A decade ago, I created a nourishing, all-natural face balm and I posted this recipe https://tlgemsandmixes.com/2015/11/19/diy-cleansing-balm/ . At the time, my focus was on blending simple yet effective ingredients that provided deep cleansing, nourishment and also non drying for my skin.
Over the years, and through obtaining a diploma in organic skincare formulation, including my enthusiasm to improve my formulating skill, I can honestly say I have a better understanding on how blending butters, oils and waxes can create an enjoyable experience whilst using a product hence the need for an improved recipe.
That is the essence of this post.
I must emphasis that all the information on the original recipe is still very much relevant. But, the recipe itself has experienced a rebirth with waxes and all things oats.
Oats extract, according to naturallybalmy.co.uk, helps protect and renew your skin’s lipid barrier with this unique and powerful oat active. Extracted from oat kernel, this amazing ingredient is a complex of skin-identical lipids that helps prevent the loss of skin elasticity and assists with the signs of ageing. It has a fast absorption rate, delivering key actives to the skin, and resulting in a non-greasy feeling.
The addition of an emulsifying wax and polysorbate 80 allows the balm to turn into a silky cream when water is added and makes rinse off a breeze, without any gloppy mess. The colloidal oats powder and kaolin clay helps refines and soothes the skin.
THE RECIPE
This is 200 grams recipe
Phase 1
40% Camellia Seed Oil 80 grams
22% Cetearyl Alcohol 44 grams
12% Oats Kernel Oil 24 grams
6% Emulsifying Wax Bp 12 grams
6% Castor Oil 12 grams 12 grams
Phase 2
5% Polysorbate (80) 10 grams
4% Colloidal Oats Powder 8 grams
2% Kaolin Clay 4 grams
1% Oats Kernel Extract 2 grams
1% Vitamin E 2 grams
1% Essential Oil / Fragrance Oil 2 grams
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
- Digital scale
- Heatproof glass beakers
- Silicone spatula or whisk
- Double boiler or water bath
- Thermometer
- Storage containers
THE METHOD
- Weigh and combine all the waxes and oils in a heatproof glass beaker:
2. Place the beaker in a double boiler. Gently heat it until all waxes have melted into the oil
3. In a separate small bowl, mix the powders and remove any clumps.
4. Gently stir in the powders to disperse into the oil.
5. The mixture will become milky, continue to blend with a spatula until a noticeable change in viscosity; measure the temperature at this point and when its about 40 degree centigrade or lower stir in the remaining ingredients –
- Polysorbate 80
- Oat Kernel Extract
- Vitamin E
- Essential Oil / Fragrance Oil
6. Make sure you stir well. You may need to work faster as things have cooled down more and getting thicker. Pour the mixture into a suitable container.
7. Let it cool and solidify at room temperature. I decided to put it in the fridge, not the freezer, to hasten the process.
HOW TO USE
- Take a small amount and massage onto dry skin, then emulsify with warm water and rinse. Keep in an airtight container away from direct heat and sunlight. This recipe does not contain water; hence, it has no preservatives.
- Be careful while scooping it out, do not use wet hands!.
I was going to remove the earlier post, but then decided against it. After all, improvement reflects our commitment to learning. I love the idea of being a student of life. Whether it’s skincare or Haircare, gardening, a personal goal, or a lifelong passion, every step ahead is a testament to resilience and adaptability. The beauty of progress lies in our ability to refine and our capacity to change.
I encourage you to revisit something today—not to judge yourself or your past efforts, but to appreciate the growth and dare I say, make small, meaningful changes if you can.
What’s something you’ve refined over time? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments! As always, I appreciate your support.
tlgemsandmixes 