Posted on 28 Jul 23:36 , 0 comments
NICNAS UPDATES:
For Australians that need to register (if you use bases from a registered Australian company you do not need to, as long as your supplier is registered).
For those that do need to register, I will be meeting with the NICNAS team again next week directly in relation to soap makers. However for now, here's few important points:
- ALL passwords on the site expire after 45 days, you will need a new one every 45 days and you cannot use the same one, it must be at least 10 characters long (it's a coding problem they are working on)
- When you click to change your password, there's a lag of up to several hours before it resets, during this time it will look like it is working but in fact it isn't, you can only reset your password once in 24-48 hours, so if you keep resetting you may end up in a loop which will lock you out (again a coding glitch)
- The lowest price bracket is $138 (if you are spending less than $125,000 per year - so the figure you put won't change your premium if under this amount
- There are new categories of chemicals on the website, however for the most of us we can simply put "nothing changed since last year"
- It is an annual fee starting and ending at this time of the year, regardless of when you apply to join
*Please note, all of this information is purely from my own personal experiences and may or may not be accurate or relevant to you, it is offered as an insight guide only and we ask you to seek professional assistance to make the correct choice for yourself.
Posted on 5 Jun 00:50 , 7 comments
What is Cosmetic Mica?
I have heard of child labour being used in mining and negative effects on the skin!
NATURAL MICA:
The mica group is a group of naturally occurring minerals. They represents 37 phyllosilicate minerals that have a layered or platy texture. The commercially important micas are muscovite and phlogopite, which are used in a variety of applications.
SYNTHETIC MICA:
Synthetic mica aims to replicate the effect and appearance of the Natural Mica, whilst alleviating the negative or toxic minerals that can be found in some naturally occurring minerals and also the human rights conditions and concerns associated with some of the mining of natural micas
Synthetic Mica is the name generally used for a range of glistening pigments - blended together creating Sparkly colour in other products.
They can be used in soap making. Bathing Crystals, bath bombs or make up.
Synthetic Mica may produce more vivid colours and actually be brighter than than naturally occurring mica. A skin added bonus is that synthetic Mica does not contain any sharp edges that may microscopically tear or damage the skin.
Some companies claim traceable mica that is mined without the use of child labour however the supply chain of this has proven somewhat difficult. As such it is easier purchasing a synthetic variety to avoid human rights violations.
Synthetic mica is also sometimes labelled as “synthetic fluorphlogopite”. This relates to a synthetic mica which is generally white or grey in appearance. Covered evenly with titanium dioxide, (naturally occurring white pigment), this blending gives the appearance of a pearl like sparkle and shine, enhancing colours when used in combination with other synthetic mica pigments.
WHAT ABOUT PLASTIC?
By utilising certified synthetic and natural mica, we can ensure they are free from PET plastic glitter.
As such, they are biodegradable, safe pigments with no concerns regarding landfill, or waterways concerns.
Plastic glitters are often known as microplastics or microbeads.
Ultimately, these end up in the food chain in oceans. A huge concern is the presence of plastics in our oceans and consumption by marine life and the health of ocean ecosystems.
Should you require a lovely natural and completely biodegradable exfoliant in your skin and body products, we also offer a finely ground organic rice powder. As well as being biodegradable, it is organic and nourishes the skin. Should it find its way into the ocean, it will simply provide organic food for the oceans.
By utilising cosmetic grade glitter you will achieve perfect colours in your products, they are stable and will not bleed or migrate like many craft glitters, clean up is easier, and they are far less irritating on the skin.
BIODEGRADABLE GLITTER
Biodegradable glitter is generally made using cellulose from plants, hence it is PET free
It is fairly colour stable although can fade and bleed in high PH products, it is sometimes not colour stable in acrylics and nail polish, which will require the cosmetic grade glitter.
It requires various components to break down and will usually be fine kept in a dry jar, although it is best is a cool, dark storage.
LUSTRES
Edible products and lip balms require the addition of lustres rather than Mica. Lustres are a blending of food colourings and synthetic mica. We offer a range of edible lustres that are perfect in your lip balms.
*Please note, this information is provided to the best of our knowledge and for informational purposes only. Individuals must determine the suitability of these products for their own specific purposes and information may be changed/updated as new situations come to light. We encourage individuals to seek independent advice.
