Reference

Guides

Foundational guides on emulsions, preservatives, surfactants, pH, and ingredient categories — the why behind every recipe.

13 recipes

Surfactants In Cosmetics
guides

Surfactants In Cosmetics

This is a summary post on typical surfactants used in cosmetics. I could not include all the exciting surfactants available today, but I tried to include a variety that is very used in cosmetics today, especially with DIY cosmetics.

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Chamomile In Cosmetics Guide And Formulas For Skin Care Products
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Chamomile In Cosmetics Guide And Formulas For Skin Care Products

In this post, I'll give you a summary of the ingredient - chamomile, and later on in this post, you can find information on how to make a chamomile glycerite extract, a chamomile oil infusion and skincare formulas that include chamomile in …

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Salicylic Acid Skincare at Home: Safe Use + 2 Recipes (Toner & Serum)
face

Salicylic Acid Skincare at Home: Safe Use + 2 Recipes (Toner & Serum)

Salicylic acid is the gold-standard BHA for clogged pores and oily skin. How to formulate it safely at home — pH 3-4 targets, safe percentages (0.5-2%), and two working recipes (toner and serum) with full ingredient tables.

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How to Make a Basic Lotion / Cream
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How to Make a Basic Lotion / Cream

In this post, I want to give you the basic information you need to make your lotions and creams.

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Blueberry Glycerin Extract
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Blueberry Glycerin Extract

Glycerin extract is another way to add active and color ingredients to your cosmetics. Glycerin extracts are also called Glycerites.

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Solid Dish Soap Bar Recipe (Zero-Waste, 5 Ingredients, Lasts 3 Months)
soap

Solid Dish Soap Bar Recipe (Zero-Waste, 5 Ingredients, Lasts 3 Months)

A single solid dish-soap bar that replaces 3+ bottles of liquid soap. Zero-waste kitchen staple — coconut-oil base, lemon essential oil, full cold-process recipe with lye amounts and cure time.

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Soy Wax Candles
guides

Soy Wax Candles

Although candles are not considered to be cosmetic products, They are part of self-pampering. There is something very satisfying about making them by yourself.

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Hair Types and Needs
hair

Hair Types and Needs

The scalp's ph is very similar to the skin on the rest of our body – it is around 4.5 – 5.5. The hair's ph is slightly more acidic.

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Ingredients and Tools to Start Making Your Cosmetics
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Ingredients and Tools to Start Making Your Cosmetics

You decided to make some of your cosmetics products at home, what’s next? Which ingredients should you buy to begin creating your products? This post will give you a general guide to help you decide what to buy.

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Waxes in Cosmetics
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Waxes in Cosmetics

This post will go over some of the most used waxes, the difference between them, and some information to help you decide which one to use in your cosmetics. In cosmetics, waxes are ubiquitous ingredients.

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Infusing Oils (no heating)
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Infusing Oils (no heating)

In this post I’ll explain to you step by step how to make your own oil infusion, oil infusion can be used for many cosmetics products, such as shampoo bars, conditioners, creams, lotions, shower gels, exfoliating products, etc.

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Shampoo Bar for Beginners
hair

Shampoo Bar for Beginners

A shampoo bar usually contains fine powders (the solid surfactants) so you will need a dust mask to avoid respiratory irritation.

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Skincare pH Explained: Target Ranges by Product (Cleanser, Serum, Cream, Soap)
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Skincare pH Explained: Target Ranges by Product (Cleanser, Serum, Cream, Soap)

Skin sits at pH 4.5-5.5. This guide gives target pH ranges for every product type — cleansers, serums, creams, soaps — plus exactly how to lower or raise pH safely with citric or lactic acid.

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