How to Fix Melted Beard Butter and Beard Balm

At Copper Johns Beard Co., we take pride in crafting our beard butters and balms using only the highest quality natural ingredients, free from fillers and preservatives. Our Shea Butter, a key ingredient in these products, is unrefined and sourced directly from Ghana, ensuring that each jar of beard butter and balm delivers the nourishing benefits you deserve. However, with the rising temperatures during spring and summer, it’s possible that your beard butter or balm may arrive melted. But don’t worry—this guide will walk you through the steps to restore your product to its original, luxurious state.
Why Does Beard Butter and Balm Melt?
Beard butters and balms are composed of natural oils and butters that have specific melting points. When exposed to temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, these ingredients can liquefy. This is particularly common during shipping in warmer months. However, the good news is that melted beard butter or balm doesn’t mean it’s ruined. With a few simple steps, you can restore it to its proper consistency.
Immediate Action: Restoring Melted Beard Butter or Balm
If you receive a melted beard butter or balm, the first thing you should do is place the container in the freezer for 15 to 30 minutes. This process helps to solidify the product, making it easier to use without spilling or losing any of its valuable contents. Once it has firmed up, you can store it in a cool, dry place, ideally at temperatures lower than 80 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent future melting.
Understanding Grainy Shea Butter: What Are Those Little Beads?
You might notice that sometimes your beard butter or balm has tiny, sand-like beads, known as "grains." These grains form when certain parts of the Shea Butter cool at different rates than the rest of the product. Since our Shea Butter is unrefined and pure, it retains its natural fatty acids, which have varying melting points:
  • Oleic Acid: 43-56%
  • Stearic Acid: 31-45%
  • Linoleic Acid & Palmitic Acid: 4-8% each
  • Lauric Acid, Linolenic Acid, Arachidic Acid: About 1% or trace amounts
Each of these fatty acids solidifies at a different temperature, leading to the formation of these grains when the product cools unevenly. While this is a natural occurrence synthetic-free skincare products, it’s not ideal for the smooth, creamy texture we strive for in our beard butters and balms.
The Science Behind Grainy Shea Butter
The varying melting points of the fatty acids in Shea Butter are the culprits behind grainy textures. For example, while the overall melting point of Shea Butter is between 89-100°F, the individual fatty acids within the butter are solidifying at their own pace. This can lead to the formation of grains if the cooling process is not controlled.
How to Fix Grainy Shea Butter
To restore your beard butter or balm to a smooth consistency, you’ll need to re-melt the product and cool it properly. Here’s how:
  1. Melt the Product: Place the beard butter or balm in a double boiler over low heat until it is fully melted. This ensures that all the fatty acids are uniformly liquefied.
  2. Cool the Product Quickly: Once melted, transfer the container to the fridge, freezer, or an ice bath. Rapid cooling helps prevent the formation of grains by solidifying the product evenly.
  3. Completely Solidify: Leave it in the fridge until it is entirely solidified.
Long-Term Storage Tips
Once your beard butter or balm has solidified and is grain-free, it’s crucial to store it properly. Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and moisture. If temperatures in your area frequently exceed 80°F, it’s safer to store your beard products in the fridge to prevent melting and grain formation.
Conclusion
At Copper Johns, we’re committed to delivering products that not only enhance your grooming routine but also provide the care your beard deserves. By understanding the nature of our natural ingredients and how to handle them, you can ensure that your beard butter and balm remain in optimal condition, ready to nourish and protect your beard. If you ever encounter melted or grainy products, follow these steps to restore them, and enjoy the full benefits of our premium beard care offerings.
For more information and to explore our full range of products, visit www.copperjohnsbeard.com