[Michelley]

1) yes it does matter. There are different types of emulsions such as o/w or w/o. They are very different. In the more common emulsions, the oil is added to the water.
2) Many ingredients are commonly added after your emulsion is made. Like you said, some ingredients are heat sensitive and need to be added at a lower temperature. As long as the formulation is stable and the ingredients are compatible, it will hold together.
3) Yes of course it matters what ingredients are used. But if your lotion only stays together for a few days or hours, then your formula is definitely not stable.

[Michelley]

Hi Doaneventry are you heating up the water to dissolve the D&C Violet dye? In our lab, the water needs to be heated to about 85C before it dissolves completely.

[Michelley]

Yes this happens often. Not just with fragrances, but also with “secret” materials. I do not think you can do anything about it.

Here is an article I found that explains well:
http://www.safecosmetics.org/fragrance-disclosure/learn-more/trade-secrets/

[Michelley]

To make it thicker I would try adding more cetearyl alcohol and perhaps polysorbate 60.

[Michelley]

In my short experience, the brand does not matter and neither should the color of the material. The color can be helpful to mask any discoloration that might occur to your product over time.
What makes a difference is the material you use. For example, there are different types of plastics.