kokum Butter 2 oz Unrefined Shea butter 5 oz E-wax 32 oz Distilled Water 0.5 oz of Preservative 0.7-1 oz of Fragrance depending on strength Measurements by Weight not Volume […]

Shea Butter Body Bar Recipe

Shea Butter Body Bars are easy last minute gifts made with rich Shea butter, Virgin Coconut oil and Beeswax. Of course you can choose your own blend of essential oils or keep them unscented. Either way, the virgin coconut oil adds a “macaroon-type” aroma and these are welcome treats for any occasion. Ingredients 60 grams […]

Intense Hair Oil Treatment

This rich, moisturizing hot oil treatment may help to repair split ends and leaves hair shiny and soft. Ingredients: 1 cup Macadamia Nut Oil 1 cup Sunflower Oil 1/4 cup Hemp Seed Oil 1/8 cup Avocado Oil 1/8 cup Jojoba Oil 2 Tbsp Vitamin E 1/8 cup Cocoa Butter 1/8 cup Avocado Butter 1/8 cup […]

Soothing Whipped Cream Shaving Soap Recipe

Oils (by weight) 4 oz Olive oil 1 oz Avocado oil 6 oz. Coconut oil 4 oz. Palm oil 2 oz. Stearic acid Lye (by weight) 2.6 oz. potassium hydroxide (KOH) 0.6 oz. sodium hydroxide (NAOH) Water (distilled) 22 oz. distilled water PLUS 1 oz glycerin (by weight) 1 oz silk powder 1 tablespoon bentonite […]

Rhassoul Body Polish

This creamy cleanser has added Moroccan rhassoul clay for exfoliation.  This whipped cream soap recipe is mild and gentle enough to use every day. Oils Phase (by weight) 2 oz. stearic acid 6 oz. coconut oil 4 oz. palm oil 3.7 oz. shea butter .3 oz. castor oil Water Phase (fluid measure) 1/4 teaspoon rhassoul […]

Creamy Pet Bath Soap Recipe

To our Basic Cream Soap Formula, add: 20 drops Eucalyptus Lemon essential oil 20 drops Lemon essential oil 20 drops Lavender essential oil 10 drops Marjoram essential oil [ReviewDisclaimer]

Basic Cream Soap Recipe

This Basic Cream Soap Formula is a medium density soft soap — perfect for exfoliants and other additives. Use as a base for Creamy Exfoliating Foot Soap or Creamy Pet Bath Soap. Oils (by weight) 4.6 oz. sweet almond oil 6 oz. coconut oil 4 oz. palm oil 2 oz. stearic acid Lye (by weight) […]

The Quality of Essential Oils

By Jade Shutes, BA, Dipl. AT., Cert. Herbalist LINKS UPDATED TO REFLECT CURRENT WEBSITES The quality and authenticity of the essential oils we utilize are the very heart and foundation of aromatherapy. The quality of essential oils is often a contentious subject bringing up feelings of protectiveness and challenging beliefs. I have written this article, […]

Irresistable Chocolate Soap

Measurements by Weight not Volume 3.2 ounces Coconut Oil 1 ounces Cocoa Butter 2.2 ounces Palm Kernel Oil/Flakes 6.4 ounces Rice Bran Oil 3.8 ounces Sunflower Oil 11.6 ounces Palm Oil or Lard 12.2 ounces Water 4.4 ounces Lye – NaOH 1.6 ounces Castor Oil 1 ounces Sodium Lactate 2.2 ounces Shea Butter, melted 1 […]

Tropical Pina Colada Milk Bath

This simple yet refreshing recipe smells heavenly in a soothing bath soak and, since it contains no oil, it does not leave a ring around the tub. The vegetable glycerin and milk combine to soften the skin. 8 fluid oz Coconut Milk 1 fluid oz Vegetable Glycerin 1/2 – 1 tsp Pina Colada Fragrance Oil […]

