In today’s health and beauty industry, skincare products have become more and more sophisticated, and consumers are more educated than ever. With so many brands, ingredients, and marketing messages out there, it can be hard to decipher fact from fiction. That’s why it’s important to understand the basics of skincare formulating, so you can make informed choices about the products you use on your skin.
If you’re interested in formulating your own skincare product, be it a lotion, cream or body butter, then there are a few fundamental principles you have to understand. The first and most crucial step is to know the basic ingredients that are used in skincare products. Typically, most skincare products contain about 70-80% water, with the remaining ingredients divided among preservatives, emulsifiers, and moisturizing or skin-enhancing ingredients.
Water is the basic building block of most skincare products, and it’s essential to have a preservative to prevent the growth of mold and yeast in the lotion or cream. That means that the remaining 10-20% of the formula is where you get to play around with the fun stuff, like butters, oils, and other beneficial ingredients that improve the texture and nourishing properties of the product.
When it comes to body butter specifically, the formula is different because it’s oil-based, meaning it’s 100% butters and oils, without any added water or preservatives. That’s why body butter is such an excellent option if you’re looking for an all-natural, ultra-moisturizing solution for your dry, dull or aging skin.
To make a great body butter, you need to choose the right butter. The three most popular and widely available options are shea butter, mango butter, and cocoa butter. Each of these butters has unique properties and benefits, so you’ll need to choose the one that’s best for your skin type and overall goals.
Shea Butter is a great option if you have dry skin, as it’s incredibly hydrating, and has antioxidant properties that help protect your skin from environmental stressors. Shea butter has a natural nutty/smoky scent that can affect the final scent of your body butter, so it’s important to keep that in mind when choosing other ingredients like essential oils.
Mango Butter is perfect if you love shea butter but want a lighter, more delicate scent. It’s also a great choice if you want to support workers in India, as mangos are grown there, and their production involves more than just women.
Cocoa Butter is an excellent option if you’re concerned with skin elasticity or want to fade scars. It has a rich chocolate scent that can be a bit overwhelming, so you might want to use it sparingly or pair it with other fragrances.
Once you’ve chosen the right butter, it’s time to start formulating your body butter. The basic formula for a semi-soft, easy-to-apply body butter is to use 80% butter and 20% oil. You can use any carrier oil, but some of the most popular options are jojoba, almond, avocado, or grapeseed oil. You can also add some essential oils or natural colorants to make it more aesthetically pleasing.
Making your body butter from scratch is not only fun and satisfying, but it also allows you to customize your formula to your specific needs and preferences. And because you’re not adding any water or potentially harmful preservatives, you can be sure that you’re using a wholly natural product that’s safe and nourishing for your skin.
In conclusion, understanding the basics of skincare formulating is essential if you want to make informed choices about the products you use on your skin. Whether you decide to formulate your own or purchase from a reputable brand, knowing what’s in your skincare products and how they work can help you achieve your health and beauty goals.
