Humblebee & Me

Can you “masterbatch” large quantities of bases for scrubs and lotions and just add color & fragrance as needed?

Marie — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 13:00:05 +0000

🗳️ From The Question Box: “Hi! I have been wondering: Can you “masterbatch” large quantities of bases for scrubs and lotions and just add color & fragrance as needed? Like with ingredients in cold process soap. Thank you!” – Tara

Mini Formulation Makeover: Rose & Silk Facial Setting Spray (c. 2013)

Marie — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:00:05 +0000

A nice idea, but poor execution. Let’s make it better!

What are your best tips on formulating stick/solid products for heat-hardiness for summer shipping?

Marie — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:00:09 +0000

🗳️ From The Question Box: “I’d love your best tips on formulating stick/solid products for heat-hardiness for summer shipping. I’ve recently started adding my products to Amazon and they require non-melting survivability at 155F for 1 hour. I’m close with my latest body butter stick formulation using sunflower wax and carnauba wax, but it sure has taken a lot of trial and error to get here! I’d love any advice/tactics/preferred ingredients/methodology you’ve got on the topic! ” – Shelly

What to do with Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Marie — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:00:03 +0000

If you want to create foaming cleansers, I highly recommend having some Cocamidopropyl Betaine on hand! It’s super duper versatile and generally makes bubbly things of all kinds better 😄

SCI: to cook, or not to cook?

Marie — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:00:08 +0000

🗳️ From The Q&A Archive: “Why do some formulators recommending “cooking” the SCI for their shampoo bars. Ive seen it with both the noodles and powder. What’s the reason for this?” – Theresa Griffin

How can I add oily ingredients to an otherwise watery serum?

Marie — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 12:00:04 +0000

🗳️ From The Q&A Archive: “My question is about serums that contain oily ingredients and water ingredients. Is that possible? Because I have some oil based extracts but I would love to incorporate allantion and all the watery soluble goodies.” … Continue reading →

Patron Exclusive: Q&A with herbalist Vivienne Campbell

Marie — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:00:34 +0000

Last year I asked my patrons for questions for my upcoming interview with herbalist Vivienne Campbell, and after we wrapped up our main interview we went through the patron questions and Vivienne kindly answered all of them! Here’s our Patreon exclusive Q&A with Vivienne. Thank you so much for all the great questions—enjoy!

What is the difference between a moisturiser and a lotion?

Marie — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:00:10 +0000

🗳️ From The Question Box: “What is the difference between a moisturiser and a lotion? Some websites have them as two separate categories.” – Kym

Mini Formulation Makeover: Shea Butter & Citrus Shampoo Bar (c. 2012)

Marie — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:00:04 +0000

My first ever shampoo bar needs a glow up 😄 Let’s get to it!

How to Use PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Marie — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:56:58 +0000

I learned a lot! I definitely need to use this one more 😄