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Daily handwashing can cause your hands to become dry, chapped and even cracked. Keeping hands moisturized is a very important task, especially during cold and flu season, to keep hands from becoming raw and losing the skin barrier. If you run out of lotion and want to make some on your own, don't be intimidated! Making your own lotion is very easy and uses many ingredients that you may already have at home. Here is some useful information for lotion making beginners and a basic recipe to follow!

You didn’t imagine it. That was the first dusting of snow you saw on the ground this morning. While you weren’t looking, winter went ahead and just moved on in like it always does. Sure, it’s cold and windy, but those conditions really make you appreciate the warmth and comfort of your own home, being with loved ones or just spending some time on yourself refocusing, recharging and working out how to add the coolest winter products to your line. After a wholly hectic holiday season and a couple trips to the mall exposing your skin to bitterly cold winds, you’ve probably got your own insights on what your customers are looking for in a winter bath and body product. If not, we’ve gone ahead and circled a few of the major winter trends we’re seeing in the market right now, just to give you a jump on your next line. All things considered; these trends all point to one thing: a winter of wellness, focused on mindfulness and self-care.

Creating a refreshing treat for your feet has never been easier with this minty foot bath bomb recipe. Pamper yourself with homemade spa-like luxury that invigorates your feet and your entire mood. Below, we've outlined everything you need to know to create these effervescent wonders at home. Minty foot bath bombs are a delightful way to end your day. They combine the enthusiasm of bath bombs with the cooling and refreshing properties of mint. These bombs are designed to soothe tired, aching feet while providing a spa-like experience in the comfort of your home. Whether you're an athlete, standing all day at work, or just looking for a way to relax, these minty foot bombs are a perfect treat. To get started, you'll need the following ingredients: 1 cup baking soda 1/2 cup citric acid 1/2 cup Epsom salt 1/4 cup cornstarch 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted) 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil A few drops of green food coloring (optional for that minty look) Witch hazel or water in a spray bottle (for binding) Molds (silicone molds or plastic Christmas ornaments work great) Step 1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salt, and cornstarch.Step 2. Add Wet Ingredients: Slowly mix in the melted coconut oil and peppermint essential oil to the dry mixture. Add the food coloring and mix until you achieve your desired color.Step 3. Bind Together: Spritz the mixture with witch hazel or water sparingly, stirring continuously until the mixture holds together when squeezed.Step 4. Mold: Pack the mixture tightly into your molds. If using a two-part mold, press the halves together firmly.Step 5. Dry: Allow the bombs to dry in their molds for at least 24 hours before gently removing them. Minty foot bath bombs are not just about relaxation; they offer several benefits: Soothing Relief: The Epsom salt helps to relieve muscle aches and pains. Refreshing: Peppermint essential oil is cooling and refreshing, helping to rejuvenate tired feet. Moisturizing: Coconut oil moisturizes and softens the skin, making your feet smooth. Ensure your mixture has the right consistency before molding. It should be damp but not wet. Press the mixture firmly into molds to prevent crumbling. Allow ample time for drying to ensure your bombs are appropriately set. Prepare: Fill a basin or foot spa with warm water. Drop: Place one minty foot bath bomb into the water and allow it to dissolve. Soak: Immerse your feet in the minty, fizzy water for 15-20 minutes. Dry and Moisturize: Pat your feet dry and follow up with a moisturizer for an extra treat. With this minty foot bath bomb recipe, you're well on your way to giving your feet the care and attention they deserve. Enjoy the refreshing, soothing experience at home and enter a world of comfort and relaxation.

Saffron is a culinary spice derived from the stigma of the flower of Crocus sativus ("saffron crocus"). The saffron crocus plant grows up to 8–12" and bears up to four flowers. Each flower displays three bright crimson stigmas, which are the distal end of a carpel. These stigmas, called threads, are collected and dried for use mainly as a seasoning and coloring agent in culinary products.

The most common use of sugar in cosmetics is in sugar scrubs, but there are more skin benefits to sugar than you may think. Try some in your formulas today!

Creating your own essential oil blends can be exciting and incredibly satisfying. As you work with aromatics, you’ll soon learn there are many perspectives from which to blend essential oils, depending on your intended outcome. 