Shaving Cream with Foaming Bath Whip

Measurements by Weight not Volume 1 lbs Foaming Bath Whip 2 ounces Avocado Oil Essential/Fragrance Oil to preference 0.4 ounces Germall Plus or 1.62 ounces Liquipar Optima Method: Whip the Foaming Bath Whip and oil with an electric mixer for about 5 minutes. Add Essential Oil/Fragrance Oil and Germall and mix. Spoon into jars and […]

Shaving Cream Stick Recipe

2 lbs Foaming Bath Whip 1 – 1.5 oz Refined Shea Butter Essential/Fragrance Oil to taste Lotion bar tubes or jar with shaving brush Measurements by Weight not Volume For approximately 10-12 “sticks” of shaving soap Method: Cream Foaming Bath Whip on LOW setting until it is creamed but still firm. Melt shea butter Add […]

Lavender Bath Syrup

This recipe is perfect for an evening bath when it’s hard to relax due to the stressful cares of the day. It makes 1 ounce. 18 gms Turkey Red Oil (sulfonated castor oil) 6 gms Vegetable Glycerin 2 gms Lavender Tincture 2 gms Jojoba Oil – Clear 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil 40/42 Instructions: Measure […]

Herbal Bath Base

An herbal tea bath often consists of base ingredients that will soften skin and can be adjusted to create a variety of recipes. We have included one of our favourite bases to help you get started. Herbal Bath Base 1/2 cup powdered milk 1/4 cup sea salt 1 tablespoon baking soda 1 tablespoon corn starch […]

Foaming Scrub Butter Facial Wash

80 oz Foaming Bath Butter 3 oz Soy Based Foam Booster 3 oz Jojoba 3 oz Meadow Foam Seed Oil Micro Scrub Beads – to your liking 3 oz Fragrance oil 0.9 oz Germall Plus Liquid Colourant Measurements by Weight not Volume Method: Whip FBB and add oils/additives, and fragrance as you whip. Add Micro […]

Bath Bomb Cupcakes

Ingredients Mix well until smooth in large bowl: 1 cup baking soda 1/2 cup citric acid 1/2 cup corn starch 1/3 cup Epsom salts Wet Ingredients: 2-1/2 tablespoon light oil (sweet almond, jojoba, avocado oil – sunflower oil can be used also or light olive) 3/4 tablespoon water 1 to 2 teaspoon essential oil or […]

Big Bubble Bubble Bath Recipe

Bubbles are fun and luxurious. Glycerin is added to stretch the bubbles and make them bigger. Surround yourself with bubbles and float away your troubles. 1 Cup Soap Flakes 1 Cup Water 2 -3 Tbsp Glycerin 1 drop Essential Oil / Fragrance Oil Method: Mix all ingredients together and store in a glass bottle Add […]

Citrus Summer Mist

This easy to make formula smells great and will enliven and refresh even the most stagnant personal space during the summer season. Use to freshen everything from home linens to the air around you. This product is not to be used on the skin as a toner or face or body spritz. It’s for the […]

IFRA Conformity Certificates

Certificates of Analysis

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Tips and Tricks for Making Beautiful Melt & Pour Soap

Keep Everything Clean (hands, containers for melting, tools for stirring): You are working with very basic and natural products, and unlike soap at the grocery store these ingredients are not loaded with chemicals and preservatives. Don’t Overheat The Soap: The Soap Bases may be melted in a clean heat-resistant container in the microwave covered in […]

Making Soap Blue Using Indigo

There are a few tricks that can give you a more powerfully blue result when using indigo. First, indigo root powder is actually a dull loden green when it is ground from dried roots. The addition of an alkali and water cause it to turn a greenish-teal liquid, often with a glimmery copper sheen on […]

Soapmaking Safety Instructions

Prepare Yourself Prepare your molds and work area first. Soap can move quickly once the batch is started. Cleanliness counts. Use plastic, stainless steel, ceramic or glass containers and utensils only. Unbreakable containers are preferable because they are safer. Wear long rubber gloves, an apron & safety glasses. Prepare the lye water first following the […]

Making All-Natural, No-Alcohol Liquid Soaps

Making liquid soap is easy! Unlike cold process soap, it is ready to use immediately after the process is complete. Our liquid soap is made via hot process. This method completes the saponification very quickly. If you have cold process soapmaking experience, so much the better! We use potassium hydroxide to saponify the oils in […]

Eau de Cologne, a case of ancient Industrial espionage?

