Herbal Scrub Formulation Guide

Based on formulation principles, a base is generally essential in a scrub. Its primary function is to bind the solid scrubbing particles (like powders and beads) together, allowing them to be applied and spread evenly on the skin. The base also provides texture, helps reduce friction during scrubbing, and can deliver other benefits depending on its composition (e.g., moisturizing from a cream base).

The product you experienced that felt like just powder and beads might use a minimal amount of a very light base, a non-cream type of binder (like a gel or oil), or it could be a "powder-to-cream" type product designed to be mixed with water or another liquid just before use.

To create a herbal scrub, you will typically combine scrubbing particles with a suitable base. Here are some components and formulation ideas based on the ingredients we found:

1. Choose Your Scrubbing Particles

You can use a variety of natural powders and beads for exfoliation. The size of the particles affects the intensity of the scrub.

• Natural Scrub Powders/Beads: Options include Luffa Scrub, Camellia (Tea) Seed Scrub, and Sugarcane Scrub. You can use one type or a blend of different sizes and materials for varied exfoliation. Usage rate is typically 1-15% of the total formula.
• Herbal Powders: Incorporate various beneficial herbal powders (e.g., turmeric, green tea, rice powder) for their specific properties. The amount will depend on the desired effect and texture.

2. Select Your Base

The base provides the structure and feel of the scrub. The type of base influences the final texture (creamy, gel-like, paste-like).

• Ready-Made Cream Base: Using a pre-made base like Absolue Soft Cream Base is the simplest method. You can directly mix your scrub particles and herbal powders into this base. Usage rate is high, typically 90-100% of the base portion.
• Cream Maker/Emulsifier: If you want to create a cream base from scratch using oils and water, an emulsifier like Soft Cream Maker™ is needed. This gives you more control over the oil content and texture but requires heating and specific mixing steps.
• Powder-to-Cream Base: For a product similar to the one you described, a "powder-to-cream" base like Powder To Coconut Oil Cream Base could be used. This base is a powder that transforms into a cream when mixed with water, allowing for a product that appears dry until activated.

3. Basic Formulation Structure

A simple scrub formulation follows this general structure:

• Base: 70-95% (Choose one of the base options above)
• Scrubbing Particles (Natural Beads/Powders): 5-30% (Adjust based on desired exfoliation intensity. Can be a mix of different types and sizes, including herbal powders)
• Optional Additives: (e.g., Carrier oils for added moisture, extracts for specific skin benefits, preservatives if the formula contains water and is not designed for single-use mixing)

Example (using a ready-made base):

• Absolue Soft Cream Base: 80%
• Luffa Scrub: 10%
• Sugarcane Scrub: 5%
• Herbal Powder (e.g., Turmeric Powder): 5%
• (Add preservative if needed based on total formula composition and water content)

Example (using Powder-to-Cream Base):

• Powder To Coconut Oil Cream Base: 10-20%
• Luffa Scrub: 5-10%
• Sugarcane Scrub: 5-10%
• Herbal Powder: 5-10%
• Remaining % is water added by the user before application.

In summary, while some scrubs might feel like they have very little base, a binder is generally needed to create a functional product. The type and amount of base can be adjusted to achieve different textures, from a thick paste to a lighter cream or even a powder that activates with water.