Where Can I Find...

Is there a company that sells raw materials (ingredients) for making cosmetics and soaps including preservatives at a low price and small quantities? Thanks.
S.

Try Local Stores

One does not have to go to the manufacturers to purchase supplies to make cosmetics, most of the ingredients are available in our grocery and produce stores and most importantly the pharmacy. When I needed lanolin for example, I went to the drugstore and got some from the druggist and he was very knowledgeable in explaining what I could do with it as far as applying it to my skin. I have a book entitled "The Medically Based No-Nonsence Beauty Book" by Deborah Chase published by Alfred A. Knopf, New York l975 and I find it is an excellent publication. I have more books and I am sure there are probably more on the market now but I think your local library will be able to help you out also.
Arleen

Places I've Used

To the reader who asked for companies that sell ingredients for cosmetics and soaps, including preservatives, here are two that can get you going on soaps and most toiletries (not make-up, though) Majestic Mountain Sage sells many ingredients, including Germaben II (a synthetic preservative) at http://www.the-sage.com. Snowdrift Farm sells ingredients, including rosemary oleoresin extract (ROE), a natural preservative, at http://www.snowdriftfarm.com. Both also sell bottles, jars, and other packaging, and neither has a minimum order requirement. You can also find recipes on both websites to get you started. MMS is located in Utah, and Snowdrift Farm is in Maine.
Jeri B.

Call Toll Free

There are two places I would love to share with you and your readers. The first is Lavender Lane at www.lavenderlane.com or phone 888-593-4400 and snail mail. I have ordered products from them including things to make cosmetics and essential oils and they have the neatest jars and bottles available in small quantites that I have found and the prices are good. Everything I got from them was good quality.

Also up a similar alley but with other products too is San Francisco Herb Co./Atlantic Herb Co. at www.sfherb.com or 800-227-4530 and snail mail. They have herbs in bulk at wonderful prices - the best I have ever seen and potpourri ingredients that make it possible to give wonderful gifts and unbelieveable prices. Both companies offer storage containers for dry produce that are reasonable and of good quality. I use them to stock my pantry. These people have dehydrated veggies that I really like having on hand to make up soups quickly. (The Atlantic branch only ships full pounds but the shipping can be cheaper depending on where you live.)

I can't hardly say how much I like these two places. I found them about a year ago and told all my friends. Both companies were very helpful when I called several times to get answers to questions before I placed orders too. And both have paper catelogs that can be ordered. I pour over them often.
Brenda U. in Plant City, FL

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