E-Wax and Beeswax difference

[Guest guest]

I saw a few posts on the lists asking the differences in E-Wax and Beeswax.

I am sending this to several lists as I don't remember for sure which one

it was on....probably reading old mail....been scaning through the mail

again. <G> If anyone has any questions, please email to me at

rcsoap@... I am on many lists and just get to scanread them

now and then. <G>

What is the difference between E-Wax (Emulsifying Wax) and Beeswax?

Emulsifying Wax is formulated as a binder for oil and water mixtures. The

one that I use and sell is a vegetable based wax and is made just for

cosmetic use. It is a synthetic wax that is man made with a vegetable based

coating and for cosmetic use that coating is Palm Stearic Acid. There are

several Emulsifying Waxes out there and just because they are called

Emulsifying Wax does not mean they are safe for use on the skin. The

difference in them is that the industrial Emulsifying Wax is for use in

applications that are harsher and so it has to be formulated to fit those

chemicals and it very harsh to the skin. The Emulsifying Wax for cosmetic

use is much more gentle on the skin, but is not a totally natural product.

Emulsifying Wax does not make the skin greasy, as a Beeswax formula will.

And one might ask if Beeswax can be used instead?

Beeswax being a natural wax will not bind oil and water mixtures completely

without some help. Help like in using tiny amounts of Baking Soda...I don't

recommend Borax as it can and does cause rashes and breakouts. Also used in

Lecithin or Lanolin.... I don't use Lanolin as I am allergic to it and so

are many others, so Lecithin would be my choice if making Cream or Lotion

with Beeswax. I do not have a recipe as I have not made any in quite a

while and have yet to get one to bind completely and also not to be greasy.

Is Palm Stearic Acid safe for use with those with sensitive skin? and Can

Emulsifying Wax be used alone in a recipe?

I have many in my customers, friends and family that have very sensitive

skin and none of them have a problem with the creams or lotions that I make

and they all have Palm Stearic Acid as one of the binders and thickeners in

them. Remember this is not an Acid as many think if as Acids. It is a fatty

acid which means that it is an oil base and therefore has little to no

probabilities of being a problem. The ones that are effected by

sensitivities in the skin mostly have problems with thing like Citric Acid,

fragrances used and or other things added that can cause problems with the

skin. Also remember that all lotions and creams on the markets in the world

have Stearic Acid used as a binder and thickener. So if these have been

used with no problems, then there is not a problem with it being use in a

natural type cream or lotion that can be made at home.

One can use Emulsifying Wax alone but it is not one that will allow for the

penetration of the oils into the skin as it will leave a very heavy wax

coating on the skin that is very much there when the hands are washed off.

In other words, you can see it washing down the drain.

I used to use proportions in my recipes that are called for in many recipes

of higher amounts of Emulsifying Wax, but found that myself and many of my

customers did not like the fact that it left a film on their skin that was

easily transferred to anything they were working on. One of them being a

X-ray Tech this was not something she needed to have happen when working

with the x-ray films. And when someone using the cream or lotion goes to

wash their hands there is a white film coming from the hands that shows

that there is to much of something in

it. So I now use more Palm Stearic Acid then Emulsifying Wax and the creams

and lotions come out much better without the film and synthetic fell of

softness. And the oils penetrate the skin very well, which is what someone

desires with all the wonderful oils that we can use to make our lotions and

creams.

There is also a difference in how creams and lotions come out when making

them using a harder oil like Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Mango Butter, etc.

If these are used in large amounts the cream or lotion will come out

firmer, if they are used in smaller amounts they will not be as firm. So

for instance, if one wishes to make a lotion using large amounts of Cocoa

Butter, there would have to be a small adjustment with the Palm Stearic

Acid and the Emulsifying Wax by taking a bit out or adding a Tbsp of so of

extra

distilled water.

If you would like a general recipe for amounts to use oils you want in

them, I have some listed on the site here

http://www.tlcsoaps.com/crmlotrcps.htm. Hope this is of help to anyone

wanting to venture into making their own cream or lotion. TTYS :-)

Rita...Homeschooling Mom in Georgia

May the ~A~ngels up ~A~bove Guide you with Love ~A~

http://www.tlcsoaps.com/soapmaking.htm