Written by John Kercher I noticed a discussion going on about Eau de Cologne where recipes were exchanged and Napoleon Cologne mentioned. Since I have some time on my hands right now, I thought it to be a good opportunity to let you know where Colognes originated, how they got their names and a few […]

The Importance of Preservatives

Reviews of 27 Preservatives

Avoiding Soap Ash

The only thing you need to avoid soap ash is a spray bottle with a very strong alcohol solution. (96{2f217b6ef4e944ec449aa2c625e1f0e1f43c0ee840d0a16b8bf46c3ef1173473}) 1) Make your CP soap as usual and pour it. 2) Wait a while and when the soap starts to condense and the surface goes from being shiny to being more matte (this is the […]

INCI Terms for Saponified Oils

Soap Ingredient Saponified INCI Term (Saponified with Sodium Hydroxide)* Almond Oil Sodium Almondate Apricot Kernel Oil Sodium Apricot Kernelate Avocado Oil Sodium Avocadate Babassu Oil Sodium Babassate Beef Tallow Sodium Tallowate Borage Oil Sodium Boragate Canola Oil Sodium Canolate Castor Oil Sodium Castorate or Sodium Ricinoleate Cocoa Butter Sodium Cocoa Butterate Coconut Oil Sodium Cocoate […]

SAP Values

Following are the SAP values used on our lye calculators. Remember, NaOH is most common for making bar soap, and KOH is used for making liquid soap. Oil NaOH KOH Almond, Sweet 0.136 0.1904 Apricot Kernel 0.135 0.189 Arachis 0.136 0.1904 Avocado 0.133 0.1862 Babassu 0.175 0.245 Beef Hoof 0.141 0.1974 Beeswax, White 0.069 0.0966 […]

Recipe2FormulaConverter (.xls)

Emulsions and The HLB System (.pdf)

The HLB System – A Time-Saving Guide to Surfactant Selection (.pdf)

Guide to Cosmetic Ingredient Labelling (.pdf)

Good Manufacturing Practices

This list is by no means complete but a compilation of general tips or hints we’ve learned on our way: Quality Control Inspect each and every product upon arrival. Do not wait to open the item until you need it. The company could have made a shipping mistake, you could have ordered something in error […]

Terms Used in Fragrance

Absolute. Absolutes are regarded as the strongest aromatic product from the starting material. Not strictly essential oils as they are obtained through extraction with volatile solvents such as hexane which dissolves the volatile oil components plus colour and waxes. The resultant concrete is a solid. The volatile oil is then extracted from the concrete using […]

Cleaning & Sanitation Guidelines (.pdf)

Unit Conversion Software (for Windows)

Convert Volume to Grams (.xls)

Measurement Conversion Chart

Volume Measurements Metric Size US Size 1 ml .034 fl. oz. 3.7 ml 0.125 fl. oz. 4.42 ml 0.15 fl. oz. 4.5 ml 0.152 fl. oz. 5 ml 0.169 fl. oz. 6.5 cc 0.22 fl. oz. 7.4 ml 0.250 fl. oz. 7.5 ml 0.254 fl. oz. 8 ml 0.27 fl. oz. 10 ml 0.338 fl. […]

Liquid, Cream & Bar Soap Calculator

Base Oil Calculator (How much can my soap mold hold?)

Lye Calculator

A Reminder About The Importance of Verifying Your Personal Information

We at Saffire Blue would like to remind you of the importance of double-checking your personal information when creating any account you set up online.  Failing to do so may put your personal information in the hands of the wrong person. As is the case with most online retailers, Saffire Blue’s online ordering system is […]

Absolutely Yummy Tropical Body Butter Recipe

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons cocoa butter 1/4 cup coconut oil 1/4 cup stearic acid powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel 1 cup neroli hydrosol 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Blending Procedure: Combine the coconut oil, cocoa butter and stearic acid powder in a heat-resistant container. Combine the baking soda, aloe vera gel, orange […]

