Borax 5 hydrate sodium tetraborate 50 g

Borax Pentahydrate (Sodium Tetraborate): Your Multi-Purpose Mineral for Enhanced Formulations

Introducing Borax Pentahydrate, also known as Disodium Tetraborate Pentahydrate (INCI: Disodium Tetraborate Pentahydrate, Dorax Pentahydrate) – a high-quality, fine crystalline powder sourced from Turkey. This versatile mineral, appearing white or colorless, is a multi-functional ingredient renowned for its exceptional properties in various applications, from household solutions to cosmetic formulations. Its unique ability to adjust pH, emulsify, and enhance texture makes it an indispensable component for crafters and manufacturers worldwide.

Description and Key Features

Borax Pentahydrate is a natural mineral compound (Na2B4O7 •5H2O) that readily dissolves in water, forming an alkaline solution. Its fine crystalline powder form ensures easy dissolution and incorporation into liquid formulations. Unlike the decahydrate form, pentahydrate contains less water, making it more concentrated and often preferred for applications where a higher active ingredient content per unit weight is desired.

Key features:

• Multi-functional Ingredient: Acts as a pH buffer, emulsifier, gelling agent, and mild preservative booster.
• Fine Crystalline Powder: Ensures easy dissolution and integration into various formulations.
• Colorless/White: Does not impart unwanted color to your finished products.
• Turkish Origin: Sourced from reputable manufacturers in Turkey, ensuring quality and purity.
• INCI Names: Disodium Tetraborate Pentahydrate, Dorax Pentahydrate – clearly identifiable for cosmetic labeling.

Versatile Applications and Usage Areas in Cosmetics and Beyond

Borax Pentahydrate offers a wide range of applications, particularly in DIY projects and specific cosmetic formulations, due to its unique chemical properties:

• pH Adjuster and Buffer in Cosmetics:
  • Stabilizing Formulations: Borax can help stabilize the pH of solutions, acting as a buffer to maintain a desired pH range. This is crucial for the stability and efficacy of many cosmetic products, preventing degradation of active ingredients and ensuring skin compatibility.
  • Adjusting pH for Optimal Performance: It can be used to slightly increase the pH of acidic formulations, bringing them into a more skin-friendly range for products like lotions, creams, and cleansers.
• Emulsifier and Co-emulsifier:
  • Creating Stable Emulsions: In combination with certain waxes (like beeswax), borax can act as an effective emulsifier, helping to bind oil and water phases together to create stable creams and lotions. This is particularly popular in traditional, natural cosmetic recipes.
  • Thickening and Gelling Agent: It can help thicken aqueous solutions and create gel-like textures, contributing to the desired consistency of various personal care products.
• Mild Preservative Booster:
  • Enhancing Preservative Systems: While not a standalone preservative, borax can enhance the effectiveness of other preservative systems by creating an unfavorable environment for certain microorganisms. This makes it a useful addition to products requiring extended shelf life.
• Household and Cleaning Products:
  • Laundry Booster: A traditional use for boosting laundry detergent effectiveness, softening water, and deodorizing clothes.
  • General Purpose Cleaner: Can be used as a mild abrasive cleaner for various surfaces, offering deodorizing and stain-removing properties.
  • Slime Activator: A popular ingredient in DIY slime recipes, reacting with PVA glue to create the characteristic slime texture.
• Other Applications:
  • Flux for Metalworking: Used in soldering and welding to prevent oxidation.
  • Insect Control: A component in some natural insect control remedies.
  • Fire Retardant: Can be used as a fire retardant for cellulosic materials.

Important Note on Cosmetic Use: While borax has historical use in cosmetics, modern cosmetic regulations and consumer preferences have shifted. Always research local regulations and safety guidelines for its inclusion rates and suitability in personal care products. For general crafting and specified uses like solid products (e.g., bath bombs, where it acts as a binder/hardener), it remains a valuable component.

Cosmetic Recipe: "Classic Rose & Beeswax Lotion Bar"

Create a solid lotion bar using borax to help emulsify the beeswax and water phase, offering intense hydration and a delightful rose scent.

Instructions for Preparation:

1. Sanitization: Thoroughly sanitize all your equipment (heat-resistant beakers, stirring rods, molds) using isopropyl alcohol. Allow everything to air dry completely.
2. Prepare Phase A (Oil Phase): In a heat-resistant beaker, combine beeswax, shea butter, and sweet almond oil.
3. Prepare Phase B (Aqueous Phase): In a separate heat-resistant beaker, combine distilled water and Borax Pentahydrate. Stir well until the borax is fully dissolved.
4. Heating: Place both beakers in a double boiler (bain-marie) and gently heat both phases to approximately 70-75°C (158-167°F). Ensure that all solid ingredients in Phase A are completely melted and the borax in Phase B is fully dissolved.
5. Emulsification: Once both phases reach the target temperature, carefully pour the aqueous phase (Phase B) into the oil phase (Phase A) while continuously stirring with a whisk or stick blender on low speed. Continue blending vigorously for several minutes until an emulsion begins to form and the mixture starts to thicken.
6. Cooling and Mixing: Remove the beaker from the heat and continue to stir occasionally as the mixture cools. As it cools, the emulsion will thicken further and become opaque.
7. Add Phase C (Cool-down): When the mixture has cooled to below 40°C (104°F) but is still pourable, add the Rose Absolute Essential Oil. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
8. Pouring into Molds: Carefully pour the thickened mixture into your chosen molds (e.g., silicone molds for lotion bars).
9. Setting: Allow the lotion bars to fully cool and solidify at room temperature for several hours, or place them in the refrigerator for about 30-60 minutes to speed up the process.
10. Unmolding and Curing: Once fully solid, gently unmold the lotion bars. Allow them to "cure" for 24-48 hours at room temperature, uncovered, to fully harden and for any residual moisture to evaporate.

Recommendations for Use:

• Borax as Emulsifier Aid: Borax in this recipe primarily acts as an emulsifier aid, working synergistically with beeswax to create a stable, solid emulsion.
• Usage Rate: The recommended usage rate for Borax Pentahydrate in such formulations is typically low, usually around 0.5-1%. Avoid exceeding recommended percentages as it can affect texture and potentially cause irritation.
• Melting Point: Ensure both oil and aqueous phases are heated to similar temperatures (70-75°C) to facilitate proper emulsification.
• Continuous Stirring: Consistent stirring during the emulsification and cooling process is crucial for achieving a smooth, stable lotion bar.
• Application: To use, simply rub the lotion bar directly onto dry skin areas (elbows, knees, heels, hands) to provide deep hydration and a protective barrier. The warmth of your skin will slightly melt the bar, releasing the oils.
• Storage: Store lotion bars in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, in an airtight container or wrap to prevent melting and maintain freshness.
• Patch Test: Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before widespread use to check for any sensitivities or reactions.