In our November issue (currently on shelves), Conny Oberrauter shares the start-up story of her company and book, The Cosmetics Chef. Working as a product consultant for beauty brands over several years, Conny became an expert in the field of cosmetic science. Her DIY recipe book uses this background to teach people how to make beauty products at home with merely a handful of ingredients. Conny’s water-wise recipes range from bath bombs and face serums to beeswax body butter, as well as dog shampoo – yes, dog shampoo!
We all adore our animals, but we don’t always know what products may harm them. Conny’s 2 in 1 Pooch Shampoo is a product she developed for her Jack Russel who struggles with sensitive skin. The recipe is incredibly popular among readers and simply works wonders on four-legged friends.
ALSO SEE: How To Combat Your Pets’ Allergies
Ingredients for 2 in 1 Pooch Shampoo
* 100g Castile Liquid Soap
* 30g Coconut Oil
* 50g Glycerin
* 1 tsp Xanthan Gum
* 200g Water
* ½ tsp Citric Acid
* 1 tsp Preserver
* Essential oil of your choice (this is an optional ingredient, not a necessary ingredient)
In order to prepare the shampoo, Conny recommends the following:
* In a small glass beaker, add Castile liquid soap and coconut oil. Melt together under gentle heat.
*In another small beaker, add the xanthan Gum and Glycerin. Mix together with the back of a spoon until a smooth paste forms.
* Add water, citric acid, and the xanthan gum/glycerin mix to a bigger glass beaker (400g). Mix for a few seconds using a hand blender.
* If you are adding essential oils, add them to the Castile and coconut mix, making sure it has cooled down again.
* Add the Castile mix to the water mix. Blend with a hand blender at low speed for a few seconds to make sure mixture is smooth. Do not mix for too long or too fast as it will cause bubbles.
* Pack into bottles with a pump.
Additional notes:
* Only use ½ tsp of citric acid. Dog skin has a higher pH than humans skin, so the shampoo does not need as much citric acid as standard hair shampoo.
* Add essential oils for extra care. Tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil are good for repelling flies and fleas. Use less essential oil than you would for your own products, at least half.
* If your dog has very itchy, irritated skin replace the water with chamomile tea.
ALSO SEE: Cute Collars For Your Furry Friends
Read more about Conny’s start-up story in our latest issue, out now.
If you’d like to purchase Conny’s recipe book or any of the ingredients listed above, place an order through her website.
By Features Writer, Marike Watson
