DIY Cosmetic Formulations

1. SLS/SLES-Free Liquid Soap with Tea Tree Oil

This formula uses Clarify-Wash for effective cleaning without the slippery feel of Cocamidopropyl Betaine and includes water-soluble Tea Tree Oil.

Ingredients:

• Water (Distilled or Deionized): Up to 100%
• Clarify-Wash 35 Liquid (Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate): 15-30% (Adjust based on desired lather and cleansing strength)
• Glycerin: 2-5% (Humectant for moisture)
• Tea Tree Oil (Water Soluble): 1-2% (For its properties)
• Natural Moisturizing Amino Acids: 1-3% (To help moisturize)
• Allantoin: 0.1-0.5% (Soothing)
• Portulaca Extract (Purified Colorless Liquid): 0.1-0.5% (Soothing)
• Green Tea Extract (Hi-EGCG): 1-3% (Antioxidant, soothing)
• D-Panthenol Care (Pro-Vitamin B5, 100% Liquid): 1-3% (Moisturizing, soothing)
• Hydrolyzed Soy Protein (Powder): 1-3% (Moisturizing)
• Thickener (e.g., Xanthan Gum, Carbomer - not included in search, add as needed): 0.2-1% (To adjust viscosity)
• Preservative (e.g., Phenoxyethanol - not included in search, add as needed): 0.5-1% (Essential for product safety)
• Fragrance (Optional): 0.1-0.5%

Instructions (Beginner Method):

1. Weigh all your ingredients accurately using a digital scale.
2. In a clean container, combine all Water Phase ingredients except thickener, preservative, and fragrance. Stir gently until everything is dissolved. Avoid creating too much foam.
3. Slowly add the Clarify-Wash 35 Liquid to the mixture. Stir gently to combine.
4. Slowly add your chosen Thickener while stirring until the desired consistency is reached.
5. Add the Preservative and Fragrance (if using). Stir gently to combine.
6. Check the pH of the mixture. Clarify-Wash has a high pH, so you will likely need to lower it to a skin-friendly range (pH 5-6) using a few drops of Lactic Acid or Citric Acid solution (not included in search, add as needed). Add the acid drop by drop, stirring and checking the pH until it's in the desired range.
7. Pour the finished liquid soap into a clean bottle.

2. Body Lotion Formulations (Day with Sunscreen & Night)

These formulas incorporate moisturizing, skin barrier repairing, and anti-aging ingredients for dry, mature skin, aiming for a non-greasy feel.

Basic Lotion Structure (Emulsion):

A lotion is an emulsion of oil and water, held together by an emulsifier. You'll typically have a Water Phase, an Oil Phase, and a Cool Down Phase for heat-sensitive ingredients.

Key Ingredients for Both Lotions:

• Water Phase:
  • Water (Distilled or Deionized): Up to 100%
  • Glycerin: 3-5% (Humectant)
  • X-Glycerin (Polyglycerin-10): 1-3% (Enhanced humectant)
  • Hyaluronic Acid (Standard Molecule & Large Molecule): 0.1-0.3% total (Hydration on skin surface) - Note: These are powders and need to be dissolved in water beforehand. See dissolution instructions below.
  • Natural Moisturizing Amino Acids: 3-5% (Mimics skin's natural moisture)
  • Niacinamide (Safe-B3): 3-5% (Barrier repair, anti-aging, tone)
  • D-Panthenol Care (Pro-Vitamin B5, 100% Liquid): 1-3% (Moisturizing, soothing)
  • Allantoin: 0.1-0.5% (Soothing)
  • Portulaca Extract (Purified Colorless Liquid): 0.1-0.5% (Soothing)
  • Green Tea Extract (Hi-EGCG): 1-3% (Antioxidant, anti-aging)
  • Coenzyme Q10 (10%, Encapsulate Powder, Water-Soluble): 0.1-0.5% (Antioxidant, anti-aging)
  • Hydrolyzed Soy Protein (Powder): 2-3% (Moisturizing)
  • Ceramide Complex (Ceracare Liposome-3): 1-3% (Skin barrier repair)
  • Preservative (not included in search, essential for product safety): 0.5-1% (Essential)
• Oil Phase:
  • Emulsifier (not included in search, essential for lotion, choose one suitable for light lotions): 3-7% (Binds oil and water)
  • Shea Butter (Refined, Deodorised): 2-5% (Emollient, moisturizing)
  • Grape Seed Oil (NaturalProfile): 3-5% (Light emollient, antioxidant)
  • Argan Oil (Organic - Virgin - Deodorized): 2-4% (Nourishing oil)
  • Squalane (Olive): 2-5% (Light emollient, skin-mimicking)
  • Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate): 0.1-0.5% (Antioxidant)
• Cool Down Phase:
  • Fragrance (Optional): 0.1-0.5%

