-
Preserved vs. UNpreserved exp’t
These 2 lotion samples were treated exactly the same way EXCEPT that the one on the RIGHT had NO preservative (Liquid Germall + at 0.5%) added.
Looks like the photo is cut off. LEFT = preserved. RIGHT = UNpreserved.
I noticed “cooties” growing on day 15. I STOPPED sticking my fingers into the 2 jars when I noticed the “cooties” in the UNpreserved jar because, who wants to stick a finger into a cootie-infested jar of lotion?!
This photo was taken on day 31 after making the lotion.
What sort of “cooties” are these likely to be? I’m assuming it’s fungii, and also bacteria whose colonies I cannot yet see…
If it helps for identification: these jars are on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CANADA.
-
10 Replies
-
You are correct…in that the nasties started growing on day one. Preservation issues cannot be seen with the naked eye, until they have reached megalithic proportions. You can have raging colonies…long before anything is visible, or has an interesting smell. The dark spot you are seeing is likely mold. @PhilGeis can probably confirm that.
-
Graillotion is as always quite correct.
-
I was hoping someone could give me a guess as to the TYPE of mold? (fungus)
I know that an analysis is the best way to do it, but I thought someone with experience might have an idea what sort of mold I have cultured 😁. If not, no big whoop.
I did this trial to prove to those who like “all natural, preservative-free” lotions how very WRONG they are in thinking it’s safe, since a picture is worth approx. 8,092 words.
-
Appreciated
It is Aspergillus brasiliensis maybe.
Some questions
Were you using the unpreserved cream after production?
Can you write the ingredients list?
To what degree did you heat your water and for how long?
What type of water it was?
-
ANSWERS TO ABDULLAH’S QUESTIONS:
Were you using the unpreserved cream after production?
I ONLY put 1 finger into each jar about every second day after making it. I washed my fingers after that. I did NOT put my finger into the jar after I saw the mold and I am not very keen on taking a whiff of it with the mold growing in it 🤢, sorry! Sometimes I’d leave the lids off BOTH jars, just for kicks for maybe 20 minutes. I did NOT spit into the jars or have my cat stick her paw into them, nothing like that.
Can you write the ingredients list?
Sodium lactate, sodium phytate, allantoin, propylene glycol, glycerine, citric acid, and of course water.
Water Buffalo tallow, polawax emulsifier, dimethicone, vitamin E, xanthan gum.
The PRESERVED sample also got cyclomethicone & fragrance added at the same time as the 0.5% liquid germall preservative.
To what degree did you heat your water and for how long?
Water phase got to just under 80 Celsius. It was held at over 75 Celsius for 22 minutes. Same thing with the lipids phase.
What type of water do you use?
It is tap water, from snow melt. I “can” the water by boiling it for 25 minutes in canning jars. Our water is extremely soft, but I still use the chelator to be extra safe. The mineral content is 6 digereedoos. According to the U.S. Geological Survey website, any water under 50 digereedoos is regarded as “soft”
This photo shows how I heat the water & lipid phases. The contents are protected from stuff landing in them because I use canning jars with their lids into which a hole has been drilled. I do NOT lose any measurable amount of water this way (versus people who heat their water phase in an open container, tsk, tsk). The thermometers are held near the surface of the water & lipids phases with a clamp IF needed. The lids and clamps get drenched with 70% ethanol before I start this heating phase.
-
-
And how does Product smell?
-
“liquid germall” - as in Germall Plus?
see this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPjoOQDyQMo
-
Yes, Liquid Germall +. I had that correct in my original post but made the boo-boo when writing out the ingredient list (that Abdullah had asked for).
I liked the dramatic music that accompanied the video you attached 😀.
-
Right - but still think “Jaws” theme would have been more catchy
-
-
-
Jaws 🤣
Log in to reply.