Archive for February 2026
February 28th, 2026 by Dr. Hannah Sivak
Coconut milk is an endosperm product that has a growth-stimulating effect on the developing coconut embryo. In 1941, the Dutch plant physiologist J. van Overbeek discovered that the addition of coconut milk led to a marked increase in the growth of plant embryos and tissue cultures. The question of which components cause the growth stimulation arose immediately, and kinetin was discovered. Experimental data indicate that kinetin acts as a strong antioxidant in vitro and in vivo, not only in plants but also in animals. Kinetin has been found to inhibit oxidative and glycoxidative protein damage generated in vitro and to protect DNA against oxidative damage mediated by the Fenton reaction.…
February 21st, 2026 by Dr. Hannah Sivak
For those left adrift by the disappearance of a company that catered to skin care DIY enthusiasts, Lotioncrafter.com now supplies the following: Epidermal growth factor: Keratinocyte Growth Factor Hops extract is not one of our proteins (it’s not a protein at all!), but it has been formulated following our process. It’s a source of xantohumol. Sea Kelp bioferment is very similar to my old formulation and should make a good base to carry KGF into the scalp. I will keep adding links as I find Lotioncrafter ingredients that could help mimic my old formulations. Thanks for your patience Hannah
February 21st, 2026 by Dr. Hannah Sivak
As always, I avoid fragrances. If you don’t like the smell of a particular ingredient, avoid it, but fragrances will always work against you, unless they are an active ingredient that has a beneficial activity and happens to smell nice (like apocynin, a.k.a. acetovanillone, or mint, an antiviral). Utensils you will needPlastic jar for 50 grams or more of cream. Should give you space for mixing using a spatulaScale: I suggest you use a scale and manage your ingredients by weight, rather than volume, this is what formulators do. It’s hard to measure volumes when you are dealing with thick or viscous materials. Scales are very inexpensive and precise these…