Jen's Light and Silky Facial Lotion

The best kept secret just might be in your cupboard!

A little while ago, Janet sent me a message asking for help formulating a facial lotion. Here is what she said. “I only dabble in lotions, but would love an unscented, light, silky facial lotion that plays nice with zits. That’s not asking for the world, right?” Not to worry, Janet! I promise it isn’t asking for the world. It is fairly easy to make a lotion that doesn’t aggravate acne. Let’s go make a light facial lotion that is perfect for Janet’s needs.

First, I started with Sunflower Oil. Sunflower Oil is a light oil but a powerful one to keep in your cupboard. Sunflower Oil has a long shelf life and also contributes a light and smooth texture to lotions, lip balms, etc. It also allows the skin to breathe with helps prevent that heavy, mask feeling some lotions give.

Second, I used Jojoba Oil. Jojoba Oil is another oil that is perfect for this formulation. We want to make a light, silky feeling lotion. Jojoba gives us all of that and a little more. It is gentle and caring while being protective and penetrating. Isn’t that something?

Additionally, I used Candelilla Wax. Candelilla Wax makes a wonderful thickener. It has more than double the stiffening/thickening power than beeswax without adding a significant waxy feel. Because we don’t want a heavy or waxy feeling product, we want to avoid Beeswax in this particular formulation.

Next, I used Chamomile Extract. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties. Perfect for skin struggling with acne. Chamomile Extract also has moisturizing properties. Isn’t that amazing?

I also used Sea Buckthorn Extract. Sea Buckthorn is used for acne products as well. It has anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been seen to encourage cell healing and regeneration. Perfect for what we are looking for.

I also had to arrange for an emulsifier. An emulsifier is important in water/oil mixtures because it keeps them from separating. I chose to use our work-horse emulsifier, Emulsifying Wax.

Lastly, I had to decide on a preservative. We have a variety of preservatives in our catalog. All of them have different areas that they are most effective. I decided on Liquid Germall Plus. Liquid Germall Plus works well in emulsified products that have a high water or oil content. Perfect if you decide to make a large range of formulations!

Recipe:

Weigh all of the ingredients except for the preservative and extracts into a microwave safe container. Heat gently until all of the oils have melted. Heat in the microwave using short time bursts until everything is melted. Blend the ingredients to a smooth, creamy consistency using the immersion blender. Add the Liquid Germall Plus and extracts once the temperature drops to approximately 120° F in the mixing bucket. Stir gently until completely mixed. Pour into containers and allow to cool completely before labeling. Enjoy!