a group of spoons filled with different types of powder

Apothecary Materials

Apothecary work relies not only on plants and minerals, but also on a range of supporting materials that shape how preparations are made, preserved, and applied. These materials may function as carriers, stabilizers, solvents, or structural components within traditional formulations.

Substances such as waxes, sugars, alcohols, and other preparation aids have long been used to transform raw plant material into usable forms — from oils and salves to syrups, powders, and other preparations.

This section of the archive gathers monographs for materials commonly used in apothecary formulation and preparation, documenting their properties, traditional roles, and practical considerations for working with them. Entries are organized alphabetically below.

Entries are listed in Alphabetical Order Below

A - M | N - Z

A

Alcohol / Ethanol

Argan Oil

Arrowroot Powder

Avocado Oil

B

Beeswax

C

Cacao

Carrier Oils

Castor Oil

Citric Acid

Cocoa Butter

Coconut Milk Powder

Coconut Oil

Colloidal Oatmeal

D

Future Entries Coming Soon

E

Future Entries Coming Soon

F

Future Entries Coming

G

Glycerin (Vegetable)

H

Honey

I

Future Entries Coming

J

Jojoba Oil

K

Future Entries Coming

L

Future Entries Coming

M

Future Entries Coming

N

Future Entries Coming

O

Oils (see carrier oils)

Olive Oil

P

Future Entries Coming

Q

Future Entries Coming

R

Rice Powder

Rosehip Oil

S

Shea Butter

Sweet Almond Oil

T

Future Entries Coming

U

Future Entries Coming

V

Vegetable Glycerin

Vinegar

W

Future Entries Coming

X

Future Entries Coming

Y

Future Entries Coming

Z

Future Entries Coming

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