Calendula Cream for Babies Recipe

from ‘The Herb Companion’ Soothe and smooth with this gentle cream. Ingredients 4 ounces Shea Butter – Virgin Organic – Ghana 2 Tablespoons Calendula Flower Petals 2 grams Vitamin E 3 drops Geranium Essential Oil 30 drops Lavender Essential Oil 40/42 Clear Glass Jar – 4 oz White Smooth Lid 58-400 10 drops Tincture of […]

Sea Kelp BioFerment

Sea kelp is one of the oldest and most versatile weapons in your beauty arsenal. It is used in various facial and skin treatments, like hydrating face masks, soap, lotions, and creams as well as several derivative components being used in a myriad of food products. It is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, over […]

New Fragrances!

We’re right smack dab in the middle of summer and to celebrate, Saffire Blue has brought in three new scintillating fragrances that are sure to add a touch of sun to your products!   Tahitian Monoi Blossom First off, we have Tahitian Monoi Blossom. Our Tahitian Monoi Blossom fragrance oil offers the scent of warm […]

Witch Hazel Distillate Water: The Do-It-All Hydrosol!

Witch Hazel, Hamamelis Virginiana, is one of the most versatile and widely used herbs: not only in the cosmetic industry but in real world applications as well. The forms of Witch Hazel that are most commonly used are Witch Hazel Distillate Water and Witch Hazel Extract. The uses, applications and benefits for both forms range […]

Rush Processing vs Priority Shipping

Good Morning Everyone (and Happy Friday!) We just want to clarify that there is a difference between our “Rush Processing” and our courier services that offer quicker delivery.  Orders will generally ship within 48 hours, Monday – Friday, excluding holidays, regardless of the shipping method chosen. Choosing expedited shipping methods will only reduce the amount […]

The Calendar says it’s Spring!

  March is almost over and April is just around the corner.  Our calendars say it’s officially Spring!  However, it is obvious that Mother Nature has other plans for the welcoming (or lack thereof) of this season.  The sun has had few chances to peek out from behind the snow clouds these past few days.  […]

Important Announcement on Order Additions

To our valued customers, We regret to inform you that we are no longer able to offer Order Additions. While we know that many of our customers enjoyed our Order Addition feature and may be saddened to hear that it is no longer available, we feel that disabling Order Additions is necessary at this time.   […]

Animal Testing Statement

Desserts on Me! Chocolate Body Icing

Yummy!  Our Chocolate Body Icing is perfect for a romantic evening in with your Valentine 😉 Ingredients: 100g Non-Deodorized Cocoa Butter 50g Grapeseed Oil (you may substitute with any other light oil of choice) 20g Stearic Acid 15g Artificial Sweetner (ie. Splenda) or Icing Sugar 4g Vitamin E 50g of a Mixture of White/Dark/Milk Chocolate […]

Are you the Romantic Type?

That lovey-dovey time of year is nearly here!  Do you have a Valentine?  Are you busting out your inner romantic this year 😉 We’re going to begin our first of many Valentine’s post this year with a delicious recipe! Ohh Laa Lovely Brown Sugar & Vanilla Body Scrub Ingredients: 1 Cup Brown Sugar 1/2 Cup […]

Coco-Nutter Body Butter Recipe

This nut-oil based cream is very rich and has a whipped butter consistency. It goes on smoothly and absorbs very well. It’s perfect for dry summer and winter skin. Yield: Approx. 3.6 ounces Prep Time: 15 minutes Price Category: 2 Difficulty Level: 2 Shelf Life: 3 months * Ingredients 60 grams Distilled Water 10 grams […]

Infusing Oils

We live on a planet with a gorgeous array of plants that provide us with amazing herbs, spices and plant products that encompass our lives on a daily basis. The question we ask then, is why not infuse these oils and incorporate them within your bath and body care recipes?  Play around with plants and […]

Happy New Year!

