DIY Eucerin White Therapy Style Body Lotion

Based on the ingredient list you provided and the helpful discussion thread, the Eucerin lotion has a relatively simple base and relies heavily on the quality and specific components of the Licorice Root Extract, namely Glabridin (for whitening) and Licochalcone A (for soothing and oil control).

Here's a breakdown of how you can approach creating a similar lotion using ingredients available on MySkinRecipes:

Base Lotion Ingredients

The base of the Eucerin lotion includes:

• Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum): This is a basic emollient that provides a smooth feel and prevents water loss. MySkinRecipes offers different viscosities like Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum) Light (26cst) or Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum) Heavy (68cst).
• Cetearyl Alcohol: This acts as a thickener and helps stabilize the emulsion (cream/lotion). Cetearyl Alcohol (50/50, e.q. Lanette O) is available.
• Other basic components like water (Aqua), Glycerine (a humectant), emulsifiers (Glyceryl Stearate SE, PEG-40 Castor Oil, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate), thickeners (Carbomer), and preservatives (Phenoxyethanol, Parabens, BHT, Trisodium EDTA). You would need a suitable Cream Maker or emulsifier system to combine the water and oil phases, along with a thickener and broad-spectrum preservative system.

Key Active Ingredient: Licorice Extract

The core active is Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract. The discussion points out that its effectiveness depends on the concentration of specific compounds:

• Glabridin: Primarily for skin whitening by inhibiting melanin production. MySkinRecipes offers several options:
  • Pure-Glabridin™ Licorice Extract (Glabridin 90%): A highly concentrated powder. It needs to be dissolved in Butylene Glycol or Ethanol before adding to the formula. Use at a low rate (0.02-0.1%).
  • Hi-Glabridin™ Licorice Extract (Glabridin 40%): Another concentrated powder, also requiring dissolution in Butylene Glycol or Ethanol. Use at a low rate (0.02-0.1%).
  • Licorice Extract (Glabridin 4.5%, Water-Soluble): A water-soluble liquid extract, easier to use as it dissolves directly in water. Use at 1-2%.
• Licochalcone A: Primarily for soothing, reducing inflammation, redness, and controlling oiliness. It is not for whitening. MySkinRecipes offers:
  • Hi-LiconeA™ Licorice Extract (Licochalcone A 20%): A concentrated powder that needs to be dissolved in Glycol (like Propylene Glycol) before adding to the formula. Use at 0.1-0.3%.
  • Licorice Extract (Licochalcone A 1%, Water-Soluble): A water-soluble liquid extract, easy to use. Use at 0.5-3%.

To mimic the Eucerin lotion's reported benefits (whitening + soothing), you would ideally use a combination of a Glabridin-rich extract and a Licochalcone A-rich extract. The choice between powder and water-soluble liquid forms depends on your formulation expertise and desired ease of use.

Other Beneficial Ingredients

• Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate): Included in the original formula and available on MySkinRecipes. It acts as an antioxidant for the skin and helps protect the formula. Recommended usage rate is 0.1-1%.
• Alternative Oils: While Mineral Oil is in the original, you could substitute or combine it with beneficial natural oils like Jojoba Oil (Golden - Deodorized) for added skin nourishment, as suggested in the discussion.

Whitening Alternatives

If high-concentration Glabridin is too expensive or difficult to source/formulate with, you could consider other proven whitening agents available on MySkinRecipes, such as:

• Kojic Acid Dipalmitate: A stable derivative of Kojic Acid, soluble in oil. Use at 1-5%.
• Kojic Acid: A traditional whitening agent, water-soluble but less stable than the dipalmitate form. Use at 0.1-2.0%.

Sunscreen

The original lotion contains Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (OMC) for SPF 7. This provides minimal UVB protection. You can choose to include a sunscreen agent or omit it depending on your needs. If you want sun protection, consider using broader-spectrum UVA/UVB filters.

Scent

The "mild scent" of the original lotion likely comes from the raw materials themselves or a small amount of added cosmetic fragrance. When making your own, the scent will depend on the ingredients you choose (e.g., unrefined oils might have a scent). You can add a small amount of cosmetic-grade fragrance if desired, following recommended usage rates.

Formulation Approach

1. Choose your base ingredients: Select a Mineral Oil or other base oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, a suitable Cream Maker/emulsifier, thickener, humectant (like Glycerine), and a preservative system.
2. Select your active ingredients: Choose a Glabridin source (e.g., Licorice Extract (Glabridin 4.5%, Water-Soluble) for ease of use) and a Licochalcone A source (e.g., Licorice Extract (Licochalcone A 1%, Water-Soluble)).
3. Add Vitamin E: Include Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate).
4. Combine and Emulsify: Follow standard cosmetic formulation procedures for creating an emulsion, typically involving heating the oil and water phases separately with emulsifiers and thickeners, then combining and mixing until a stable lotion forms. Add heat-sensitive ingredients like extracts and preservatives during the cooling phase.
5. Adjust Texture: Adjust the amount of Cetearyl Alcohol and thickener to achieve your desired lotion consistency.
6. Add Scent (Optional): Add a small amount of cosmetic fragrance if you want a specific scent.

Creating a formula requires careful measurement and understanding of ingredient compatibility and mixing procedures. It's recommended to start with small test batches.

Remember that achieving the exact feel and performance of a commercial product like Eucerin can be challenging and may require experimentation. However, by selecting similar ingredient types and focusing on the key actives like Licorice extract components, you can create a beneficial and cost-effective alternative.