Thick Face Cream Formulation with Baking Soda and Stearic Acid

Asked by: Anonymous On: April 14, 2026 Product Type: Cosmetics Answered

Question

I would like a formula recipe with the quantity of each ingredient for a skin cream (specifically a thick face cream).

Ingredients to use:

  • Water
  • Stearic acid
  • Coconut oil
  • Baking soda
  • Essential oils for scent

Please also recommend a suitable preservative for this formula.

Answer

To create a thick face cream using your requested ingredients, we have formulated a recipe that includes a specialized emulsifier to ensure the oil and water combine into a stable, luxurious texture.

Important Technical Note

The inclusion of Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) will raise the pH of the cream significantly (likely to pH 8-9). While this is sometimes used in specific applications, please be aware that the skin's natural pH is approximately 5.5. A high-pH cream may cause dryness or irritation for some skin types. Additionally, when mixing Baking Soda with Stearic Acid, a small amount of carbon dioxide gas may be released; stir slowly to allow any bubbles to escape.

Thick Face Cream Formulation

Phase Ingredient Percentage Function
A (Oil) Fractionated Coconut Oil 12.0% Emollient (Light & Non-greasy)
A (Oil) Stearic Acid 4.0% Thickener & Texture Enhancer
A (Oil) Butter Cream Maker™ 5.0% High-Stability Emulsifier
B (Water) Distilled Water 76.5% Solvent
B (Water) Sodium Bicarbonate 1.0% pH Adjuster / Active
C (Cool) Phenoxyethanol (Extra Pure) 1.0% Preservative (pH stable)
C (Cool) Essential Oils 0.5% Scent
Total 100.0%

Recommended Ingredients

  1. Emulsifier: Butter Cream Maker™ is recommended because it is specifically designed to handle high-electrolyte formulas and a wide pH range (3-12), ensuring your cream stays thick and stable despite the baking soda.
  2. Preservative: Phenoxyethanol (Extra Pure) is the ideal choice here as it remains effective in alkaline environments (up to pH 9) and is gentle on the skin.
  3. Oil: Fractionated Coconut Oil is preferred for face creams over standard coconut oil because it is liquid, non-comedogenic (won't clog pores), and has a much longer shelf life.

Mixing Instructions

  1. Heat Phase A: Combine the Coconut Oil, Stearic Acid, and Butter Cream Maker™ in a heat-proof container. Heat to approximately 75-80°C until everything is melted.
  2. Heat Phase B: Dissolve the Sodium Bicarbonate in the distilled water and heat to the same temperature (75-80°C).
  3. Emulsify: Slowly pour Phase A (Oil) into Phase B (Water) while stirring or using a hand blender. Continue blending until a smooth, white emulsion forms.
  4. Cool Down: Allow the mixture to cool while stirring occasionally. Once the temperature drops below 40°C, add Phase C (Phenoxyethanol and Essential Oils).
  5. Finalize: Mix thoroughly. The cream will reach its final thickness after 12-24 hours.

Related Categories

Cream Maker (All-in-One Emulsifier)
Cosmetics > Base / Emulsifier > Cream Maker (All-in-One Emulsifier)