Love this article, thanks Lise! I have lots of botanical powders here and have always wondered how they differ to powdered extracts. Would the benefits be similar even though the powders don't dissolve fully?
HI Irene - You ask great questions. I am ASSUMING an extract has more to offer as it is more soluble, but please dont hold me to this one as I haven't finished researching it fully yet. :D
Gaba said…
As always, your articles are very informative, thank you for all the inspiration. A little question: what about the aloe vera powder? It is water soluble, right? So, in this case, there's a difference btw the powder or eventually an aloe extract? What's the main difference btw a powder and an extract, generally speaking? The way they are processed? Sorry if it's a nonsense question.
Hey there Gaba and thanks for your comment. Your question is relevant and definitely not a nonsense question.
I have seen aloe vera powder from different sources (suppliers) - some is freeze-dried, some is sold as food supplements. I have only seen it as water-soluble. Whether or not it is an extract depends on the production process. Some are mixed with maltodextrin to avoid clumping (straight up aloe and will clump like the dickens).
Your best way of knowing the properties of the powder you have purchased (or are thinking of purchasing) is to ask the supplier whether or not it is an extract or powder. In general, an extract will dissolve more readily and completely than a powder
Mia Chae said…
Hey Lise! This post is right on time! I recently perfected a formula for a product I'm releasing for summer...It's oil-based and I would love to add a fruit extract powder to it.
Do you have experience with fruit extract powders in oil? The manufacturer thought this would be difficult but I'm hoping I can make it work. My next option would be more like a cold maceration and then filtering out the sediment. I would love your thoughts!
Thank you for this wonderful article. I'm about to create an extract out of a powder. The information you have provided is very helpful! I have a question: I will create my extract in distilled water, and will let it rest for about 2 weeks time. Shall a preservative be added from day 1, correct? Also, is it ok not using glycerine? Thank you.
Comments
I have seen aloe vera powder from different sources (suppliers) - some is freeze-dried, some is sold as food supplements. I have only seen it as water-soluble. Whether or not it is an extract depends on the production process. Some are mixed with maltodextrin to avoid clumping (straight up aloe and will clump like the dickens).
Your best way of knowing the properties of the powder you have purchased (or are thinking of purchasing) is to ask the supplier whether or not it is an extract or powder. In general, an extract will dissolve more readily and completely than a powder
This post is right on time! I recently perfected a formula for a product I'm releasing for summer...It's oil-based and I would love to add a fruit extract powder to it.
Do you have experience with fruit extract powders in oil? The manufacturer thought this would be difficult but I'm hoping I can make it work. My next option would be more like a cold maceration and then filtering out the sediment. I would love your thoughts!
Thanks so much!
Febe
Thank you for this wonderful article. I'm about to create an extract out of a powder. The information you have provided is very helpful! I have a question: I will create my extract in distilled water, and will let it rest for about 2 weeks time. Shall a preservative be added from day 1, correct? Also, is it ok not using glycerine?
Thank you.