DIY Moisturizer for Dry, Sensitive, and Dull Skin

Hello! I understand the issue of dry and sensitive skin, especially during winter. Making your own moisturizer is a great way to control ingredients and avoid potential irritants.

The ingredients suggested by you and other users are excellent and suitable for dry, sensitive skin that also needs brightening.

Key Ingredients and Their Benefits:

• Moisturizing and Skin Barrier Support:

  • Shea Butter: A natural fat that provides moisture, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the skin barrier. It's great for very dry skin and can be used up to 100%. It's mixed in the oil phase and heated to around 60-70°C to melt.
  • Ceramide: A key component of the skin barrier, helping to reduce water loss and strengthen the skin. Various forms are available, such as Ceramide 3 (Ceramide NP), a powder soluble in oil, used at 0.01-0.2% (0.1% recommended), mixed in the oil phase at 75°C or higher. Another option is Skin-Barrier™, a liposomal ceramide mixed in the water phase, used at 1-15% (5% for general care, 10% for dry skin, 15% for problematic/sensitive skin).
  • MOIST72™: A long-lasting moisturizing agent (up to 72 hours) that helps the skin retain water and reduces dryness and flaking. Suitable for dry to very dry skin, used at 2-5% (5% recommended for very dry skin). Add in the final step when the temperature is below 40°C. pH range 4-8.

• Skin Brightening:

  • Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide): High-purity Vitamin B3. Helps reduce redness and dark spots, increases moisture by stimulating ceramide and collagen production, strengthens skin, and reduces inflammation. Used at 1-10% (5% recommended). Mix in the water phase. It has heat resistance but avoid prolonged heating. Optimal pH is 3-8 (best 4-7).
  • GlucoBright™ (Acetyl Glucosamine): Works well with Vitamin B3 to reduce dark spots and brighten skin. It also stimulates natural Hyaluronic Acid production, keeping skin moisturized and reducing wrinkles. Used at 1-8% (4% recommended when combined with Niacinamide 2-4%). Mix in the water phase. It has heat resistance but avoid prolonged heating. pH range 3-7.

General Guide for Making the Moisturizer:

1. Prepare the oil phase containing Shea Butter and Ceramide 3 (if using) by heating to melt the fatty ingredients.
2. Prepare the water phase containing Safe-B3™ and GlucoBright™.
3. Use an emulsifier (an ingredient that helps oil and water mix) to combine the oil and water phases, following the instructions for your chosen emulsifier.
4. Once the cream starts to cool down (below 40°C), add MOIST72™ and Skin-Barrier™ (if using), along with preservatives and other heat-sensitive ingredients.
5. Adjust the pH of the formula to be within the suitable range for the key ingredients (Safe-B3™ pH 3-8, GlucoBright™ pH 3-7, MOIST72™ pH 4-8). A pH of around 5-6 is generally suitable for facial skin.

For detailed formulation steps and example recipes, you can find more information on the MySkinRecipes website in the ingredient categories and beginner's articles.