Summary
Highlights
Belinda Carly introduces two methods for making herbal extracts for cosmetic use. She clarifies that homemade extracts differ significantly from those provided by large suppliers, which undergo proprietary processes, assaying, and rigorous efficacy testing. Therefore, it's not possible to use commercial suppliers' data to claim similar efficacy for homemade extracts.
This section details how to make a cold-process extract using ethanol, which is suitable for heat-sensitive active ingredients. It specifies using denatured ethanol of at least 95% chemical grade, not vodka or methylated spirits. The process involves combining 10 grams of ground herb (like green tea) with 20 grams of ethanol, sealing it airtight, and shaking it for a week before straining. The strained extract is then diluted to 60% ethanol with water to ensure self-preservation for at least three to five years.
This part explains how to create a glycerin-based extract through a hot process, also designed to be self-preserving. It involves covering 10 grams of ground herb with water and gently boiling it for 30 minutes to two hours while covered to minimize evaporation. After boiling, the concentrated extract is collected and made up to 20% water, then filled to 400% with glycerin to ensure microbial stability, especially for home crafting.
The video concludes by emphasizing the importance of batch-to-batch consistency and recording parameters like pH and appearance for homemade extracts. While small samples are demonstrated, larger quantities (at least 1 kg) are recommended for time efficiency. It reiterates that high-efficacy claims cannot be made for these homemade extracts without specific testing, and encourages viewers to suggest future video topics.