Natural skincare has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries, intertwined with diverse cultures and practices from around the world. Throughout history, this skincare has been practiced primarily with natural products and, therefore, with a high degree of bioavailability.

The History of Natural Skincare: A Journey Through Time

This history of natural skincare is a testament to humanity’s enduring connection with nature. As we continue to explore and celebrate this connection, we invite you to join us on a journey of discovery and self-care, harnessing the power of nature to enhance our beauty and well-being. As we become increasingly aware of the benefits of natural ingredients in our beauty routines, it is important to explore the origins and evolution of this holistic approach to skincare.

Ancient Civilizations and Herbal Remedies

The roots of natural skincare date back to ancient civilizations, where the use of herbs, plants, and oils was commonplace. In ancient Egypt, for example, beauty and skincare were highly valued. The Egyptians used ingredients such as olive oil, aloe vera, and honey for their moisturizing and healing properties. It is said that Cleopatra, famous for her beauty, bathed in milk and honey, a ritual that highlighted the importance of natural ingredients for maintaining radiant skin.

Similarly, in traditional Chinese medicine, natural ingredients were incorporated into skincare routines for their healing properties. Herbal remedies and botanical extracts have long been used to treat various skin conditions and promote overall skin health.

In India, Ayurvedic skincare relies heavily on natural ingredients, such as turmeric, neem, and sandalwood, known for their therapeutic benefits. This holistic approach has gained popularity in the modern world, as more people seek natural alternatives to commercial skincare products.

Skin Care in the Victorian Era

To achieve an even complexion, women in the Victorian and Edwardian eras made their own face powders at home using rice flour, wheat starch, iris root powder, talcum powder, and calcium carbonate (prepared chalk).

Large, dark eyes were the ideal of beauty in the Victorian era and, above all, in the Edwardian era. For this reason, Edwardian women dyed their eyebrows and eyelashes with homemade natural eyeliner pencils, known at the time as “grease paint.” The grease paint was made with homemade carbon black mixed with natural oils and fats, rose water, and gum arabic.

Today, it is still possible to make a natural homemade mascara using black iron oxide (carbon black), distilled water, and gum arabic.

Lip balms were made with almond oil, cocoa butter, and beeswax. Just as they’re still made today in natural homemade cosmetics! And they were colored with alkanet root or carmine.

Today, alkanet root extracts or carmine can also be used to achieve natural shades, although we often opt for mineral oxides and micas, especially if we want a deeper, more stable color.

Victorian and Edwardian women preferred to use the same color for their lips and cheeks and often used tinted lip balm as a cream blush.

The 19th Century: A Shift in Skincare Practices

The 19th century saw significant advances in science and technology, leading to the development of synthetic skincare products. Although these products became popular for their convenience and effectiveness, many overlooked the potential side effects and environmental impact of synthetic ingredients.

The 20th Century: A Natural Revival

Following the proliferation of synthetic ingredients in the cosmetic, medical, and food industries—and the problems that began to arise from them—a back-to-nature movement emerged, with people seeking simpler, more natural alternatives for their skincare routines. This paved the way for the resurgence of herbal remedies and the use of essential oils, laying the foundation for modern natural skincare.

In the second half of the 20th century, we can find some publications, such as this manual on homemade creams and lotions by Donna Maria, which are true gems of natural homemade cosmetics. At that time, synthetic preservatives were rarely used in recipes, so pH measurements* were also rarely performed.

*pH measurements: pH measurement in homemade cosmetics is the process of determining the acidity or alkalinity (scale 0–14) of an emulsion or aqueous product using “test strips” or an electronic pH meter. It is particularly important , especially when using synthetic preservatives, to ensure that the product respects the skin’s natural pH (4.7–5.5), preventing irritation and guaranteeing the efficacy of the active ingredients and the stability of the preservatives.

As you know, these days, pH measurements and the famous “test strips” are all over blogs and websites about homemade cosmetics.

Back then, borax was used without hesitation, since it served not only as a co-emulsifier alongside beeswax and other plant-based waxes but also as a preservative for the resulting chemical emulsion. Stearic acid was also frequently added as a co-emulsifier, or even cold-processed soap shavings.

Often, ointments and balms were simply prepared without an aqueous phase, using fats and vegetable oils, thereby avoiding the problem of product preservation.

The fact is, if we’ve already used a toner or hydrosol in our skincare routine, it’s not essential for our homemade cream to contain hydrosols.

