Your Step-by-Step Guide to Using the MWFC Lotion Bases
This guide was created to give you a step by step process to follow to create your own fragranced lotion, using our MWFC Lotion Bases. We do have TWO options for lotion bases (original every day lotion base or luxury coconut shea lotion base). This guide is designed for BOTH, the process is the same for creating!
Watch our quick video tutorial:
Wondering what the difference is between these lotion bases? Read more here.
We have added information on IFRA usage rates and for lotion products along with some scenarios to ensure you are set up for success! If you are already well versed in IFRA standards and are looking to jump to the step by step process for making lotion with our bases, feel free to skip that part!
Happy making!
IFRA Maximum Usage Rate Information
Prior to beginning, please review the IFRA document for the fragrance oil you wish to
scent the lotion with and ensure that you stay compliant with the maximum usage rates
determined by IFRA. The usage rates provided on the IFRA documents are maximums, not suggested usage rates (see more below). Never exceed the provided maximum usage rates of a given fragrance formulation.
IFRA Category 5 Information
These bases are designed to be multi-purpose, all-body formulas. How you choose to market your final product (i.e. hand lotion, face lotion, body lotion, etc.) will determine what IFRA category you need to follow. At the time of this writing, the primary IFRA category you need to refer to is Category 5, which is further broken down into subcategories; 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D. Below is a breakdown of each subcategory and the products that each of those subcategories is composed of:
Category 5A:
- Body lotion products applied to the body using the hands (palms)
- Foot care products (creams and powders)
- Insect repellents (those intended to be applied to the skin)
- Adult powders and talc
Category 5B:
- Face moisturizer and/or lotion products
- Beard and/or mustache products
- Facial toners
Category 5C:
- Hand cream products
- Nail care products (including nail creams)
- Hand sanitizers
Category 5D:
- Baby cream/lotion
- Baby oils
- Baby powders and baby talc
MWFC Lotion Bases Suggested Fragrance Load Rate
These bases are designed to accept up to a recommended maximum fragrance load of 4%, but that doesn’t mean you NEED to use 4%. The suggested fragrance load for most lotions typically is between 0.5-2% as most fragrance oils will only need to be used at that level for customers to enjoy a long-lasting fragrance experience without the fragrance being too overpowering.
Hate math? Check out our fragrance load calculator to make it simple!
With that information in mind, how does that apply to the IFRA rates? Great question!
Here are a few scenarios to hopefully help you understand fragrance load rates:
Scenario 1: Let’s say the IFRA maximum usage on the fragrance you choose is 7%. The base has a maximum acceptance of 4% so the max you would be able to use is only 4%. You might also test 1%, 2%, 3% as well to see what option works best for your application and goals!
Scenario 2: Let’s say the IFRA maximum usage on the fragrance you choose is only 0.75%. Even though the maximum acceptance of the base is 4%, and the suggested fragrance load for most lotions is 0.5-2%, you’re limited by the IFRA to only being allowed to use 0.75% total fragrance load with that particular fragrance oil. Again: NEVER exceed the maximum usage rate identified by the IFRA document of a given category.
Now that you have identified what specific category your final product falls under, you
understand IFRA usage rates and you understand the suggested percentage rates of the MWFC Lotion Base, you’re ready to get started!
Step-By-Step Guide
The following guide will be a series of detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to create a finished product using our Lotion Bases. The following math calculations will be on how to create a 4oz (113g) finished lotion base at a 2% fragrance load. If your finished product has a different net weight or a different fragrance load percentage, then the math calculations will look different.
Hate math? Check out our fragrance load calculator to make it simple!
Ingredients and Tools Required
- Proper personal protective equipment (apron, gloves, goggles, and/or hairnet)
- Weighing scale
- Microwave-safe mixing container
- Fragrance-safe measuring container (glass or HDPE plastic)
- Stirring utensil (ex: rubber spatula)
- Small scoop or spoon
- Fragrance oil
- MWFC Lotion Base (Original Formula or Luxury Formula)
- Packaging jar and lid of choice
- Microwave (optional, not required)
Preparation Steps
1) Ensure that you are working on a clean, sanitary surface and that any tools or
utensils being used are also clean and sanitary.
2) Ensure that you are wearing any and all protective gear. This may include: apron,
gloves, goggles, and/or hairnet.
3) Gather all ingredients and tools necessary (see list above) to complete the task.
Calculation Steps
The following will be a demonstration of how to make a 4oz (113g) fragranced lotion at a 2% fragrance load.
