Learn the fundamentals of skincare formulation and discover how ingredients work together to create effective, stable DIY skincare products. From understanding percentages, emulsifiers, humectants, preservatives, pH, and shelf life to learning how water, oils, and other ingredients affect a formula, these guides will help you build your formulation skills step by step—from beginner basics to more advanced techniques.
If you’ve ever made a lotion, serum, or cleanser and thought, “Why is this so runny?” — you’re not alone. That’s where thickeners come in. Thickeners are one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of skincare formulation. They control texture, improve stability, and help create the luxurious feel people expect from a finished product. In this guide,
Thickeners in Skincare: What They Are and How They Work Read More »
Humectants are ingredients used in skincare that attract and bind water molecules. Their main job is to increase hydration in the skin by pulling moisture from the environment or deeper layers of the skin and holding it in the outer layer (stratum corneum). In simple terms: Humectants are “water magnets” for your skin. They are a critical part
Humectants in Skincare: How They Hydrate Skin and How to Use Them in Formulation Read More »
Most skincare products contain both oil and water. Lotions, creams, and conditioners all rely on a combination of these ingredients to moisturize and protect the skin. But oil and water naturally separate. If you pour oil into a glass of water, the oil floats on top. Even if you shake the mixture, it quickly separates
What Is an Emulsifier in Skincare? (Beginner Guide + Formula Examples) Read More »
Surfactants are one of the most important ingredients used in skincare and haircare products. They are responsible for cleansing the skin, removing oil and dirt, and helping products rinse away easily with water. If you’ve ever used a facial cleanser, shampoo, or body wash, you’ve already experienced the effects of surfactants. Despite how common they
Surfactants in Skincare: What They Are and How They Work Read More »
If you’ve ever found a skincare recipe that makes 100 grams but you want to make 500 grams, you’ve probably wondered how to know exactly how much of each ingredient to use. This is where percentages come in. Understanding the difference between percentages and grams is one of the most important skills to learn when
Percentages vs Grams in Skincare Formulation (Beginner Guide) Read More »
If you make your own lotions, creams, body washes, scrubs, masks, or other skincare products, understanding preservatives is one of the most important parts of learning how to formulate safely. Whenever a product contains water or other water-based ingredients, microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and mold can potentially grow. A product can look and smell
Why Preservatives Matter in DIY Skincare (And When You Need Them) Read More »