Bentonite clay has been used for centuries for its detoxifying properties and ability to promote clearer, healthier skin. As a popular ingredient in natural skincare products, it’s no wonder that bentonite clay has found its way into soap making. Incorporating this powerful clay into your soap can elevate your skincare routine and offer a soothing, detoxifying cleanse. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of a detox with bentonite clay in soap and how you can integrate it into your soap-making process. Bentonite clay is a natural substance formed from volcanic ash that has aged over time. It is primarily composed of montmorillonite, a mineral with a highly absorbent and swelling structure. When mixed with water, bentonite clay expands and develops an electrical charge, which makes it highly effective at drawing out toxins and impurities from the skin. This makes it a go-to ingredient in detox products, such as face masks, body treatments, and now, soaps. Adding bentonite clay to soap offers a variety of skincare benefits. Here are some of the key bentonite clay soap benefits: Detoxification: Bentonite clay has powerful detoxifying properties that help pull impurities, toxins, and heavy metals from the skin, leaving it cleaner and clearer. Oil Absorption: The clay effectively absorbs excess oil, making it ideal for people with oily or acne-prone skin. Gentle Exfoliation: Bentonite clay provides a mild exfoliation, helping to remove dead skin cells and promote smoother skin without being too abrasive. Soothing Effect: The clay has calming properties that can reduce inflammation and irritation, making it suitable for sensitive or irritated skin. Mineral-Rich Nourishment: Bentonite clay is rich in essential minerals like silica, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which can help replenish and revitalize the skin. One of the most appealing properties of bentonite clay soap is its ability to detox the skin. But how exactly does this process work?When wet, bentonite clay acts like a sponge, swelling up and creating a negatively charged surface. This negative charge attracts positively charged toxins, impurities, and heavy metals, binding them to the clay. As the clay is washed off the skin, it takes these impurities with it, effectively detoxing with bentonite clay. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to purify their skin and achieve a deep cleanse, especially when incorporated into a soap used regularly. While bentonite clay offers a range of benefits, it’s particularly effective for certain skin types: Oily Skin: Bentonite clay’s ability to absorb excess oil makes it perfect for individuals struggling with oily or combination skin. It helps regulate sebum production while maintaining a healthy moisture balance. Acne-Prone Skin: The detoxifying and exfoliating properties of bentonite clay help unclog pores, reduce acne breakouts, and soothe inflamed skin. Sensitive Skin: Thanks to its soothing nature, bentonite clay can be used on sensitive or reactive skin types to calm irritation and redness without causing further aggravation. Dull or Tired Skin: For those looking to revive their complexion, bentonite clay can help remove dead skin cells and promote a more radiant, refreshed look. If you're a soap maker or someone interested in creating natural skincare products, incorporating bentonite clay into your soap recipes is a simple process. Here's how: Choose the Right Amount: When adding bentonite clay to soap, use about 1-2 teaspoons of clay per pound of soap base. Too much clay can make the soap crumbly, so be mindful of the quantity. Mix with Water or Oil: Before adding bentonite clay to your soap mixture, blend it with a small amount of water or oil to form a smooth paste. This helps distribute the clay evenly throughout the soap. Add to Melted Soap Base: If you’re using a melt-and-pour soap base, simply stir the clay paste into the melted soap. For cold-process soap, add the clay after the lye-water mixture has been combined with the oils. Essential Oils for Extra Benefits: Consider adding essential oils like tea tree or lavender to complement the detoxifying properties of bentonite clay and enhance the soap's benefits. Let It Cure: After pouring your soap into molds, let it cure for the recommended time, depending on the soap-making method you’re using. This ensures the soap sets properly and is ready for use. Q: Can bentonite clay be used on all skin types?A: While bentonite clay is generally safe for most skin types, it’s especially beneficial for oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin. If you have very dry skin, use bentonite clay sparingly, as its oil-absorbing properties could exacerbate dryness.Q: How often should I use bentonite clay soap?A: It’s safe to use bentonite clay soap daily, but if you notice any dryness or irritation, consider reducing usage to a few times a week, especially if you have sensitive skin.Q: Does bentonite clay soap expire?A: Bentonite clay itself doesn’t expire, but the soap may have a shelf life depending on the oils and ingredients used. Be sure to store your soap in a cool, dry place to extend its shelf life.

Join Debbie May from WSP in her home as she makes Avocado Melt & Pour Soap, Scrubby Hand Soap and more! She answers questions about soap bases and teaches you how to troubleshoot when Melt & Pour layers don't stick after unmolding. 

Adding inventory and bulking up your advertising budget are not the only ways to increase cash flow. Don’t forget that sometimes the best resource for increased cash flow is right at your fingertips: your existing customer base and prospect list. Here are some things you can do to attract your current customers to increase cash flow.

GoalThe use of wine in soap adds market appeal and some believe the sugar content adds a luxurious lather. Caution must be exercised when using alcoholic beverages in soap because this is an advanced soap making technique that if done improperly can lead to a soap volcano or seized soap. We took extra care in creating these lovely bars of soap made with Merlot. In this article, we will share tips and tricks for creating Wine Soap.

Phototoxicity (photoirritation) is a chemically induced skin irritation that requires light and does not involve the immune system. It is a type of photosensitivity.

In this Video Newsletter, Debbie May demonstrates how to make lip balm from scratch using the Crafter's Choice Strawberry Powder. She also give a tutorial on how to use the Crafter's Choice Lip Tube Filling Tray and does a sneak peek into new products coming to Wholesale Supplies Plus.