4) Begin by calculating how much lotion base and fragrance oil you’ll need to create a
4 oz (113 g) lotion. To keep the math simple, we’re going to measure everything
using grams.
a) Fragrance oil: Start by multiplying 113 g by 0.02 (2%) to determine much
fragrance oil you’ll need. The calculation should look like this:
i) 113 x 0.02 = 2.26 g of fragrance oil (round down if needed) *
5) Now that you know how much fragrance oil we need, you can then take that
number and subtract it from 113 g to determine how much lotion base you’ll need.
That calculation should look like this:
a) 113 - 2.26 = 110.74 g of lotion base (round up if needed)
6) Now that you know how much of each product you need, you’re ready to begin
weighing out your proportions of each ingredient.
NOTE: If your scale only measures out to 0.1 decimal places, then you’ll have to round the calculations above either up or down. For this example that would be 110.7 g of lotion and 2.3 g of fragrance oil.
Weighing Steps
7) Turn on your weighing scale and ensure that it is in the “grams” function.
8) Place your empty mixing container on the scale and use the TARE function to zero
out the scale.
9) Once the scale is reading 0 grams, begin adding 110.74 grams of lotion to the
empty mixing container. (For those who need to round, you would add 110.7 grams)
10) Place this mixing container with lotion off to the side momentarily.
11) Next, grab your small measuring glass and place it on the scale and use the TARE
function to zero out the scale.
12) Once your scale reads 0 grams, begin adding 2.26 grams of your fragrance oil of
choice into the glass. (For those who are rounding, you would add 2.3 grams)
13) Place this off to the side momentarily.
Mixing Steps
Now that you have everything properly weighed out, you are now ready to mix.
OPTIONAL STEP (not required): If you wish to heat the lotion in order to bring down the viscosity for easier mixing, you may do so now. Place your microwave-safe mixing container in the microwave and use 30 second intervals to slowly heat the lotion. Stir in between each interval and check the temperature. Once the lotion is around 100F (38C), you’re ready to begin mixing. NEVER allow the lotion to exceed 110F (43C) as temperatures higher than that could degrade the preservative in the base.
14) Take your glass container that you used to weigh out your fragrance oil and pour it
all into the mixing container with the lotion base.
15)Using your mixing utensil, begin stirring the mixture of lotion and fragrance oil for
roughly 1-2 minutes to ensure all of the fragrance has been absorbed and blended
into the lotion base.
a) Note: If you are using any skin-safe colorants (such as our Liquid Soap Dyes), you would add those in now and stir until fully incorporated.
16) Congratulations! You are now ready to transfer your fragranced lotion into your
packaging of choice!
17) Allow the finished lotion to cure for approximately 24-48 hours. This time will
allow the fragrance to fully incorporate and bind with the lotion.
Advanced Techniques (ORIGINAL FORMULATION ONLY)
NOTE: the following information outlined below is only intended for those who have advanced understanding and knowledge of cosmetic formulations and guidelines.
Our original Lotion Base ONLY is formulated to accept additional ingredients, including many of
the common cold process soaping oils, butters and additives. With this in mind, it’s hard to give a proper recommendation on exactly “how much” you should add of a given individual ingredient or mixture of ingredients. Each ingredient that is added WILL change the overall profile, consistency, texture and/or viscosity of your final product.
Broad suggestion: We suggest that you add any additional ingredients in 1% increments, up to an absolute maximum of 5% total. However, this suggestion may not be true for all of the various ingredients that exist in the cosmetic field. Too much of a given ingredient may cause the lotion to break emulsion or cause too much of an adjustment in total preservative percentage ratios. We highly encourage you to experiment and test ingredients for yourself. If you wish to modify this base, you do so at your own discretion and risk.
Here are some guidelines and information for adding any additional ingredients:
1) Slowly heat up the base to roughly 100F (38C)
a) Note: If you exceed temperatures greater than 110F (43C) you will likely compromise the integrity of the preservative already found in the original base formulation. If this occurs, you will likely have to add additional preservative agents to ensure anti-fungal properties are established.
2) Add any additional ingredients (in 1% increments) and mix thoroughly using a
whisk or stick blender for several minutes until those ingredients are fully
incorporated into the original base.
3) Allow the new formulation to cool and test final results.
Disclaimer: MWFC approves of the original integrity of the product that is sold AS IS. If you attempt to modify, alter or change the original formulation in any way, you knowingly accept any and all liability with respect to modifications made to this base. MWFC will not be liable for any damages, repercussions or consequences that result from a modified version of the original formulation.
We LOVE to see what you're working on, so don't forget to tag us in your creations! @midwestfragranceco
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