Getting started with DIY skincare can feel overwhelming—especially when every recipe seems to use a long list of ingredients.
But here’s the truth:
Most beginner-friendly skincare formulas use just a few core ingredients.
These are the same foundational ingredients used in many commercial products—just simplified so you can learn them easily.
This guide breaks down the essential skincare ingredients for beginners so you can start simple, save money, and build confidence.
If you’re completely new, start here: Beginner Skincare Guide
Quick Answer: What Ingredients Do You Need?
- 1 carrier oil
- 1 butter
- Beeswax
- Emulsifying wax
- Distilled water
You can buy all the ingredients on my Amazon Storefront.
The Simple Truth About Skincare Formulation
Most products are made from:
- Oils
- Butters
- Waxes
- Water
- Emulsifiers
Beginner Ingredient Breakdown
| Ingredient Type | What It Does | Example | Needed to Start? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oils | Soften + seal skin | Sweet almond oil | ✅ Yes |
| Butters | Add thickness | Shea butter | ✅ Yes |
| Waxes | Structure products | Beeswax | ✅ Yes |
| Water | Hydration base | Distilled water | For lotions |
| Emulsifier | Mix oil + water | Emulsifying wax | For lotions |
Core Ingredients (Start With These)
Oils (The Base of Most Products)
Oils help soften skin and seal in moisture.
Start with 1–2:
Beginner Tip: Using too many oils at once makes it harder to learn what each one does. I recommend using a more inexpensive oil (olive oil) for rinse-off (sugar scrub) and a more expensive oil (jojoba oil) for leave-on products (body butters).
See how oils are used in scrubs: Body Scrub Recipe Page
Butters (Thickness + Richness)
Butters add structure and richness to your products.Start with one:
- Shea butter (best for beginners)
- Cocoa butter (firmer and more solid)
See this in action: Whipped Body Butter Recipe
Beginner Tip: Shea butter and Cocoa butter come in refined and unrefined. The refined typically is unscented or very light scent, where the unrefined has a scent. I personally love the unrefined cocoa butter but do not like the unrefined shea butter scent.
Waxes (Structure + Stability)
Waxes thicken oil-based products and help them hold their shape.
Start with:
Water (For Lotions and Creams)
Water is used in emulsions like lotions.
- Always use distilled water
- Never use tap water
⚠️ Any product with water needs a preservative.
Learn lotion basics here: Lotions / Emulsions Guide
Emulsifier (Required for Lotions)
An emulsifier allows oil and water to mix into a stable lotion.
Start with:
- Emulsifying wax (e-wax)
Without an emulsifier, your lotion will separate.
See a beginner lotion recipe: Beginner Lotion Recipe
Optional Ingredients (Add Later)
Once you’re comfortable with the basics:
Essential Oils / Fragrance
- Used for scent only
- Not required
Fragrance Oils (10% off entire order): https://nurturehandmade.com/summerrain
Vitamin E
- Helps slow oil oxidation
- Not a preservative
Preservatives
- Required for water-based products or you will grow mold and bacteria. More information can be found Why Preservatives are Essential in Skincare
You’ll use these in: DIY Lip Balm
What You Don’t Need as a Beginner
Avoid:
- Dozens of specialty oils
- Active ingredients
- Complex systems
- Colorants
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Thinking oils hydrate (they seal moisture)
- Skipping emulsifier
- Adding water without preservative
- Buying too many ingredients
- Following recipes blindly
Simple Starter Ingredient List
- 1 carrier oil
- Shea butter
- Beeswax
- Emulsifying wax
- Distilled water
How to Build From Here
Once you’re comfortable:
- Try different oils
- Adjust thickness
- Learn emulsions
- Add preservatives
Next step: Skincare Formulations Guide
What to Do Next
Learn:
Percentages vs Grams in Skincare
Skincare Formulations for Beginners
How Skincare Works for Beginners
Make:
Body Butter – Only 2 Ingredients
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