As for scents, essential oils and blends of them were typically used to scent the product while also imparting beneficial properties. This isn’t possible with synthetic fragrances. A perfume can certainly give our product a pleasant scent, but it won’t add any beneficial properties. If we use an essential oil, our skin also benefits from the properties and qualities provided by the plant.

For example, adding rosemary essential oil to our facial toner will make it more toning.

And adding rockrose essential oil (Cistus ladaniferus), which is a powerful skin regenerator, firming agent, and healer, will make our cream an ideal product for treating mature, dry, or acne-prone skin. It is also an excellent natural astringent and antiseptic.

And if our skin is sensitive and prone to eczema, irritation, and hives, it would be better to use patchouli essential oil, etc…

We are not absolutists, and we believe it is possible to add a small amount of fragrance or perfume to a shampoo or shower gel; but, of course, it is not the best idea for a product designed for skin absorption, such as a face or body cream.

And, always, if we add essential oils, it is best to do so in very small doses, just enough to add a scent. As we know, essential oils have strong biocidal properties that, in a product for daily use, can cause irritation.

The Current Landscape of Natural Skincare in the 21st Century

The final years of the 20th century marked a significant turning point in the skincare industry. The rise of the environmental movement in the 1960s and 1970s sparked greater consumer interest in organic and natural products. As people became more aware of the ingredients they were applying to their skin, brands began to respond by creating products that highlighted the use of natural ingredients.

Today, allergies and intolerances affect a significant percentage of the population, and many consumers have sensitive or reactive skin that cannot tolerate traditional commercial cosmetics.

All of this has led to the emergence of numerous natural skincare brands, many of which focus on sustainable sourcing and ethical practices. Consumers are increasingly seeking products free of harmful chemicals and synthetic additives.

Why, then, fall into the trap of traditional cosmetic companies that prioritized cheap ingredients (i.e., those synthesized in a lab or derived from petroleum, such as mineral oils) and product stability (achieved with synthetic preservatives)—making products “cheap and shelf-stable”—for the sake of marketability?

COMMERCIAL COSMETICS TODAY

It is now clear that natural ingredients offer endless possibilities for the development of effective cosmetic products. Their popularity has increased considerably over the past two decades, partly due to a significant shift in public opinion regarding the environment, human health, and well-being.

This is because plant-based ingredients have been shown to be effective treatments for a range of skin conditions, including erythema, hyperpigmentation, photoaging, photocarcinogenesis, and photoimmunosuppression. That is why botanical ingredients are now found in almost every type of cosmetic skin care product. In addition to plants, minerals are also natural ingredients. Some of the most common ones found in today’s cosmetic products are iron oxides, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide, which are primarily used in sunscreen formulations.

Dini, I. and S. Laneri, The new challenge of green cosmetics: natural food ingredients for cosmetic formulations.

The shift toward clean beauty is gaining momentum, leading to the establishment of certifications and standards for organic and natural products.

It is now possible to find commercial organic and clean cosmetics that are more environmentally friendly. And, therefore, cosmetics that are gentler on our skin, such as those made by brands like Weleda, Dr. Hauschka, Cattier, Skinceuticals, etc.

Today, natural skincare is more popular than ever.

On the other hand—and this is what is hardest for people like me, who make homemade natural cosmetics, to understand—social media is flooded with DIY cosmetic recipes loaded with preservatives and synthetic ingredients.

While commercial cosmetic brands are more aware than ever of the need to produce hypoallergenic cosmetics that can be tolerated by a wider audience, social media and DIY cosmetic literature are more saturated than ever with synthetic preservatives and pH strips.

We believe that this historical journey through natural skincare should involve not only looking back, but also moving forward.

The knowledge passed down from generation to generation should allow us to create products that are more luxurious and pleasant to apply, but also more effective and respectful—both of the planet and the environment, as well as of our skin.

CONCLUSIONS REGARDING HOMEMADE NATURAL COSMETICS

If commercial cosmetics are using fewer and fewer synthetic products and more and more organic ingredients and raw materials, why not use traditional, much more natural products in DIY cosmetics—products that are therefore more bioavailable?

Plant-based and organic products and raw materials are not only more bioavailable, but they often provide benefits to our skin that synthetic ingredients cannot replicate.

FOR EXAMPLE: To thicken cosmetic gels and serums, you can use apple pectin, which has traditionally been used to thicken and gelify jams, jellies, and dairy products.