  Saffire Blue wishes you and yours a Happy, Healthy and Successful 2013! We are really excited to start a NEW year with NEW ideas and NEW products (and a NEW home too!) As many of you know, we recently moved to our new location and we are so very happy!  It is much larger […]

All You Need to Know About Molds and Stamps

Molds and stamps are both a great option when it comes to customizing your soap bars. Each can offer beautiful designs and shapes that will add an element of fun to your soap! From holiday or seasonal-themed molds to stamps featuring text or symbols, the perfect design for your soap is out there! What’s the […]

7 Essential Items You Need to Start Making Soap

If you are a beginning soap maker or you’re looking to start making soap as a hobby, it can be difficult to know where to start. There are so many additives out there that you can include in your projects, including emulsifiers, solubilizers, preservatives, thickeners, colourants and surfactants! If you’re not sure what any or […]

Would you like a Bath Tea?

The weather is colder and the air is damp … it’s time to warm up and relax.  Finally, bath season has arrived! Mostly everyone LOVES to run a hot bath accompanied with salts and fragrant bubbles … but what about bath teas?  Why not make your own blend of gorgeous botanicals and have them mingle […]

How to Choose the Right Additives for Your Soap Recipe

Any soapmaker can tell you that developing a soap recipe is similar to what a chef goes through when creating a new dish. Knowledge of the ingredients and the batch sizes are critical to its success- but there’s also that key secret ingredient that helps make your soap in particular stand out from the rest. […]

Aloe Vera and Marigold Frozen Gel Cubes for Burns

Aloe Vera and Marigold Frozen Gel Cubes for Burns Aloe Vera is without doubt the ultimate instant skin soother. You can simply snap off one of its squidgy gel-packed leaves, which work like living first-aid sachets, and apply it directly to the skin – no fuss necessary. But nature can be improved upon. These ice-cold […]

Shaving Tip to get Soft, Silky Legs

Scrub: -2 1/2 Cups of Sugar -1 Cup of oil (Olive, Canola, Sweet Almond, Avocado, Coconut etc) -5 Tablespoons of Lemon or Lime Citrus Juice – Preferably fresh squeezed. Bath Time: -Draw a warm/hot bath. -Soak for about five minutes. -Shave one leg. -Take a palm full of the homemade sugar scrub and scrub the shaved […]

Good News from the HSMG for Canadians

It’s Here! Insurance for Canadian soap and bath and body artisans is now here! Affordable insurance is now available to our Canadian colleagues. For just $400, plus $100 for Guild membership, you will have the same great insurance package that our US members enjoy. Your coverage includes: $2,000,000 General Aggregate Limit $2,000,000 Products-Completed Operations Aggregate […]

True North Strong & Free Soap!

What makes  you proud to be Canadian? Celebrate Canada Day with this True North Strong & Free Soap Recipe 🙂 *This recipe yields 2 pounds of scrumptious soap* Ingredients:  4.6 oz  (130.40 grams) Sodium Hydroxide 12.2 oz  (345.86 grams) Distilled Water   11.2 oz   (317.51 grams) Coconut 76 Oil 1.6 oz   (45.36 grams) Castor Oil […]

Crave-Worthy Watermelon & Feta Summer Salad

Ingredients:  1 large watermelon, rind removed and cut into large chunks  1 lemon, juiced and zested  1/2 cup olive oil  Sprinkled sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste  1 large handful fresh basil, mint or cilantro  1 cup feta cheese, crumbled or cubed  1 medium red onion, chopped Directions: Toss the watermelon into a large […]

Aquolina Pink Sugar Fragrance Oil

Hi All! Starting today for a month we’ll be sending out 15ml samples of our amazingly delicious Aquolina Pink Sugar Fragrance Oil! It’s flirty, it’s fresh, it’s girly … it’s delicious! Smells intoxicating in lotions & potions and soaps fantastic!  It does discolour to a brown so some of you may prefer to use it alongside Vanilla […]

Exfoliate! Exfoliate! Exfoliate!

It is undeniably true.  One of the most important things you can do to keep your skin feeling smooth and looking young, fresh and healthy is to exfoliate.   It is even more important to exfoliate during the Summer.  Spending time in the Sun means goddess looking bronzed skin, right?  Well, absolutely!  However, the skin on […]

Dead Sea Mud – Back in Stock!

