Question 1

What is an oil macerate and how is it made?

Accepted Answer

A macerate is a plant infusion in oil: herbs steep in a vegetable oil for an extended time, and the oil gradually takes up their fat-soluble active substances, colour and aroma. Our macerates – calendula, chamomile, comfrey, arnica and carotene – use sunflower oil as the carrier, and you work with them just as you would with a regular cosmetic oil.

Question 2

What is calendula macerate used for?

Accepted Answer

It is the most popular herbal macerate for creams, body lotions and balms for dry and sensitive skin – it softens, smooths and supports the skin's protective film. You can buy it from 100 ml at €4.19 up to a 5-litre canister, and for water-based formulations we also carry a propylene glycol calendula extract for the water phase.

Question 3

How much macerate should I add to a cream or balm?

Accepted Answer

The usual dosage of oil macerates is 1–10% of the formulation, depending on the product type and the goal of the formulation – in ointment bases comfortably more. For sensitive-skin cosmetics, start at the lower end of the range. A macerate belongs in the oil phase – add it together with the oils and butters, not to the water part of the formulation.

Question 4

What is the difference between a macerate and an extract?

Accepted Answer

A macerate is an infusion of herbs in oil and belongs in the oil phase of a formulation. An extract usually has a water, glycerine or propylene glycol carrier and goes into the water phase – like fermented rice water, Centella asiatica extract or the water-based extracts of grape, horse chestnut and mallow. Always protect water-based ingredients in the finished product with a preservative.

HERBAL INFUSIONS AND EXTRACTS

Multi-feel, Complex of 7 Plant Extracts, 10 ml

Multi-feel, Complex of 7 Plant Extracts, 100 ml

Multi-feel, Complex of 7 Plant Extracts, 50 ml

Multi-feel, Complex of 7 Plant Extracts, 500 ml

Peruvian balsam 10 ml

Peruvian balsam 100 ml

Peruvian balsam 500 ml