Magnesium “oil” isn’t actually an oil — it’s magnesium chloride dissolved in water. So if you’re trying to add it to a salve (which is oil + wax only), it will separate. Water and oil won’t stay mixed without an emulsifier. You have three options: 1️⃣ Keep it a true salve (no magnesium oil) Infuse your comfrey + arnica into oil, strain, then make a normal balm with wax. This will stay stable because it’s fully oil-based. 2️⃣ Make it a cream instead of a salve If you want magnesium included, you need: An emulsifier (e.g. Emulsifying Wax, BTMS, etc.) A preservative (because magnesium oil = water phase) Then it becomes a lotion/cream, not a salve. 3️⃣ Use magnesium flakes directly? No — they won’t dissolve in oil. They must be dissolved in water first, which again means you’re making an emulsion product. That separation you’re seeing isn’t failure — it’s chemistry. Salves = oil only Magnesium oil = water Water + oil = needs emulsifier

The Natural Soap Colour Lab is now live 🌿 If you’ve ever had colours morph, fade, or turn completely different in cold process soap — this course explains exactly why. This is a practical maker reference covering how natural colourants actually behave in high-pH soap, what works, what doesn’t, and how to get predictable results every time. Inside you’ll learn: • Which natural colourants are truly stable• Why botanicals change in soap• Oil infusion vs direct powder methods• Gel phase and colour control• How to test and record results like a professional maker• A full natural colour reference guide No guessing. No myths. Just real formulation knowledge. 👉 Available now inside Modern Apothecary School.

This chart reflects how essential oils behave in soap, especially cold process, after saponification and cure. Top Notes (Fade Fast in Soap) Light molecules. Smell bright at pour, often faint after cure unless anchored. Sweet Orange Lemon (steam distilled) Lime (steam distilled) Bergamot FCF Grapefruit (FCF) Eucalyptus (globulus, radiata) Peppermint Spearmint Soap reality: These usually fade the most. Best used with a middle or base note to help them last. Middle Notes (Soap Workhorses) Moderate volatility. These form the core scent of most soaps. Lavender Rosemary Geranium Clary Sage Cypress Tea Tree Juniper Berry Cardamom Soap reality: Middle notes survive cure better and give structure to a blend. Many “single EO” soaps rely on these. Base Notes (Anchors in Soap) Heavy molecules. Evaporate slowly and help hold other scents. Patchouli Vetiver Cedarwood (Atlas, Virginian) Sandalwood (true or sustainable alternatives) Benzoin (resinoid) Amyris Frankincense (resin-rich types hold better) Soap reality: Even a small amount can dramatically improve scent longevity in CP soap. Important Soapmaking Clarifications Note category does NOT change with percentage Using more lavender doesn’t make it a base note — it stays a middle note. Ratios affect dominance, not chemistry A 60/40 blend only changes what your nose notices first. Soap is harsh on scent Heat, alkalinity, and long cure times mean some oils behave very differently than in candles or perfumes. Balanced blends last longer Top + middle + base usually outlast single-note or top-heavy blends. Example (Soap Context) Lavender + Rosemary Lavender = middle note Rosemary = middle note No matter the ratio, this is a middle–middle blend. It will smell lovely but may benefit from a small base note if longevity is important. Safety reminder (non-negotiable): Always calculate usage rates for soap and IFRA categories. Understanding scent structure helps blending — it never replaces EO safety calculations.

Read this first — it will make everything easier. Welcome to Alpine Apothecary!This post will guide you through how this community works so you always know exactly where to find what you need. 1. Explore the Learning Categories Each category is designed to keep everything organised and easy to navigate: Skincare Formulation Lessons, tips, and posts on creams, serums, balms, masks, cleansers and natural formulation. Bath & Body Products Bath bombs, bath melts, scrubs, salts, shower steamers, and all things bath and body. Candles & Home Fragrance Coconut wax, wicks, EOs, diffusers, room sprays, incense, and scent blending. Herbal Remedies & Teas Herbal blends, tinctures, infusions, decoctions, and plant-based wellness. Ingredient Knowledge Everything you need to know about oils, butters, waxes, herbs, clays, additives and natural colourants. Business & Selling Pricing, labels, packaging, compliance, photography, marketing and markets. Announcements & Updates Important updates, new lessons and official posts.(This is where you’ll find the Welcome Post + Start Here pinned.) 2. Where YOU can post Members can post in: Troubleshooting & Help Your photos, questions, fails, wins, and anything you need support, with no question is too small — that’s what this space is for. This keeps the learning areas clean while still giving you a place to ask and share. 3. How to Get the Most Out of This Community - Ask questions early — don’t struggle alone - Share your experiments (good or messy) - Use the search bar before posting - Join in the discussions - Celebrate your wins - Learn from others - Save the posts that help you - Check the Announcements category regularly You’ll learn faster when you participate. 4. What’s Coming Next More workshops More recipes More lessons More herbal education More behind-the-scenes More maker guidance And eventually… full courses inside the Classroom. You’re here early — and that means you’re part of the foundation of this community.

Let me know what info recipe or knowledge you need now so I can help and make it a priority to get that uploaded for you