8 mistakes most new formulators make (and how to avoid them!)

[@JenniferBtheGroove]

I have made ALL of those mistakes lol. Thank you so much for what you do, I truey appreciate you and am sooo Thankful for you! Congrats on the 10 years

[@ShaziaInayat-c4y]

Hi, i usually do not comment on videos but, your videos are very well explained in a simple way and they are so helpful. I subscribed your channel and considering you as my mentor in my new journey of cosmetics formulation. Wish you endless success and hope you keep on guiding your followers.❤

[@TessieDobey]

I am in the process of making a natural hair-growth oil and I came across nine oils that are said to help with rapid hair growth and strength. After watching your video, I decided to go with three oils, herbs, and a nice essential oil blend.

[@geecampagna9173]

Thank you so much for sharing. I have been on a over year long journey in formulating and just watching what you shared has really help me to move forward in my business.

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

I am so thrilled to hear it ❤️ Don't forget to check out my blog (humblebeeandme.com) as well-I've been blogging since 2011 while I’ve only been on KZbin since about 2016, so there are a lot more formulations on the blog. The blog is also where my ingredient encyclopedia and FAQ live, and they're both packed with tons of super-helpful information ❤️ Happy making!

[@ayalightfire4030]

Hooray! I did not actually tick every mistake... A rough third is a good quote, isn't it :D But thanks for sharing this advice. I wish I had found your channel earlier.

[@SunshinePearl]

Hi Marie! Your videos are always so interesting and helpful. I have a question I couldn’t get the answer anywhere. I’ve been making body washes for about 7 months now and it took me a while to get to the formula I’m happy with. But finally I got it right and I’ve been making many many batches for the last few months. Now, I didn’t make any batch for a couple months. When I went to make it it didn’t turn out well. I didn’t change anything in the formula. I can’t understand what’s going on. The only thing I can think of is that the warmer months are messing up my formulation? Is that possible? The glyceryl oleate I use in the body wash used to be more solid now it’s more runny… so my body washes are not getting thick. They are runny like water. The glyceryl oleate used to help me with viscosity. What do you think? I also thought it could be the scale that needed calibration. Can you help me?

[@Ameeena_n]

Heyyy. It would be really helpful if you could guide me as to why I get 'glitter' after 2 months of making lipstick. I do add rosemary oil as antioxidant and do not use any preservative. Thank you for always having the most informative videos! ❤️

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

That sounds like wax bloom to me :) Do a google image search for "wax bloom lipstick" and see if the results look familiar.

[@xelykoyax2997]

Please that’s a question I have ..the one you said about how much mint essential oil can I put to a lipgloss. Please I appreciate your help with that, because I have tried with the 1 percent, and I feel like is not enough but, I don’t wanna exceed the safety. Thanks in advance 🌸🌸🌸💕

[@hohoho4712]

thank you for sharing your knowledge with us! I want to know, if the recommended usage of a concentrate say is 1-5%, but then i want to add several other concentrates of 1-5%, would this be allowed, in my formulation? Or does it mean example, green tea extract glycerine, 1-5% i can only add 5% maximum to any serum, and thus cannot add 5% cucumber extract glycerine aswell? Have you ever made a super serum with abundant of concentrates?

[@teenkingzz5825]

You are looking so pretty! ✨

[@tranll1]

❤

[@BeUBeauty1]

Your first few words were speaking to me lawd. I have everything under the sun to start. lol SMH

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

😬 I feel that! It's definitely time to get making :)

[@melissapuga5878]

I have almost one year in my formulating journey and this is SO helpful. Sometimes I want to give up but hearing this from you that you are a big formulator means a lot! Thank you so much for sharing all you do! 💕

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

I'm so glad it was helpful! Happy making ❤️

[@Random_847]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and time. I can’t begin to imagine the time you’ve spent just writing/entering information in regard to “all things” formulating! I have so much respect for you and truly appreciate all of the videos, the website, blog posts, encyclopedia! Etc. I look forward to being in a position to support your patrion page in the future. I’ve been soaping a few years and have made some scrubs and butters but found I really enjoy experimenting with (having ideas for) other body products, mainly leave on. I recently made a balm for my husband (he has eczema and psoriasis) it turned out beautifully and keeps his skin hydrated longer than anything else we’ve used. The best part is I know it’s safe and exactly what’s in it! After watching tons of your videos and reading so many partner blog posts, the encyclopedia etc. I gained more knowledge and the courage to finally make it. Thanks so much again!