Apple pectin is a natural soluble fiber extracted from apple skin and pulp, widely used as a thickening and gelling agent in cooking. Apple pectin improves texture and reduces cooking time, while in terms of health, it helps regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and improve digestion.

Pectin is one of nature’s best-kept secrets for skincare: a moisturizing, soothing, and protective ingredient that works well for all skin types. Whether you suffer from dryness, irritation, signs of aging, or dull skin, skincare products with pectin can help you restore balance, radiance, and elasticity.

Pectin is:

RECIPE FOR A GEL-BASED FACE MASK WITH PECTIN AND Rooibos

Apparently, “rooibos” is a shrubby plant that soothes dry and sensitive skin and prevents eczema and related hives. Today, you can find rooibos tea bags everywhere. So it’s very easy to get your hands on some to make an infusion.

Ingredients:

A rooibos infusion, from which we’ll use about 6 tablespoons.

A couple of tablespoons of vegetable glycerin, in which we will dissolve one tablespoon of apple pectin.

PROCEDURE:

OTHER NATURAL GELLING AGENTS

Also, when it comes to gelling, you can use tragacanth gum instead of the commonly used xanthan gum.

It’s not that xanthan gum is harmful—we know it’s of natural origin—but we also know it’s been synthesized in a lab. In fact, xanthan gum is a natural polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation. And it’s very common in natural cosmetics because, since it’s synthesized in a lab, it’s much cheaper to produce than any other natural gum.

Tragacanth gum and xanthan gum are natural thickeners and gelling agents used in cosmetics, but they differ significantly in texture, stability, and cost. While xanthan gum is the modern standard due to its high efficiency and stability, tragacanth gum stands out for providing a more luxurious, silky texture and superior stability in complex emulsions.

NATURAL GUMS

Natural gums are some of our greatest allies when designing our formulations. The limited range of ingredients allowed in natural cosmetics makes their use almost essential. When developing our formulations, they are useful both functionally—to achieve the desired viscosity—and to create a texture that feels beautiful and pleasant on the skin.

In addition, gums allow us to create structures with a texture suited to their intended purpose, such as face masks or shower gels. Due to their versatility and ease of use , they are also used in more conventional cosmetics, as they are an excellent choice for adding natural value to formulations, being environmentally friendly and, most importantly, gentle on the skin.

The main natural gums in natural cosmetics, used as thickeners, stabilizers, and gelling agents, are xanthan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, tara gum, and locust bean gum.  Among these, tragacanth gum stands out as one of the most elegant and luxurious options.

All natural gums provide smooth textures, retain moisture, and improve the viscosity of creams, gels, and shampoos without using petroleum derivatives.

• Xanthan gum (INCI: Xanthan Gum) The most widely used. It is an inexpensive and effective product. An excellent emulsion stabilizer and thickener, it provides a smooth, non-sticky feel.
• Tragacanth gum (INCI: Astragalus Gummifer Gum). This would be the ideal substitute for the previous one, especially when creating gels and serums. It may, however, require a higher concentration to achieve the same level of thickness. It is also somewhat more expensive and harder to find than xanthan gum.
• Acacia gum (INCI: Acacia Senegal Gum). Known for its adhesive properties, it is widely used in mascaras and setting products.
• Guar gum (INCI: Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum). Highly versatile, ideal for shampoos and gels, it provides viscous textures.
• Sclerotium gum (INCI: Sclerotium Gum). Known for producing very clear gels with a silky feel.
• Konjac gum or glucomannan (INCI: Amorphophallus Konjac Root Extract). With excellent moisturizing properties, it is often used to thicken and firm face masks.
• Tara gum (INCI: Caesalpinia Spinosa). It offers great stability and is excellent for delicate textures, acting as an intermediate thickener.
• Karaya gum (INCI: Karaya gum). This is a film-forming agent that creates a thin, flexible protective layer on the skin’s surface, helping to retain moisture and protect against external aggressors. It is also used as a binder in compact makeup or powder products, helping to maintain the cohesion of the ingredients.
• Locust bean gum (INCI: Locust bean gum). A versatile thickener that improves texture and creaminess in emulsions.

These gums are biodegradable, suitable for vegan cosmetics, and help improve the rheology* of natural formulations.

*The rheology of cosmetic products refers to the control of a cream’s viscosity and texture. The goal is to ensure the product spreads easily but doesn’t drip from the container.

Some of these are also widely used in the food industry; if you check food labels, you may recognize some of them.

