Is it possible to make lip balms using imitation extracts?

[MissGlinda]

I've been experimenting with lip balms and glosses, and came across something I thought was gold: wonderful imitation extracts! Strawberry, caramel, rum, chocolate, etc. The caramel came out dandy like candy, but everything else is either bitter or flavorless. I do realize there's water and that it's not exactly the same as an oil or concentrate, but I thought they would work...I was very excited to find them. And very disappointed in the outcome. Was I just using too much? Too little? I was experimenting with very small batches (about 1 1/2 tsp each flavor) so perhaps that had something to do with it?

I apologize if this is a very "n00b" question, but I'd love to find some way to make it work.
Otherwise, can they be used in soapmaking or in lotions, liquid soaps, etc? It'd be a shame for them to go to waste since I bought seven flavours. ^-^;

 

[IrishLass]

Welcome MissGlinda!

Unfortunately, the problem isn't that you used too much or too little or that your batches were small. It's just that when it comes to lip balms (which are a waterless product made up of waxes and fats/oils), any ingredient you add that is water soluble or that contains water in it is going to pose a messy problem by separating out of the balm because oil and water do not mix. There are many B&B vendors that sell a wonderful variety of oil-based flavors, though. I buy mine from Majestic Mountain Sage (MMS).

As for what to do with all the extracts that you bought....well, you can always use them in baking or candy-making, or to flavor coffee, tea, or other drinks. What are they advertised or specifically formulated to be used for? If they are not specifically formulated to be used in B&B products, I wouldn't even go there, especially lotions. That's just asking for trouble you definitely don't want.

IrishLass

 

[soapbuddy]

You need oil based flavors. The water based extracts will weep out over time. loose their scent or become bitter.