[@hbrunet72]

New formulator here, I signed up for the FB Diploma program for organic skincare in July and am slowly working through the material. You inspired me to sign up for it ... Thank you for these tips, I am going to rewatch this video and work my way through your blog post and links over the next few days. As always, your content is informative and inspiring. I stumbled upon your channel almost a year ago and this Ontario girl is just so grateful to you for your willingness to teach us.

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

❤️ Thanks for watching & thank you so much for making with me 😊

[@jillgross3968]

Marie, such awesome advice. When I first started formulating seriously 8 years ago and I thought usage rates were great! My problem, I used every product at the maximum of the percentage range listed! If a little was great at 1% than the 5% at the most must be better, right? Lol, it wasn't long before I discovered hard gloopy mess of unspreadability! Live, research and learn! I did have my first major fail in several years the other day. I just kinda sighed and thought about it a bit. I put honeyquat in a formulation, I was using Ritamulse SCG in and wham, problem! I don't know what I was thinking because I even wrote my formula out as HONEY, not honey quat, lol! I felt a little pissed at myself. I had gotten tired, it was the last project of the day and I was pushing myself. I wasn't reading my own formula correctly. It was certainly a mess. I cleaned up, got some good sleep, a proper breakfast and a stretch. The formula worked great when made as written, imagine that!

[@Femaleonthefrontline]

I don’t think there are mistakes They are experiments, experiences, trying new things Not everybody is created the same, some people got Holy hands and they are great without all those strange things called FORMULAS they make things amazingly and beautifully and some others try n try new things and follow recipes and it seems like they cannot get it. So don’t get discouraged or upset just keep trying Remember: the best thing way to learn it’s by doing things yourself and even when you make mistakes you will know what not to do next time. So he’ll yeah keep going n keep trying WE ALL ARE VERY INTELLIGENT AND CREATED TO BE SUCCESSFUL Let’s go my friends ❤

[@mariebrookes9186]

Your information is so helpful, as a new formulator, your advice is priceless and very much appreciated ❤

[@Soylarimar]

#1… already guilty as charged 🙈

[@IfYouSeekAmy.]

I think you missed a big one actually: Not testing the P.H levels of your products, or using strips instead of an accurate P.H Meter. It's important to understand the importance of P.H values and how the relate to the ingredients you're working & blending with.

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

pH is definitely important! Which of the 8 mistakes I listed would you have dropped to include pH? :)

[@IfYouSeekAmy.]

@@HumblebeeAndMe There's no hard rule that says it couldn't have been a list of 9. Just include it instead of removing something else.

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

@@IfYouSeekAmy. Well yeah-but with that logic, I could've made a feature-length film :) I had to stop somewhere!

[@salemthorup9536]

Definitely make small batches on your first attempt of any recipe. Even if you got the recipe from a reputable source. Because you might make it wrong. I thought a clay mask was asking for fragrance oil on one ingredient and substituted essential oil. Not only did I forget that I would need to half the EO amount, but it wasn't a FO I was substituting anyway. I used WAY too much EO, but it was a big batch so it was like a pound of expensive clay among other expensive ingredients, including the EO. I think I can dilute it and still use some of the original, but it's a nightmare.

[@joannefriedman-mh2de]

I recently made a skin lightening serum to address hyper-pigmentation and added EVERY active I ever read about that says something about this issue! It wasn't a complete disaster, but it didn't emulsify so I just shake it up before I use it... fortunately, I made a small amount!

[@martinkentish6890]

Thanks Marie for a really encouraging video sharing the things you've learnt over the last 10 years! One thing I might have added is this. Once you've come up with a formulation you love and works for a particularly purpose, don't think it will be work as well for another human! I've been developing (and using) and solid deodorant bar formula which works fantastically for some, and not for others. I still don't understand why! Particularly if you want to make a business of doing it, there's no simple 'googlerable' answer to many of the questions you have as a formulator.

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

This is SUCH an excellent point! I LOVE this: "there's no simple 'googlerable' answer to many of the questions you have as a formulator." SO true and knowing this is SO valuable (if not also very frustrating!). Your point on not all formulations working for everyone is also an interesting way to think about why we don't see as much innovation in commercial products as we might expect-the expense of the R&D is perhaps not worth it if it doesn't work for lots of people OR perhaps the R&D is undertaken but the product is not released because it isn't deemed to be financially viable due to a small customer base. Thanks for watching + happy making!