DETAILED COMPARISON OF XANTHAN GUM AND TRAGACANTH GUM IN COSMETIC GELATION:

1. Xanthan Gum

2. Tragacanth Gum

COMPARISON OF THE DIFFERENT USES OF TRAGACANTH GUM VERSUS GUM ARABIC

Origin:

Properties and structure:

THE ADDITIONAL PROPERTIES OF TRAGACANTH GUM IN COSMETICS

NATURAL EMULSIFIERS

Currently, when we want to emulsify a cream or lotion with an aqueous phase (W/O emulsions), we use a synthetic emulsifying wax such as Montanov 68 (INCI name: Cetearyl Alcohol and Cetearyl Glucoside) or one of the many others available today.

But did you know that it is possible to emulsify these types of creams and lotions (W/O) using only completely natural emulsifiers like beeswax or candelilla wax if we add a small amount of borax or cold-processed natural soap flakes?

In the past, it was even possible to use lanolin alcohol (INCI: Lanolin Alcohol), but today this product is hard to find in cosmetic supply stores becaus , everything that is synthetically processed is easier and cheaper to obtain. On the other hand, it is widely used on an industrial scale.

LANOLIN ALCOHOL

Lanolin alcohol is a yellowish-looking wax. It is the highly refined unsaponifiable fraction of lanolin, composed of a complex mixture of cholesterol, lanosterol, and their dihydro derivatives, as well as straight-chain and branched-chain aliphatic alcohols. Lanolin alcohol is one of the most effective nonionic (w/o) emulsifying agents available and also increases the water-absorbing capacity of mixtures to a greater extent than any other cosmetic alcohol (cetyl alcohol, etc.).

A RECIPE FOR A HOMEMADE OINTMENT EMULSIFIED WITH LANOLIN ALCOHOL

Ingredients:

• Oily Phase (Oils/Waxes):
  • 2 tablespoons of lanolin alcohol
  • 1 tablespoon of shea butter or cocoa butter (to thicken)
  • 3–4 tablespoons of sweet almond, olive, or jojoba oil
• Aqueous Phase (Water):
  • 4 tablespoons distilled water, hydrosol (rose water), or aloe vera gel*
  • *The best commercial aloe vera gel, which already contains preservatives and will help preserve our cream.
• Additives (Optional):
  • 1 capsule of Vitamin E (antioxidant for the skin and the cream)
  • 3–5 drops of essential oil (lavender, chamomile) for fragrance.

*Lanolin alcohol (INCI: Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol) is also known as lanolin alcohol and wool alcohol. It is produced by the reaction between lanolin and acetic acid. Lanolin is a fat derived from wool shearing. Acetylated lanolin alcohol is an emulsifying agent for water-in-oil emulsions. It is emollient and soothes irritated and chapped skin. It is naturally water-repellent. It forms an occlusive layer on the skin, preventing moisture from escaping into the atmosphere, and makes the skin softer and smoother.

Bibliography: “Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary,” by M. Varinia Michalun, Joseph C. DiNardo

STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE

1. Preparation of the Oil Phase: In a heat-resistant glass bowl (Pyrex), add the lanolin, shea butter, and almond oil.
2. Double Boiler: Heat the ingredients over low heat until they melt completely and are homogeneous. Do not let it boil.
3. Heating the Aqueous Phase: Heat the distilled water and aloe vera or hydrosol in another container. Both phases (oil and aqueous) must be at a similar temperature (approx. 50–60°C) to prevent the emulsion from breaking.
4. Emulsification (Mixing): Remove the oil phase from the heat. Slowly pour the water into the oil while continuously whisking with a small hand mixer or a whisk.
5. Cooling and Thickening: The mixture will begin to turn white and thicken as it cools. Continue whisking for a few minutes.
6. Final Additives: When the cream is lukewarm or cool, add heat-sensitive active ingredients such as Vitamin E and essential oils. Stir well.
7. Packaging: Transfer to a clean, sterilized glass jar.

SAFETY AND USAGE NOTES

• Storage: Since it contains no synthetic preservatives, this cream lasts approximately 1–2 weeks when stored in a cool place. You’ll likely use it up before then. If you’ve added commercial aloe gel, which already contains its own preservatives, it will likely have a longer shelf life. If you notice an off odor or color change, discard it. It is therefore advisable to prepare only a small amount of this ointment—just what you need—so it doesn’t go bad.
• Texture: It is a heavy cream, ideal for nighttime use or intensive repair.

