Formulation Friday
BOTANICAL Glycerites
Glycerites are alcohol-free botanical extracts made by infusing plant material into Vegetable Glycerine over time. This method gives you the humectant benefits of glycerine together with the botanical compounds being extracted.
Two botanical recipes
Hibiscus + Turmeric
Two simple glycerine-based botanical extracts that can be incorporated into a variety of water-based skincare, body care and hair care formulations.
01
Hibiscus Glycerite
01 Formulation
| Ingredient | Grams / % |
|---|---|
| Hibiscus Flowers | 5 |
| Vegetable Glycerine | 95 |
Materials
Recommended for sanitising your workspace:
70% Isopropyl Alcohol
Mist Spray Bottle
– to pour the Isopropyl Alcohol into and spray onto surfaces.
02 The Method
Wash the jar, allow it to air dry and sanitise with 70% alcohol
before use.
01
Weigh all ingredients accurately into the jar. Shake well to submerge the hibiscus flowers in the glycerine.
02
Store in a dark cupboard for up to two weeks, shaking every other day to help the botanicals infuse.
03
After two weeks, strain the glycerite into a sanitised jar. The finished glycerite can then be used in your water-based formulations.
02
Turmeric Glycerite
01 Formulation
| Ingredient | Grams / % |
|---|---|
| Turmeric Powder | 1 |
| Vegetable Glycerine | 99 |
Materials
Recommended for sanitising your workspace:
70% Isopropyl Alcohol
Mist Spray Bottle
– to pour the Isopropyl Alcohol into and spray onto surfaces.
02 The Method
Wash the jar, allow it to air dry and sanitise with 70% alcohol
before use.
01
Weigh all ingredients accurately into the jar. Stir well to ensure the turmeric powder is completely submerged in the glycerine.
02
Store in a dark cupboard for up to two weeks, shaking every other day to help the turmeric infuse.
03
After two weeks, strain the glycerite into a sanitised jar. You may need to use tea bag filters or coffee filters to remove any remaining turmeric powder from the glycerite.
Where to use glycerites:
Use a glycerite when you want to introduce a botanical extract into your formulation.
01
Serums & facial products – especially hydrating or soothing formulas.
02
Creams & lotions – for botanical skin benefits.
03
Toners & mists – easy to incorporate into the water phase.
04
Body washes & cleansers – where you want a botanical extract without alcohol.
05
Hair products – shampoos, conditioners and scalp products.
06
Body products – when you want a gentle botanical extract.
07
Water-based products – where glycerine would normally form part of the formulation.
Storage
Keep stored in a dark cupboard, away from high temperatures, direct sunlight and children.
Due to the absence of added water and the high glycerine content, the glycerite is intended to be self-preserving and no additional preservative is included in these recipes.
FORMULATION DISCLAIMER All recipes are provided for educational purposes by Zandy Sutton and Refined Naturals. As a self-taught formulator, Zandy Sutton's guidelines are based on personal experience. The formulations and recipes are intended for informational and educational purposes only. Please conduct full stability and pH testing before personal use or distribution. Refined Naturals will not be held liable for any adverse reactions, damages, or losses resulting from their use or misuse. Colour and consistency may vary from batch to batch. For external use only. Do not ingest. Avoid contact with eyes. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
