Where have I been? I've never gone this long without posting! It's been hot, and I've just been lazy as hell basically. So here I am with something new. Stimulate, exfoliate, and rejuvenate with my all new creamy scrub. Sounds like a paradox, but it’s not your typical scrub. This is an emulsified scrub that I have mastered (at least I think I have) thanks to many botched batches and trial and error. So how does this scrub differ from your average scrub? The main difference is many commercial scrubs, like Bath & Body Works, use a combination of sugar (or salt) mixed with oil. That’s all well and good, but the sugar settles to the bottom of the jar, and your hands and tub get all greasy and super slippery. Then you have to stir the mixture each time you use it. Arghhh! Enter Mintally Stimulating!
Emulsified scrubs involve the blending of oils and/or butters with wax (because oil and water don’t mix on its own), water, an exfoliating agent like salt or sugar, and fragrance (optional but why not?). VERY IMPORTANT: Any emulsified scrub you buy or use must have a preservative in it! I say must, rather than should, because water is involved here. When you’re making a product that involves oils and water, the use of a preservative should not be an option or else you’ll end up with a science project growing in your jar. EWWW! I’ve read the horror stories of people using “all natural” or “preservative-free” products only to have mold and fungus grow in the product or they’ve developed an infection from using a tainted product. Can you imagine what kind of impact that would have on your business and your reputation? I personally use optiphen as a preservative as it’s formaldehyde- and paraben-free. That’s about as natural as you can get in terms of preservatives! My advice is don’t buy an emulsified scrub if it doesn’t contain a preservative. More than likely, you will get water in the jar if you’re using it in your tub or shower. Now that’s your brief lesson for the day…
For this scrub, I’ve chosen sweet almond oil and shea butter. Sweet almond oil is a light, fast-absorbing oil, and shea butter is my go-to luxury butter. It melts immediately upon contact and absorbs quickly into the skin without feeling greasy or heavy. This is not a foaming scrub. Think of it as a friend with benefits. It sloughs while moisturizing. The texture is thick and creamy yet oh-so-scrubby. The scent is a refreshing mint. I keep my jar in the fridge, and when I'm ready to get stimulated (oh, that sounds kinda nasty, lol), it's nice and cool. I use mine 2-3 times a week concentrating on my knees, thighs, and legs (since it's summertime and those parts are constantly exposed.)
I haven't listed this yet because my pictures BITE! I'm working on photos (yes, I'm very particular), so they'll be in the shops before the week is over...