ABOUT HONEY, GLYCERIN, AND SHEA BUTTER

It is generally believed that creams with an aqueous phase are better absorbed by the skin than balms that contain only butters, waxes, and natural oils. In principle, this is true. These creams, which contain hydrosols or floral waters, are more moisturizing than balms without an aqueous phase.

However, let’s not forget that a basic skincare routine already includes the use of facial toners and floral waters.

So, simply moisturizing a bit before applying a water-free cream-balm is enough to achieve the same effect, with the added benefit that our homemade balm will stay fresh for months without needing synthetic preservatives or other substances that can be harsh and irritate our skin’s protective barrier with daily use.

Given this situation, it’s always a good idea to explore and look for recipes for water-free creams and balms that are moisturizing and nourishing for the skin. And this is exactly what happens when we add small amounts of highly moisturizing natural ingredients like honey, glycerin, or shea butter to our facial balm.

These ingredients, in small amounts, can turn our water-free cream into a luxury for our skin. That’s because they are considered self-preserving ingredients, meaning they don’t spoil, even when stored at room temperature and without added preservatives.

They also give the balms emollient properties that allow our creams to absorb very well without the need for an aqueous phase and, therefore, without the need for synthetic preservatives.

A VERY SIMPLE CREAMY COMBINATION

A RECIPE FOR A CREAM WITH HONEY AND ZINC OXIDE TO PREVENT SUNSPOTS

This cream, in addition to containing honey, contains a small amount of zinc oxide, which provides sufficient sun protection to prevent sunspots when used daily as a day cream. Furthermore, the addition of cocoa powder prevents the zinc oxide from leaving a white cast on the face.

Ingredients for a jar of approx. 100 g of cream:

*Vitamin E makes your skin less prone to sunburn by limiting the cellular damage caused by the sun.

*If you use an oil infusion of a balsamic resin (such as copal, frankincense, myrrh, etc.) or even bakuchiol, they have a similar effect on the skin as retinol or vitamin A.

PREPARATION:

STORAGE: We will undoubtedly use it up long before any of its components can go rancid. In any case, this type of cream without an aqueous phase does not, in principle, have an expiration date. We would like to add that we have used a copal oil infusion—that is, copal resin infused in oil—and this type of oil infusion does not even go rancid.

NATURAL RESINS IN HOMEMADE COSMETICS

Natural resins offer a viable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic solvents. Unlike many chemicals, they are easily biodegradable and do not cause long-lasting pollution. This characteristic makes them the preferred choice for those who wish to reduce their ecological footprint. Therefore, their use not only helps preserve the environment but also promotes a more eco-friendly industry.

As we have mentioned on other occasions, what is biodegradable is also generally more bioavailable.

BALSAMIC RESINS IN DERMO-COSMETICS

In homemade cosmetics, natural resins work wonderfully as active ingredients. For example, in the form of oleations and powdered gums, they can be incorporated into homemade lip balms to create a smooth, protective texture. Similarly, benzoin extracts are perfect for making antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory lotions.

They can also be dissolved in warm oils (infused and macerated) to create beneficial infused oils. Once blended with other vegetable oils, they become powerful serums to regenerate and hydrate the skin.

Resins—whether from copal, frankincense, myrrh, etc.—provide so many natural antioxidants that they prevent the fats with which they are macerated from oxidizing easily. Likewise, the antioxidants they provide to the skin stimulate collagen production and protect against environmental damage.

NATURAL VEGETABLE OILS AND HERBAL EXTRACTS

Some herbal extracts also possess the regenerative and antioxidant properties of resins. To stimulate collagen production, promote skin regeneration, and prevent the appearance of dark spots and sunspots, we can turn to potent plant extracts such as ginseng, turmeric, licorice, arbutin or bearberry, and the combination of chamomile and green tea…

It is very easy to make a natural serum by combining a high-quality oil, such as marula oil, with plant-based bakuchiol extract.

Bakuchiol extract is a natural alternative to retinol that offers similar benefits for the skin but with less irritation. It stimulates collagen production, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves elasticity and firmness, and protects against environmental damage. It is also a powerful antioxidant and can help soothe sensitive skin.

Or a serum whose efficacy is backed by numerous current studies, simply combining castor oil and sea buckthorn oil.