[@nm9412]

I haven’t officially started formulating, but I did make a face wash and went crazy with essential oils. 3 drops of this and 3 drops of that, except used peppermint eo with eucalyptus eo with water, too much jojoba oil, and no preservative. That thing stung my face and went rancid real quickly lol.

[@CandaceJensen-iq7vx]

Definitely what things NOT to try and formulate with that can potentially be harmful like milks in lotion or herbal tea water used instead of distilled water in lotions or shampoo formulas. I totally had no idea you should not use these things. I’m very glad I didn’t hurt myself or my family because I did try some of those in my formulations. Eeeek! 😱

[@uroosamajeed5191]

I m not a formulater but use different product I love how I simplify complex thing I buy hyloronoic acid powder and preservative germall plus for make my own for myself rather to buy serum By seeing you love u sister ur video are informative ❤

[@dayap3194]

Girrrrrl I am trying to start formulating by next year (hoping to join the Formula Botanica course you mentioned) and I’ve been getting overwhelmed about how many ingredients I might have to get. That #1 point made me feel a LOT better about just getting the FB starter kit and focusing on getting the essential stuff for my “home lab” since that will probably be more expensive.

[@glynisvelez3657]

Hello I signed up awoke ago and never got anything in my email. I tried to resign up and I can’t get the link. Pleas help I’d love to leave more from you.

[@QueenStarfire]

Beautifully said 🎉your amazing God bless

[@WhiteDormouseArtisanSoaps]

Thank you for the video. Great advice. I use many types of infusions in soap and other bath and body products. I adore them. One ☝️ mistake is to infuse multiple oils and herbs that do the same thing. Infuse what you think you will use by understanding what you plan to make. As far as how many ingredients an artisan adds to a recipe also contribute to fatty acid profiles, meaning each ingredient of carrier oil or butter works in different ways contributing to the perfect recipe. This is the list on the far right of your soap calc profile. Learn numbers for fatty acid profiles. It will contribute to a wonderful recipe. Many soap makers feel 4 ingredients is all you need. I DO NOT AGREE. If I want to use coconut, Shea, olive and castor I’m not going to stop there. I might want neem oil which is fabulous in soap, I might add hemp seed oil. All of these oils even at 3% for “extra special” reasons make up a beautiful bar. Just as you talked about adding extra items to a lotion or body butter in your previous video. You added more than you needed because you had a goal so please folks, just throwing oils in a pot is different than understanding why, purpose, ratio and fatty acid profiles. This is not showing off for label purposes, if you have a reason for usage. Yes this is more advanced, but if you think 4 oils/butters is enough, great, but it’s usually not. Formulating a non-comedogenic recipe is also a labor of love. Think about this when throwing oils in a jar for infusion. Learn non-comedogenic, it should be on your list of things to understand. Best of luck to all

[@NYCQTPIE2]

Hello im really curious on how to put something in lip gloss to make lips plump or jus feel minty like.

[@jorgemolinar5969]

Thumbnail brought me here!!! 😍😍😍

[@AS-dw9oe]

I thought you said “Hi babies!” I was like Aww! 🥺🥰 lol

[@Erica-yr3gf]

Congrats on 10 years. I made most of these mistakes.

[@chellespeace8171]

I have made all of these mistakes with the exception of selling too quickly. Since I am new to soap making this makes me feel like I am right on track LOL. Awesome post!

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@ceegee2245]

I bought everything and wasted so much money! That was almost 3 years ago… I’ve learned so much since then. Thank you for your content!

[@victorialg1270]

Every chapter here could be its own video. It is always helpful to review foundational information. Thanks. Could you put these basics videos under a 101 playlist?

[@AhmedWatheq-dh1kw]

Perfect ممتازة

[@ShannzP]

Can we have a video on how to made eyebrow gel

[@NellyHaruna]

Could you please write a book title that you mentioned in the video about essential oils. Thanks.

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

It's named & linked in the free partner blog post :)

[@NellyHaruna]

@@HumblebeeAndMe tried to search in the blog but could not find the name of Essencial oils book.....

