Using Natural Oils for Dry, Sensitive Skin with Acne Scars and Formulation Questions

Based on your skin concerns (dry, sensitive, needing smoothness, firmness, and help with acne scars on the back) and the previous discussion, here is a summary and answer to your questions:

For addressing dryness, improving smoothness and firmness, and helping with acne scars, the oils you mentioned (Rose Hip Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil, Sweet Almond Oil) are good options.

• Rose Hip Oil is particularly noted for helping with scars and dark spots, especially those left by acne, but it's best to use it after the acne has cleared.
• Apricot Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil, and Sweet Almond Oil are also excellent carrier oils known for their moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties, suitable for dry and sensitive skin.

Should you use them individually or mixed?
You can use them individually, but mixing them allows you to combine the benefits of each oil. A common approach is to use a less expensive oil as a base and add the more potent or expensive oils. For example, you could use Rose Hip Oil at about 10% and split the remaining percentage among Apricot Kernel, Avocado, and Sweet Almond oils (e.g., around 30% each of the others).

What about Phenoxyethanol and Apple Stem Cell?

• Phenoxyethanol is a preservative. It's typically used in formulations containing water to prevent microbial growth. For a pure oil blend, a preservative like Phenoxyethanol is not necessary.
• Apple Stem Cell extract is not oil-soluble, meaning it will not dissolve or mix properly into an oil-based product. It is not suitable for adding to your oil blend.

Any other recommendations for sensitive skin?
Many natural carrier oils are generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin, but it's always recommended to do a patch test first. Shea Butter is another excellent ingredient for dry and sensitive skin, providing intense moisture and helping to soothe the skin. It can be incorporated if you decide to make a cream or lotion.

Can the shop mix it for you?
The shop's ready-to-use products are water-gel based and do not contain these oils. The shop does not offer a custom mixing service for these oil blends. You would need to purchase the individual oils and ingredients and mix them yourself.

How to mix the oils and make them into a cream?

• Mixing pure oils: If you just want a blend of oils, simply combine the desired oils in a container and stir them together at room temperature. No heat is needed.
• Making an oil blend into a cream/gel: To give the oil blend a thicker, more cream-like or gel-like texture that is easier to apply, you can add Beeswax (Cera Bellina). You would need to gently heat the Beeswax to melt it (around 70°C), then add your oil blend to the melted Beeswax, mix thoroughly, and continue mixing while the mixture cools and thickens. A starting ratio of about 10-20% Beeswax to the total oil weight is suggested. You could also add Cetyl Alcohol (melted with the Beeswax) to give the final product a smoother, more slippery feel. If using Shea Butter, you can melt it along with the Beeswax before adding the oils.

Remember to perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying any new product extensively, especially given your sensitive skin.