Posted on 21 May 16:12 , 7 comments
We use 4 main types of colourants: Lakes, Dyes, Pigments and Micas - So What's the difference?
Lakes and Dyes will both "dye" or colour to term more correctly, however generally "dyes" are water soluble and "lakes" are oil dispersal.
DYES:
A dye is a chemical that shows color when it is dissolved. They are water soluble and may not mix with oils. Dyes can be bought in a granular version and a dusty light powder form and also a liquid form. Renascent Bath and Body offer you either POWDER Dyes or LIQUID Dyes.
They will easily disperse and not settle therefore are the perfect choice to use in liquid soaps.
Our dyes are Certified “D&C” Colors meaning they can be used in Drugs and Cosmetics, but not in Foods.
Our dyes are found here: https://www.renascentbathbody.com.au/collections/dyes
A DYE is a distinct product that shows coloring power as it is dissolved.
Dyes are water soluble, and will not readily mix with oils.
Benefits of Dye Colors:
- Easily dissoluble in water, MP soap (can colour morph and fade) and Liquid Soap
- Will not settle out of suspension
- The best choice for colouring liquid soaps
- A drop goes a long way
Our dyes are found here: https://www.renascentbathbody.com.au/collections/dyes
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LAKES:
A LAKE PIGMENT is an insoluble material that colours by dispersion.
Lakes are basically a pigment which has been manufactured from a dye by precipitating a soluble dye with a metallic salt. The resulting pigment is called a lake pigment.
Lakes are produced from the FD&C Dyes and are oil dispersible (but generally not oil soluble) and as such they can be mixed with oils, fats and sugars. They can also be dispersed in other carriers such as propylene glycol, glycerin and sucrose (water and sugar).
Lakes are created in specific concentrations of the Dye which is used.
As an example, Red 40 Aluminum Lake is available in Low Dye (generally 15-17% pure dye) and High Dye (36-42% pure dye).
We use the lakes to colour our balms to produce tinted lip gloss or even lipstick, however they can be used to colour MP soap base if blended properly.
Our Lakes are Certified “FD&C” Colors - can generally be used in Foods, Drugs, and Cosmetics. (For any edible or lip based product, you must use FD&C products.
Lakes are generally preferred in several applications, including: To color an oil based product, such as balm base, chocolate or compound coatings.
COLOUR STABILITY:
Lakes are generally colour stable, meaning they resist bleeding.
Dyes have a tendency to “bleed”, or migrate from one part of the product to another. A red and white soap, may therefore become all pink int he future if dyes were used. Likewise with colour swirled lip balms or candy canes or any product where there are specific colour borders or stripes. In many cases Dyes can be used in confectionery production, Lakes will be substituted if bleeding is a problem.
Benefits of Lake Food Colors:
- Lake food colors are highly adaptable and versatile: They can be dispersed in suspension of propylene glycol or sucrose.
- Lake colors are stable: Much more stable than water-soluble dye colors.
- Lake colors can be utilised to color many varieties of products and are commonly used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
- Lakes are available in different concentrations of colors.
- Lake colors are oil soluble and can be mixed in vegetable oils, fats, other cosmetic oils etc.
Our lakes are found here: https://www.renascentbathbody.com.au/collections/edible-colours
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Micas:
Mica is a naturally occurring collection of silicate minerals. It is widely used in cosmetics and personal care products.
Mica, named from muscovite mica is used to add sparkle and shine in MP Soap Making, makeup, nail products and skin care products.
Micas can be natural or synthetic (man-made)
Our Mica's are found here: https://www.renascentbathbody.com.au/collections/mica-shimmers
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Pigments:
Soap Pigments are essentially oxides. Although many pigments were once collected from the earth, for consistency and safety they are now replicated synthetically in a lab. The FDA enforced this creation as many pigments mined naturally included toxic materials that are deemed unsafe. Lab created pigments will produce beautiful colours safely
Pigments are stable in all soap making processes, are inexpensive and come in a large selection of colors. Pigments will be the best color source for swirls and layers as they will not bleed at all.
Our Pigments are found here: https://www.renascentbathbody.com.au/collections/pigments-dyes
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For those who want more scientific terms *Taken from wikipedia:
What is a color lake?
A lake pigment is a pigment manufactured by precipitating a dye with an inert binder, or "mordant", usually a metallic salt. Unlike vermilion, ultramarine, and other pigments made from ground minerals, lake pigments are organic
What is aluminum lake colors?
