Newbie with questions

[Guest guest]

First off let me say that I am so thankful that I have found this

group. I joined a couple of other groups but they talked way too

much about synthetic ingredients, which I don't like. I am very

excited about being part of this group.

 

I have been doing research on all natural products for the last 8

months. I started my own all natural business selling products that

I bought wholesale from a gal that makes them herself (i.e., soaps,

lotions, aromatherapy products, etc.) My goal and dream has always

been to make my own and the products I was purchasing from this lady

were " okay " but not up to my standards. I also think organic

products are best when able to get them, and she was not using

organic. So, I decided to stop selling them and start making my own.

I have not made my own products yet but I am planning to purchase

some ingredients online on Monday. I have been doing tons of

research and have read lots of books. I am ready to dig in and start

formulating my own things.

 

BUT, after reading through the posts on here and on other sites, I

am feeling a bit discouraged and confused. It is really important to

me to use all natural ingredients and I really want to make creams

and lotions. The problem is, as you know, there is so much

controversy about all natural preservatives, i.e. grapefruit seed

extract, rosemary oil extract, etc. Now I am questioning whether I

should just not make anything with water and just stick to balms,

salves, soaps, healing oils, etc. Although, I have seen other

companies use all natural preservatives (botanical works, burt's

bees), and the lady I was purchasing from used GSE and I never had a

problem with her lotions.

 

I would greatly appreciate any input on this topic. Also, I have a

couple of questions that I am hoping someone can answer.

 

1) When do you use rosemary oil extract and when do you use

grapefruit seed extract? What is the differenece?

2) When should you use potassium sorbate and is this natural?

3) I am wanting to make a facial cleanser containing castille soap,

hydrosol and essential oils. Do I need a preservative?

 

Thanks in advance for your input, and again, I am so glad I found

this group!

 

Blessings,

 

Mara