Formulating Natural/Organic Mist with Essential Oils

To create a facial or body mist using essential oils, you need a way to disperse the oil evenly in water, as essential oils are not water-soluble.

1. Water: Yes, using Purified Water is correct and suitable for cosmetic formulations like mists. This ensures the water is free from impurities that could affect the stability or safety of your product.
2. Alcohol vs. Alternatives: Ethyl Alcohol (99.9% or 96%) is a common solvent used in traditional perfumes and mists to help essential oils dissolve in water. However, alcohol can be drying and may not align with a strictly "organic" or natural focus, depending on your definition.
   • For a more natural or alcohol-free approach, you should use a solubilizer. Solubilizers are ingredients that allow oils (like essential oils) to mix with water, creating a clear or stable dispersion. We have several options available:
     • Flora Solve™ Clear
     • Ultra Solve™
     • Free Solve™ (PEG-Free Solubilizer) - This option is PEG-free, which might be preferred if you are aiming for a more natural formulation.
   • Using a solubilizer is generally recommended over alcohol for facial mists, as it is less likely to cause dryness or irritation.
3. Glycerin Grade: Glycerin (USP/Food Grade) is suitable for cosmetic use. It acts as a humectant, helping the skin retain moisture, and can also aid in dissolving ingredients.
4. Concentration: The concentration of ingredients depends on whether it's a facial mist or body mist and the desired intensity of the fragrance.
   • Essential Oil: Typically used at 0.5-2% for facial mists and 2-5% for body mists. Always start with a lower concentration and adjust as needed, especially for facial use, as essential oils can be potent.
   • Solubilizer: The amount needed depends on the specific solubilizer and essential oil, but a general starting point is 2-5 times the amount of essential oil. You need enough solubilizer to make the essential oil fully disperse in the water phase.
   • Glycerin: Can be used at 1-5%.
   • Purified Water: Make up the balance of the formula (e.g., 100% minus the percentages of other ingredients).
   • Preservative: Since this is a water-based product, a preservative is essential to prevent microbial growth. You will need to add a suitable cosmetic preservative according to the supplier's recommended usage rate.
5. Facial Mist vs. Body Mist: The main difference lies in the concentration and choice of essential oils. Facial skin is more sensitive than body skin, so lower concentrations of essential oils are recommended for facial mists. Some essential oils may also be too irritating for facial use.
6. Alternative Formulas: An alcohol-free formula using a solubilizer is a great alternative to alcohol-based mists, especially for a natural/organic focus and for facial use.
   • Basic Solubilizer-Based Formula:
     • Purified Water: ~90-97%
     • Glycerin (USP/Food Grade): 1-5%
     • Solubilizer (e.g., Flora Solve™ Clear, Ultra Solve™, or Free Solve™): 1-10% (adjust based on essential oil amount and type)
     • Essential Oil: 0.5-5% (lower for face, higher for body)
     • Preservative: As per supplier's recommendation (usually 0.5-1.5%)
   • Mixing Instructions: First, mix the essential oil with the solubilizer thoroughly. In a separate container, combine the purified water and glycerin. Then, slowly add the essential oil/solubilizer mixture to the water/glycerin mixture while stirring constantly until clear and fully dispersed. Finally, add the preservative and stir.
7. Recommended Products from the Shop:
   • Purified Water
   • Glycerin (USP/Food Grade)
   • Solubilizers: Flora Solve™ Clear, Ultra Solve™, Free Solve™ (PEG-Free Solubilizer)
   • Ethyl Alcohol (99.9% or 96%) (if you choose to use alcohol)
   • Essential Oils (browse the selection available) - Examples found include Holy Basil Oil and Angelica Root Oil.
   • You will also need a suitable cosmetic preservative.

Remember to always test your formulation on a small area of skin before widespread use.