Menthol Shower Steamers

With cold and flu season around the corner, these shower steamers are perfect to help relieve feelings of congestion. Place these steamers on the bottom of your shower, and turn the shower hot! Get the steam flowing through your bathroom and get ready to experience a refreshing and relaxing experience. 

Shower steamers are the perfect treat for those who aren't fond of the classic bath soak. Place your shower steamer on the floor of your shower, just out of direct-waters reach for full benefits. You don't want the water to continuously be running straight onto the product or it may dissolve too quickly. 

Have you made shower steamers in the past and found them lack-luster? These extra-minty steamers are sure to clear you up. Before we dive into this recipe, there are a few variables that can be included or excluded depending on your personal preference. The first ingredient is corn starch. Corn starch in this recipe helps to ensure your steamer doesn't dissolve too quickly. It is specifically important that your shower steamers don't melt away in a matter of seconds so that your customers can experience the full effects that a shower steamer should provide. The second ingredient that is up for debate it Polysorbate 80. Polysorbate 80 is most commonly added to recipes to ensure colour does not stick to your customer or their tub. If you are adding colour to your steamers this is a no brainer- but if  you are keeping them white you may not need to add this ingredient. Polysorbate 80 acts as a solubilize therefore aiding in any slippery surfaces that may occur due to the oils in your steamer recipe. I personally do not use Poly 80 in my steamers and have never noticed a slippery surface while using them, however I make mine for personal use. If you are selling to customers it is always a good idea to cover your bases for liability purposes. 

EQUIPMENT:

• Glass measuring cup (to melt menthol crystals)
• Plastic measuring cups (to measure dry ingredients)
• Mixing bowl
• Scale
• Mold for shower steamer 
• Metal Spoon
• Microwave 
• Gloves (!!!) Very important to protect your skin while working with these minty steamers 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1oz Menthol Crystals 
• 2 Cups Baking Soda
• 1/2 Cup Citric Acid
• 1/4 Cup Corn Starch* Optional 
• 20-40 Drops Eucalyptus and Peppermint Essential Oil 
• 1oz Polysorbate 80* Optional
• 1.5oz Sunflower seed oil or any light oil. (Avocado Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Jojoba Oil)

*Yield size vary depending on mold size. 

HOW TO MAKE MENTHOL SHOWER STEAMERS:

1. Measure out your dry ingredients into a mixing bowl (baking soda, citric acid, corn starch) 
2. Mix dry ingredients together 
3. Measure out Sunflower oil* or other chosen oil into glass measuring cup
4. Pour your menthol crystals into your oil
5. Microwave oil and menthol crystals in 30 second intervals until crystals are fully melted. Stir in between.
6. Pour your oil & menthol mixture into your dry ingredients.
7. Add polysorbate 80* to ingredients
8. Add essential oils of your choosing. We recommend eucalyptus and peppermint oil for these steamers. 
9.  Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. 
10. Take mold that you will be using to shape your steamers and start forming your steamers. 
11. Allow steamers to dry for up to 24 hours before packaging or use.

TIPS:

• BE CAREFUL. These steamers are extremally potent. The menthol crystals will cause burning sensation if handled incorrectly while making your products. Protect your hand while making these steamers by wearing gloves and make sure not to touch your eyes or other sensitive areas. 
• Create a warning label for your steamers that let your customers know the intended use for these steamers. Make sure your customer understands that this is NOT a soak product, and it should never be used in a bath tub. 
• The bigger the mold, the longer the steamer will last in your shower. The smaller the mold, the faster it will dissolve. We recommend creating at least a 3oz steamer.

TRY A DIFFERENT SCENT:

• Want to create something a little less minty? Try adding a variety of different essential oils such as lavender grapefruit or orange to create a variety of scents to offer to your customers. 
• Get familiar with essential oils. Essential oils provide a wide range of health benefits, do some research to see what essential oils might benefit you best.