“Studies on the combination of sea buckthorn oil and castor oil highlight a powerful synergy for skin health, as it combines the intense, deeply moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil with the highly antioxidant, vitamin-rich, and regenerative properties of sea buckthorn oil. This combination is frequently used to treat mature, dry skin or skin with a damaged barrier, and there is evidence suggesting improvements in skin elasticity, moisture retention, and radiance.”

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6589177

Castor oil is a thick, viscous oil rich in ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and moisturizing properties. Traditionally, it has been used as a laxative, a skin care remedy, and a hair treatment. The commercial cosmetics industry, backed by current studies, is using this oil in many of its products because of its wide range of properties for treating mature skin, moisturizing it, and preventing skin aging.

Regular castor oil is extracted by cold-pressing raw castor seeds, without heat or chemicals. It has a light yellow color, a smooth texture, and a neutral pH (~4.5–5.5). It therefore contains no ash or roasting residues.

Black castor oil is made by roasting the castor seeds before pressing, which darkens the oil. It often contains ash (from the burnt seed husks or wood) during extraction, which raises its pH to ~8–9. It is thicker, and its color ranges from amber to dark brown, with a characteristic smoky aroma.

If we are going to use castor oil in our natural skin care products, it is better to use pure castor oil, as it has a milder pH. If we want to moisturize our hair, black castor oil is a valid option, as is traditionally done in many cultures in Polynesia, Jamaica, Tahiti, etc…

In natural cosmetics, it is important to choose a high-quality castor oil: “High-quality castor oil is typically 100% pure, cold-pressed, solvent-free, and hexane-free, and appears as a thick, viscous liquid that is pale yellow or golden in color. It has a mild aroma, with a slight nutty or earthy note, and contains approximately 90% ricinoleic acid, which contributes to its high density, stability, and moisturizing properties for the skin and hair.”

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5015816

A very strong, pungent odor, or in some cases, an odorless scent (unless it has been deodorized) may indicate poor quality or oxidation.

The same applies to the other oils we’ll be using in our facial serum. To ensure they retain all their natural properties and truly benefit us, it’s important that they be pure and cold-pressed.

THE RECIPE:

We would mix 3 parts castor oil to 1 part sea buckthorn oil, for example.

You can add a third high-quality oil to your serum, such as argan, camellia, baobab seed, or marula oil, in which case the proportions would be: 2 parts castor oil to 2 parts argan oil and 1 part sea buckthorn oil, which is very potent.

STEARIC ACID

CREAM RECIPE with STEARIC ACID as a co-emulsifier

This cream with stearic acid, by incorporating borax into its aqueous phase, does not require the addition of synthetic preservatives. And if, instead of xanthan gum, you add gum arabic (acacia gum) or tragacanth gum, you will further enrich the product.

Ingredients for approximately 120 ml of cream:

*Acacia gum does not gel as well as xanthan gum and does not form thick gels. However, it works better for stabilizing emulsions (binding water and oil) and provides a silkier, smoother, and lighter texture than xanthan gum, which can sometimes feel sticky if used in excess.

PROCEDURE:

BENEFITS OF USING NATURAL EMULSIFIERS IN OUR HOMEMADE COSMETIC FORMULAS

ABOUT BORAX

Boric acid and borax in food

Health Effects of Boric Acid and Borax

Tolerable Daily Intake

The WHO has established a tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 0.16 mg of boron per kilogram of body weight in its guidelines for drinking water.

Borax as Medicine

Borax is not only a harmless preservative and co-emulsifier, but it is even medicinal in the right doses, as can be read in this article.

ABOUT BORAX SALTS

Borax in natural cosmetics

Although it is possible to emulsify natural vegetable waxes—and, of course, beeswax—with shavings of “cold-processed natural soap” (which we will dissolve in the aqueous phase), the use of borax offers undeniable advantages, such as a more stable and creamy texture, and better performance of our product without the need to add extra synthetic preservatives. Borax acts as both a chemical co-emulsifier and a natural preservative. It therefore makes it easier for us to create simple, minimalist homemade cosmetics.

RECIPE for a SIMPLE BASE CREAM emulsified with borax

This is a very simple yet effective “base cream.” You can add active ingredients of your choice, such as honey or natural glycerin, to make it more emollient and moisturizing.

Ingredients for about 100 grams of product:

PROCEDURE:

You’ll see that a cream as simple as this one is incredibly useful for daily and frequent use, as it can also be applied to the body and not just the face. Furthermore, since it doesn’t require synthetic preservatives, it’s very pleasant to use and has no side effects such as possible irritation, etc.