Combining Water-Based Extracts into Face Oil

To incorporate a water-based extract into an oil-based face oil, you will need an ingredient that can bridge the oil and water phases. These ingredients are typically called solubilizers or emulsifiers.

The best choice depends on the proportion of your oil and water phases and the desired final texture of your product (e.g., clear oil, slightly hazy, or a thin emulsion).

• Solubilizers: If you are adding a small amount of water extract to a large oil phase and want to maintain a clear or translucent appearance, solubilizers can help disperse the water within the oil. Suitable options include Flora Solve™ Clear, Ultra Solve™, PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-30, and Free Solve™ (PEG-Free Solubilizer). These work by creating very small dispersions (microemulsions) that are often clear.

• Water-in-Oil Emulsifiers: If you are incorporating a more significant water phase into your oil, a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifier like Oil Blender™ can help create a stable mixture where water droplets are dispersed within the continuous oil phase. This might result in a slightly thicker or less transparent product compared to using a solubilizer with a small water amount.

To give a more specific recommendation, knowing the approximate percentage of your oil and water phases, as well as the desired feel and appearance of the final face oil, would be helpful.