Our Brightpack Cream Base has been updated. The preservative is now supplied separately from the Cream Base, which means there is an important additional step when preparing your finished formulation.
The Cream Base itself is now preservative-free (Part 1), while the Omnicare PEHG Preservative (Part 2) is supplied separately and must be incorporated during the cool-down phase.
This guide takes you through the updated formulation and manufacturing process step by step.
Have the previous Cream Base?
If your Cream Base was not supplied with a separate preservative, please follow our original How to Use Cream Base 1 recipe instead.
Prefer to Watch the Video?
Prefer following along visually? Watch our step-by-step video showing you how to use the updated Brightpack Cream Base.
Prefer a written guide? Follow the complete formulation and method below.
The Formulation
This example formulation makes a simple fragranced cream:
| Ingredient | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Deionised Water | 84.1% |
| Glycerine | 5% |
| Cream Base without Preservative (Part 1) | 10% |
| Fragrance | 0.3% |
| Omnicare PEHG Preservative (Part 2) | 0.6% |
| Total | 100% |
Equipment You'll Need
Before getting started, make sure you have the following equipment:
Mixing utensils such as spatulas and spoons
Thermometer
2–5 measuring bowls or containers
2 × heat-resistant glass jugs or mixing vessels
Microwave or heating plates
Stainless-steel bowls for double-boiler heating, if required
Handheld stick blender or homogeniser
How to Make Your Cream
Step 1 — Weigh the Water & Glycerine
Accurately weigh the required amount of deionised water into a suitable heat-resistant vessel.
In a separate measuring container, weigh the required amount of glycerine.
Step 2 — Prepare the Water Phase
Add the glycerine to the deionised water and mix thoroughly until uniform.
If you are incorporating additional water-soluble ingredients, always check their recommended usage level, solubility and processing temperature before adding them. Heat-sensitive ingredients should generally be reserved for the cool-down phase.
Using a double-boiler method, microwave or suitable heating plate, heat the water phase to approximately 70–80°C.
Step 3 — Weigh the Cream Base
In a separate heat-resistant vessel, accurately weigh the required amount of preservative-free Cream Base (Part 1).
Step 4 — Prepare the Cream Base Phase
Using a double-boiler method, microwave or suitable heating method, heat the Cream Base to approximately 70–80°C, ensuring that it is completely melted and uniform.
Suitable oil-soluble ingredients, such as certain carrier oils or butters, may be incorporated into this phase.
Always check the recommended usage level and heat stability of additional ingredients before incorporating them.
Mix until completely uniform.
Step 5 — Combine the Two Phases
Once both phases have reached approximately 70–80°C and are at similar temperatures, slowly add the melted Cream Base phase to the water phase while mixing continuously.
Blend using a handheld stick blender or homogeniser for approximately 3–5 minutes. Use controlled pulses where appropriate to help minimise excessive aeration.
Continue stirring for approximately 5 minutes, or until a smooth, homogeneous cream has formed.
Continue gentle mixing as the formulation begins to cool.
Step 6 — Cool & Add the Preservative
Allow the formulation to cool while stirring periodically.
Once the temperature has dropped to below 40°C, add 0.6% Omnicare PEHG Preservative (Part 2).
Mix thoroughly for approximately 5–10 minutes to ensure that the preservative is evenly distributed throughout the formulation.
Important: The updated Brightpack Cream Base (Part 1) does not contain preservative. The separately supplied Omnicare PEHG Preservative (Part 2) must be added during the cool-down phase at below 40°C.
Step 7 — Add Fragrance & Cool-Down Ingredients
Once the formulation is below 40°C, add the 0.3% fragrance and any other suitable cool-down ingredients, such as certain vitamins or botanical extracts.
Mix thoroughly until the formulation is completely uniform.
When customising your cream, always check the supplier's recommended usage level, solubility and processing temperature for each additional ingredient.
Step 8 — Fill Your Packaging
Once your finished cream is sufficiently cool but still pourable, transfer it into clean, suitable packaging.
Allow the product to cool completely before fitting lids, pumps or other closures.
What If the Consistency Isn't Right?
The final viscosity of your cream can be influenced by the ingredients you add to the formulation.
If your finished cream is too thin, the percentage of Cream Base may need to be increased.
If it is too thick, the percentage of deionised water may need to be increased.
However, don't simply add additional Cream Base or water to the finished formulation without recalculating your recipe.
Changing the amount of one ingredient changes the percentage composition of the entire formulation. Any adjustments should therefore be properly recalculated so that all ingredients, including the preservative, remain at their correct usage levels and the complete formulation totals 100%.
Customising Your Cream
The Cream Base provides a starting point that can be customised to create different finished products.
Depending on the formulation you're developing, you may want to incorporate ingredients such as carrier oils, butters, fragrances, vitamins or botanical extracts.
Remember that adding additional ingredients can affect the viscosity, stability, pH and preservation requirements of the finished product. Always follow the recommended usage and processing instructions for each ingredient and appropriately test your final formulation before taking it to market.
Remember the Two Parts
With the updated Brightpack Cream Base, there are now two important components:
Part 1 — Cream Base without Preservative
Used at 10% in this example formulation.
Part 2 — Omnicare PEHG Preservative
Used at 0.6% and added during the cool-down phase at below 40°C.
Following the correct process helps ensure the preservative is incorporated under the appropriate conditions and evenly distributed throughout your finished cream.
Have the older version of our Cream Base? If your product was not supplied with a separate preservative, please follow our original How to Use Cream Base 1 guide instead.