[@sherrygroenendyk8086]

My first big mistake as a newbie was to make my first face moisturizer using all the “good stuff” and then hating the feel of the cream on my face. Too waxy. Now I’ve ordered some different emulsifiers to play around with and get the right blend for me before I add any more of the “good stuff $$”

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

💔 Hopefully it could be a luxy foot cream!

[@scottybeegood]

Lol, been there dun that

[@shfo2476]

Thanks

[@lisajohnson2004]

#1 is me!

[@hohoho4712]

ps. I made shea butter approximately 95%, a bunch of essential oils in a 1Kg form, back years ago... HAHA XD

[@alexxdaye1]

Excellent and timeless video, we're always making mistakes on this journey and I LOVE IT! We learn so much from them. Now we don't have to make as many. It get costly. $$$

[@wilmarvaldes2641]

Thank You for vídeo and important information is Very excellent congratulations...My God bless you life Marie 🙏

[@raissajardim1648]

Hey Marie! Absolutely love your videos, ive done quite a lot of your recipes! Wondering if you could make a moisturizer for oily skin! Not gel like, cause lots of things u use for gel consistency I cant seem to find in my country, only xantham gum

[@adelenebarnes184]

Happy 10 years! Most I did wright except buying to much eo’s for aknee for daughter’s skin.

[@joydavey6971]

My biggest mistake is to make something that i know it would fail but I do it anyway.

[@xquizzeat8348]

That ain't a mistake. It's an expierence!

[@joydavey6971]

@@xquizzeat8348 I work in a lab and sometimes I just want to see things that I know would fail.

[@preetisingh-bg5td]

U r amazing

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Blackbeautynh]

I made a cream for eczema and I put too much honey in it. Thing is... I made 8 jars. 😮‍💨😮‍💨

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

Oh no 😓 That's so much!

[@terihiggins263]

You nailed this video!👍I'm just learning I made a lotion and it turned out perfect, but I know there's way more to learn I look forward for more of your videos eager to learn👍💜

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

Thank you so much! You'll find more awesome resources to help you on your lotion making journey @ www.humblebeeandme.com/faqs/where-can-i-learn-more-about-lotion-formulation/ ❤️ Happy making!

[@isychia4947]

I knew this video was for me

[@caramelcocoa234]

Making colossal amounts of each formulation (that had every ingredient I bought) was one of my biggest mistakes and setbacks

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

Meeeeeee tooooo 😫

[@Jeanene22]

This is such good information!! I have made many mistakes, in my fun hobby. I love your videos!

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@Kathiesueq]

You are an awesome teacher ❤

[@adebanjobukola2313]

Thanks.What do you mean by functional ingredients?

[@catzkeet4860]

Going on the context of the comment that Marie made using the term “functional ingredients” I’d say she simply meant active ingredients….ie: ingredients that have a function….I’d also guess that she was implying that those ingredients should be ones that are commonly used so that they’re going to BE used.

[@priya.v5701]

Please make a beetroot lip balm with all natural ingredients with preservative formula

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

Scroll to the bottom of this post to see what happened when I did :) www.humblebeeandme.com/a-quick-guide-to-solubility/

[@littlebearpollynaturalsoap9904]

Thank you so much for all what you do share with us. It`s priceless and makes our work much easier!

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

You are so welcome! ❤️

[@Qamar_Luna]

Thank youuuuu Marie!

[@jelenadakovic7629]

Thank you so much.. 😉❤️You are amazing

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@nancylawrynowicz]

Great video. Thank you for sharing..

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

Thanks for watching!

[@ylio_66t]

I have a question for lipbalm/stick, is charcoal powder a good choice for black pigment?

[@kristenjunker1632]

No, use black iron oxide or lip safe black mica. When in doubt read labels of mass brands.

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

Kristen is right :)

[@ylio_66t]

@@HumblebeeAndMe okay thank you so much. Reason why i had this question was because one of the websites that I get lip balm ingredients from had active charcoal powder listed under pigment, and I got confused

[@ylio_66t]

@@kristenjunker1632 thank you so much♥

[@safeyanady1099]

Thank you so much .

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

You're most welcome :)

[@adelenebarnes184]

What eo is safe to use in a eye cream?

[@sherralieberry-majeski5972]

Have you ever worked with mink oil?

[@HumblebeeAndMe]

Nope.