Using Natural Oils in DIY Creams and Formulations

Okay, I understand you're new to DIY cosmetics and have some questions about using natural oils. Let's address them one by one, building on the previous replies.

1. Can you mix different natural oils together and apply them directly?
   Yes, generally you can mix different natural oils together and apply them directly to your skin or hair. Many people create custom oil blends for various purposes. Just ensure you are not allergic to any of the individual oils.

2. How to mix natural oils with existing creams or lotions?
   Adding oils to existing creams or lotions is possible, but it's important to do so carefully. Adding too much oil can sometimes destabilize the existing product (cause it to separate) or change its texture significantly. A common method is to add a few drops of oil to a small amount of cream/lotion in your palm just before application. For larger batches, it's more complex and not usually recommended as it can compromise the preservative system and stability of the commercial product. The "Beginner please read here" section mentioned earlier might offer more detailed guidance on this topic.

3. If making your own cream, can you use natural oil as the main ingredient instead of water, or use less water and add other active ingredients? What are the steps?
   This question delves into the basics of cosmetic formulation, specifically making emulsions (like creams and lotions).

   • Understanding Creams: A typical cream is an emulsion, which is a stable mixture of oil and water that wouldn't normally mix. To keep them mixed, you need an emulsifier. Water is usually the largest component in most standard creams (Oil-in-Water emulsions).
   • Using Oil as the Main Ingredient: If you use significantly more oil than water, you would be creating a different type of emulsion (Water-in-Oil). These feel different on the skin (often richer and more occlusive) and require different types of emulsifiers and formulation techniques compared to standard creams.
   • Using Only Oil (or very little water): If you use only oils and active ingredients without any water, you are making an anhydrous product, like a balm, serum, or body butter (if solid). These are not emulsions and do not require emulsifiers in the same way a cream does.
   • Adding Active Ingredients: Active ingredients can be oil-soluble or water-soluble. You need to dissolve them in the appropriate phase (oil or water) before combining the phases with an emulsifier. Some sensitive active ingredients are added after the emulsion has cooled down.
   • Formulation Steps: Making a stable cream involves several steps:
     • Heating the water phase (water, humectants, some water-soluble actives) and the oil phase (oils, butters, oil-soluble actives, emulsifier, thickeners) separately to a specific temperature.
     • Slowly adding the oil phase to the water phase (or vice versa, depending on the emulsifier) while mixing vigorously (often with a high-shear mixer like a stick blender) to create the emulsion.
     • Cooling the emulsion while continuing to stir gently.
     • Adding heat-sensitive ingredients (like some vitamins, preservatives, fragrance) during the cooling phase below a certain temperature.
     • Checking the pH and adjusting if necessary.
   • For Beginners: Making stable emulsions can be tricky and requires precision (accurate weighing, temperature control, proper mixing). It's often recommended for beginners to start with simpler formulations (like oil blends, balms, or simple serums) or to follow well-tested recipes specifically designed for beginners. Learning about different types of emulsifiers and their usage is also crucial.

I hope this helps clarify how creams are made and the role of oils and water. Don't hesitate to ask more questions as you learn, perhaps focusing on specific ingredients or simpler formulation types as you start your DIY journey!