Basic Face Mask Cream Formulation with Banana Extract/Fresh Banana

Asked by: idea_fern On: April 18, 2017 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

I want to make a basic face mask cream. What are the essential components and basic procedure?

Also, I would like to incorporate banana extract or fresh banana. Is this possible, and what is the method for adding them?

Answer

Basic Face Mask Cream Formulation

A basic formula for a face mask cream generally consists of the following main components:

  • Water Phase: Such as distilled water or floral water.
  • Oil Phase: Such as natural oils (e.g., Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil) or other emollients.
  • Emulsifier: Helps water and oil mix well (e.g., Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol).
  • Thickener: Provides the desired viscosity to the cream (e.g., Xanthan Gum, Carbomer).
  • Active Ingredients: This is where you can add banana extract.
  • Preservative: Absolutely essential to prevent microbial growth, especially if the formula contains water or natural extracts.
  • Other Components (Optional): Such as color, fragrance, humectants (e.g., Glycerin).

Basic Procedure

  1. Heat the water phase and oil phase separately to the appropriate temperature (usually around 70-75°C).
  2. Add the emulsifier to one or both phases (depending on the type of emulsifier).
  3. Slowly pour the water phase into the oil phase (or vice versa, depending on the formula and emulsifier) while stirring or mixing at medium speed until the mixture starts to emulsify.
  4. Once the mixture thickens and cools down (below 40°C), add the banana extract, preservative, and other heat-sensitive components.
  5. Stir or mix well until fully combined. Adjust viscosity as needed.

Using Banana Extract

If you find a ready-to-use banana extract product, follow the usage instructions and recommended percentage provided by the supplier. Generally, extracts are added in the final step (after the emulsion has cooled).

Using Fresh Banana

If you want to use mashed fresh banana as an ingredient in a homemade face mask, it should be made and used immediately. It should not be stored, as fresh banana deteriorates and can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria. Using fresh banana in a formula intended for longer storage requires a strong and potentially more complex preservation system, which is not recommended for beginners.

As a specific banana extract product was not found in the search at this time, I cannot recommend a specific product. However, you can use this basic formula structure as a guideline and adapt it with other extracts or components you have available.