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Books, e-books, websites for learning how to formulate?
I recently read two of Susan Nicholl Barclay’s e-books:
- “Formulating Facial Products” - http://swiftcraftymonkey.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/the-facial-products-e-book-is-done.html
- “Lotion Making 101” - http://swiftcraftymonkey.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/lotionmaking-101-e-book-is-finally-done.html
The books inspired me to try crafting cosmetics myself, but I realize that learning from just one source may not be optimal. I see some more experienced forum members here who do not use pre-mixed e-wax or polawax; but instead use single ingredients. Are there any good resources where I could learn more?
Currently I am considering whether to buy this more expensive e-book:
- “Introduction to Cosmetic Formulation and Technology” by Gabriella Baki, Kenneth S. Alexander -http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00TWK3NT4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2CL9U61R68JN5&coliid=I3P4VI0GJQDJ8T
Would this be a worthwhile investment? I am looking for hands-on resources that really talk in detail about how to make stable formulations. Important topic would include:
- ingredient incompatibilities
- emulsification
- preservatives
- anti-oxidants and chelators
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2 Replies
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Well, the first thing we’d need to know is what your goals are. Are you trying to be a well-informed hobbyist, a small-business owner, or a professional cosmetic scientist?
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Hi Bob,
I am trying to start up a small cosmetics business tgether with a biochemist, but currently I am definitiely in the first category. I will soon be starting biochemistry at university, but my background is in law. I like the idea of being a professional, but I understand how specialised this area actually is. So I am aiming to be professional enough to formulate stable products, but maybe not skilled enough to invent new active ingredients.
I would like to understand the chemistry enough to be able to judge whether certain active ingredients like eg. MSM and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate could be combined into a formulation without significant oxidation. The point for me is to be able to apply chemistry principles to problems like this and make predictions; without having to ask others each time.
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