According to the FDA, lakes are formed by reacting straight dyes (such as FD&C Green No. 3) with precipitants and salts. Aluminum is often a component. Lakes may be used as color additives for tablet coatings due to their stability, and may also be used for cosmetics such as eye shadows.
What is the difference between a dye and pigment?
Dyes and pigments are substances that impart color to a material. The term colorant is often used for both dyes (also called dyestuffs) and pigments. The major difference between dyes and pigments is the particle size. Therefore dyes are not UV stable whereas pigments are usually UV stable.
Dyes
|
|
Pigments
|
| Smaller molecules |
|
Larger molecules |
| Chemically bind to a material to become part of the material |
|
Stick to the surface of the material like a coating |
| May attach and become part of the material depending on the chemical nature of the fibres |
|
Retain a Crystaline or particulate structure |
| In natural form have a consistency like Inc |
|
In natural form have a thicker consistency like paint |
| * Auxochrome |
|
Not * Auxochrome |
| Generally requires no binding agent |
|
Generally requires a binding agent
|
| Mostly organic |
|
Mostly inorganic
|
| Light reflects |
|
Light absorbs
|
| Regular reflection |
|
Diffuse reflection
|
| Selectively colours fibres |
|
Colours or fibres
|
| Not UV stable |
|
Generally UV stable
|
| Absorbs into fibres |
|
Coats the outside of fibres
|
| Dissolves in liquid |
|
Held in suspension in liquid
|
| Often fades and colour morphs |
|
Generally fade proof and colour stable
|
*An auxochrome is a functional group of atoms with one or more lone pairs of electrons when attached to a chromophore, alters both the wavelength and intensity of absorption.
Pigments can be both synthetic which is generally made from coal tars and petrochemicals or inorganic produced through chemical reactions notably oxidisation which is often found naturally as earths.
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When do you recommend using each:
PIGMENTS: For colouring Bath and Body products:
- Soaps: MP (Melt and Pour), CP (Cold Processed), HP (Hot Process)
- Bathing Crystals
- Available in Liquid and Powder form - from 1gm - 1 Litre
- Less likely to stain bathtubs (if using in bath bombs or bathing crystals you can add a little polysorbate 80 to prevent it staining the tub)
DYES: For colouring Liquid products:
- Liquid Soaps
- Available in Liquid and Powder form - from 1gm - 1 Litre
- More likely to stain bathtubs, a few drops in liquid soap will easily wash away as used (if using in bath bombs or bathing crystals you can add a little polysorbate 80 to prevent it staining the tub)
- Bath Bombs / Bath Fizzies
LAKES: For colouring edible products:
- Edible Products
- Lip Balms
- Lipsticks
- Cupcakes, Frosting
- Chocolates
- Available in Powder form - from 1gm Vials
MICAS: For colouring and adding a sparkle and shimmer:
- Cosmetic Products
- Eye Shadow, Mineral Make up
- Soaps: MP (Melt and Pour), CP (Cold Processed), HP (Hot Process)
- Bathing Crystals
- Bath Bombs / Bath Fizzies
- Can be blended through the melted soap base, dry brushed on to the finished product or dry brushed into the mould before the soap is poured in.
- *If used in liquid soaps, the liquid will need to be thickened or the Mica will settle to the base of the product. A suspending reagent may be required.
- Renascent Bath and Body also stock edible Micas which can be used as above in the Lakes *Please note not all our Mica's are edible, only those stating "edible".
- Available in Powder form - from 1gm - 1 KG
Posted on 10 Jul 17:16 , 0 comments
We are delighted you have found us and we hope to share great creativity with you.
We love to hear from our readers and embrace your thoughts, ideas and projects. Please let us know what you would like more of and we will do our best to get your creative juices flowing.
Renascent bath & Body was originally under the RenascentCollege banner, however we have grown up a little and are wanting to have our own stream dedicated exclusively to Soap, Bath, Lip Balm and Craft Making & Supplies. We are still the same company and people you have always loved. We are just hoping to make it easier for you to find all your craft supplies, gifts and creative ideas in one location.
We offer in person classes and workshops or by DVD and we have a small but ever growing team of Renascent Bath & Body Soap Art Instructors around Australia that would love to assist you.
We also love to share with you with our YouTube Channel, Facebook page and groups, Pinterest, Instagram and eBay stores. Lets stay in touch.