The Dead Sea is one of the most saline bodies of water in the world. Having no outlet, the Dead Sea is a “terminal lake” which loses huge amounts of water by evaporation into the hot dry air. As the Dead Sea evaporates the salt and minerals are absorbed into the mud at the bottom […]

Lavender Lemonade

Delicious and refreshing! Lavender and Lemon are DEFINITELY meant to be together!  Lavender lemonade can help to ease anxiety and may help to relieve headaches.  Enjoy a cold glass over ice on a warm, sunny weekend afternoon and let the stress of the work week just wash away. Lavender Lemonade Makes approximately 16 servings Ingredients: […]

For Safe Summer Fun, Protect Your Skin!

We just had a scorcher of a weekend!  Sunday, the sun was so hot and reached a high of 32 degrees celcius.  It’s going to be a hot summer and it’s very important we protect and prevent against harmful sun and heat.  For safe Summer fun, protect your skin! I think it’s safe to say […]

It’s that time of year again!

Kids are bouncing off the walls of their school rooms, anxiously anticipating the end of the school year so that they can begin their summer fun. We in North America have already dipped our toes into the first long summer weekend. Typically, long weekends are spent socializing outdoors on patios, family-based camping expeditions, gardening, delicious […]

Chilled Cold Cream Recipe

This chilled cold cream makes a wonderfully simple, self pampering, daily ritual that, nurtures the goddess within. It is especially nice to use on sultry summer evenings. 50 grams jojoba, olive oil or other cold/expeller pressed vegetable oil 50 grams alba rose hydrosol (use regular rose hydrosol if alba is unavailable) 12.5 grams beeswax (if […]

Why are my butters grainy? How can I fix them?

Graininess in butter is fairly common.  This is not a reflection of the quality of the butter, but merely a reaction to temperature fluctuations.  It tends to be more of a problem during the summer months when products sit in hot trucks during shipping. Crystallization (graininess) in finished products or raw butter is due to […]

Shealoe (Part 2)

by Guest Blogger – Susan Barclay-Nichols LOTION BAR WITH SHEALOE 28{2f217b6ef4e944ec449aa2c625e1f0e1f43c0ee840d0a16b8bf46c3ef1173473} Beeswax 20{2f217b6ef4e944ec449aa2c625e1f0e1f43c0ee840d0a16b8bf46c3ef1173473} oil of choice 30{2f217b6ef4e944ec449aa2c625e1f0e1f43c0ee840d0a16b8bf46c3ef1173473} Shealoe butter 20{2f217b6ef4e944ec449aa2c625e1f0e1f43c0ee840d0a16b8bf46c3ef1173473} Cocoa Butter or Mango Butter 1{2f217b6ef4e944ec449aa2c625e1f0e1f43c0ee840d0a16b8bf46c3ef1173473} Vitamin E 1{2f217b6ef4e944ec449aa2c625e1f0e1f43c0ee840d0a16b8bf46c3ef1173473} fragrance or essential oil Weigh the beeswax, oil of choice, and Cocoa Butter into a heatproof container (like a Pyrex jug) and place into a double […]

Shealoe (Part 1)

by Guest Blogger – Susan Barclay-Nichols Shealoe butter (INCI Aloe barbadensis leaf juice (and) butryrospermum parkii (shea butter) fruit) is two great things in one! With a melting point of 50˚C, it will melt on your skin on contact, offering great moisturizing and skin softening, as well increasing skin’s barrier repair properties and cell regeneration […]

Halloween Soap

Compass Rose Soaps Creepy Finger Soap Creepy Finger Soap

Is Fall here?

During this (winter like) Labour Day weekend it dawned on me that summer vacation is coming to an end. I look around and can’t help but notice that the leaves are beginning to change colour.  As I reach for a sweater, the thought of a warm beverage from Starbucks enters my mind.   This craving leads […]

An obession

OK, I admit it! I love soap and can be found scouring the web for pictures of soap. I save these pictures. What for? I have no idea. I go back and look at them on occasion. People (who don’t understand this soap obsession) like to joke that instead of “man candy” I save ‘soap […]

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