DIY Moisturizer Formulation for Dry, Sensitive Skin (Physiogel AI alternative)

Question

I have sensitive skin. If I don't use Physiogel AI cream, my face gets dry, especially on my cheeks. I've tried many moisturizers, but none helped; I always have to go back to Physiogel.

I've tried ordering ingredients from the website to mix my own products, but they haven't fully addressed my dry and sensitive skin issues. I would appreciate it if the team could recommend moisturizer ingredients suitable for my facial skin. I want to mix my own product to use instead of Physiogel.

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Moisturizer Formulation for Dry, Sensitive Skin

For dry and sensitive skin that requires a moisturizer similar to Physiogel AI cream, the key is to focus on restoring the skin's natural barrier. This barrier is primarily composed of lipids like Ceramides, Cholesterol, and Fatty Acids. When the barrier is compromised, skin loses moisture easily and becomes prone to irritation.

Based on your need to mix your own product, here are some recommended ingredients and a sample formulation concept:

Recommended Ingredients:

Skin Barrier Cream Base: This is an emulsifier-free cream base designed specifically to help restore the skin barrier. It contains skin-mimic lipids and is suitable for irritated and sensitive skin. Using a base like this simplifies the formulation process.
Skin-Barrier™: This is a liposomal blend of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids in proportions similar to the skin's natural structure. It is designed for effective skin barrier restoration, reducing dryness and irritation. It is in a micro-emulsion form for better absorption and is easy to incorporate into the water phase of a formula.
Ceracare™ Liposome-3: Another excellent liposomal ceramide complex that helps enhance barrier repair and reduce sensitivity. It can be dispersed directly in water.
Pep-Calm™: A peptide ingredient known for its ability to reduce skin redness and irritation, which is beneficial for sensitive skin.
Ceramide Complex, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6-II, Cholesterol: These are individual components of the skin barrier lipids. While effective, formulating with individual powder ingredients like Cholesterol requires specific techniques (e.g., high heat) which might be more challenging.

Sample Formulation Concept (using Skin Barrier Cream Base):

This concept uses the Skin Barrier Cream Base as the main component for simplicity and adds targeted actives.

Skin Barrier Cream Base: 30-50% (Adjust based on desired thickness and dryness level)
Skin-Barrier™ (or Ceracare™ Liposome-3 as an alternative): 10%
Pep-Calm™: 1-2%
Water or Simple Base Gel/Lotion: To make up 100%

Mixing Instructions:

Measure out the desired amount of Skin Barrier Cream Base.
In a separate container, mix Skin-Barrier™ (or Ceracare™ Liposome-3) and Pep-Calm™ with the water or simple base gel/lotion. Ensure the temperature is below 40°C when adding Pep-Calm™.
Combine the mixture from step 2 with the Skin Barrier Cream Base and mix thoroughly until you achieve a homogeneous cream.

This formulation approach provides the essential lipids to repair the skin barrier and includes a soothing ingredient to help with sensitivity, offering a similar benefit profile to Physiogel AI cream while allowing you to mix it yourself.