Some general "make your own..." questions

[beesister]

Hello wise women.
I have been dabbling in making my own:
shampoo
lotion
toothpaste
etc.

I have a couple pretty basic questions:
Is there one really good book for this with recipes and the "why" of each ingredient?

What is a good preservative? I am specifically thinking of when I make hair gel with water and gelatin that I should put something in it so it doesn't get too gross too fast.

Am I using the right coconut oil? Is there more than one kind? I tried to use it for de-oderant, but the stuff I have is hard as a rock at room temperature, I'd need an ice pick!

Thanks!

[JamieCatheryn]

There is 90 degree solid coconut oil and 70 degree solid coconut oil. This time of year 70 degree coconut oil is a soft-ish solid unless you run your heater a lot.

Germaben is the standard preservative additive for lotions, not natural but I don't think it's harmful either. Refridgeration works for a while. Borax seems to work pretty well.

[velcromom]

There are a lot of different things to consider when choosing a preservative, you might research at some cosmetic formularies or forums for info. I use germall plus for my lotions. I found refrigerationcan be ok for a short time but is highly unreliable and unpredictable, plus I am no longer of the belief that if it looks fine and smells good it's ok. I learned in microbiology just how many icky things are white in color and have no odor or even smell pleasant...

if you warm your coconut oil just til it begins to soften, and whip it, when it cools it will be more spreadable. I blend mine with unrefined shea butter and baking soda, after whipping it never returns to its hard state.

[beesister]

Thank you both!
I'll give it all a shot