Specific Formulas:

• Day Body Lotion (with Sunscreen):
  • Use the Key Ingredients listed above.
  • Add Pure Physical Sunscreen (SPF50+, PA3+, Water-in-Oil): 20-30% (This base already contains water and oil components, so you will adjust the percentage of Water and potentially other oils/butters accordingly to reach 100% total). Add this to the Water Phase or combine Water Phase ingredients with the Sunscreen base before emulsifying with the Oil Phase. Follow the specific instructions for incorporating this sunscreen base.
• Night Body Lotion (without Sunscreen):
  • Use the Key Ingredients listed above.
  • Omit the Pure Physical Sunscreen.
  • Adjust the percentage of Water and Oil Phase ingredients to reach 100% total, maintaining a balanced oil-to-water ratio suitable for a lotion texture. You might slightly increase the percentage of oils/butters or humectants for extra night-time hydration.

Instructions for Making Lotion (Beginner Hot Process):

1. Preparation: Clean and sanitize all your equipment (beakers, stirring rods, containers). Weigh all ingredients accurately.
2. Water Phase: In a heat-resistant beaker, combine all Water Phase ingredients except heat-sensitive actives (like some extracts, vitamins, preservatives, fragrance). If using Hyaluronic Acid powders, dissolve them in the water first (sprinkle powder onto water while stirring/blending, then let hydrate for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator, or use a high-speed blender).
3. Oil Phase: In a separate heat-resistant beaker, combine all Oil Phase ingredients (Emulsifier, Shea Butter, Grape Seed Oil, Argan Oil, Squalane, Vitamin E).
4. Heating: Heat both the Water Phase and Oil Phase gently in a water bath (placing the beakers in a pan of hot water) to around 70-75°C (158-167°F). Heat until the Oil Phase is completely melted and clear.
5. Emulsification: Slowly pour the heated Oil Phase into the heated Water Phase while continuously stirring or using a stick blender. Blend or stir for several minutes to create a stable emulsion. The mixture will start to turn white and thicken.
6. Cooling: Remove the beaker from the water bath and continue stirring occasionally as the lotion cools. Stirring helps the emulsion remain stable and prevents a thick skin from forming on top.
7. Cool Down Phase: Once the lotion has cooled to below 40°C (104°F), add the heat-sensitive actives, Preservative, and Fragrance (if using). Stir well to incorporate.
8. Adjust Viscosity & pH: If the lotion is too thin, you may need to add a thickener suitable for emulsions (not included in search, add as needed). Check the pH and adjust to a skin-friendly range (pH 5-6) if necessary using Lactic Acid or Citric Acid solution.
9. Packaging: Once completely cooled, transfer the lotion to clean bottles or jars.

Important Notes for Beginners:

• Always use a digital scale for accurate measurements.
• Maintain good sanitation throughout the process.
• Start with small batch sizes.
• Research the specific usage rates and mixing instructions for each ingredient you purchase, as they can vary by supplier.
• Perform a small patch test on your skin before using the finished product extensively.

These formulas provide a starting point. You can adjust the percentages of oils, butters, and active ingredients within their recommended usage rates to achieve your desired texture and skin feel.