As a skincare formulator, irrespective of whether you are doing it for personal or commercial use, creating safe and effective products is of utmost importance. One popular product category is brightening face and body oil, which aims to brighten and even out skin tone. In today’s article, I will outline the key steps involved in formulating a brightening face and body oil, and a simple DIY recipe if you want to try making yours.
Step 1: Determine the Active Ingredients
The key to a good brightening face and body oil is the active components. Niacinamide, kojic acid, vitamin C, and arbutin are among the most often used active ingredients for skin lightening. These ingredients function by preventing the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of our skin. By slowing down melanin production, these ingredients can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Step 2: Choose the Carrier Oils
The next step is to choose the carrier oils that will be used in the formulation. Carrier oils are used to dilute the active ingredients and provide a base for the product. Some popular carrier oils for face and body oils are jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and grapeseed oil. These oils are lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin, making them ideal for use in a face and body oil.
Step 3: Calculate the Percentage of Active Ingredients
The percentage of active ingredients used in the formulation is critical. Too little, and the product may not be effective. Too much, and the product may cause irritation or other adverse effects. As a general rule of thumb, the total percentage of active ingredients should not exceed 5% of the total product weight.
Step 4: Add Additional Ingredients
To further enhance the effectiveness of the product, additional ingredients can be added. For example, vitamin E oil can be added to the formulation to help protect the skin from free radical damage. Essential oils, such as lavender or peppermint, can be added for their soothing or refreshing properties.
Step 5: Mix the Ingredients
Once all the ingredients have been selected, it’s time to mix them together. The first step is to mix the active ingredients with a small amount of carrier oil to ensure they are evenly dispersed. Once the active ingredients are mixed in, the remaining carrier oils and any additional ingredients can be added.
Step 6: Test the Product
Before releasing the product, it is important to test it for safety and efficacy. The first way is to test the PH level. Read the article on Potential Hydrogen (pH) – Comprehensive Guide for Skincare Formulation to know how to do that. Then, conduct a patch test on a small area of skin. If no adverse reactions occur, the product can be tested on a larger area of skin. It’s also a good idea to have the product tested by a third-party lab to ensure it meets industry standards.
Step 7: Package and Label the Product
The final step is to package and label the product. The product should be packaged in a dark glass bottle to protect the active ingredients from light. The label should include a full list of ingredients, usage instructions, and any precautions or warnings.
Recipe for a DIY Brightening face and body oil that can help brighten and even out skin tone
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of jojoba oil
- 1/4 cup of sweet almond oil
- 1 teaspoon of niacinamide
- 1 teaspoon of kojic acid
- 1 teaspoon of vitamin C powder
- 1 teaspoon of arbutin powder
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)
Method of Preparation
Step 1: In a small bowl, mix the niacinamide, kojic acid, vitamin C, and arbutin until well combined.
Step 2: Add a small amount of the carrier oils to the mixture and mix until the active ingredients are evenly dispersed. Gradually add the remaining carrier oils and mix well.
Step 3: For a relaxing and aromatic experience, add 5 drops of lavender essential oil to the mixture and mix well. Lavender essential oil is known for its calming and soothing properties.
Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a dark glass bottle to protect the active ingredients from light. Store the oil in a cool, dry place. To use, apply a small amount of the oil to clean, dry skin and massage until fully absorbed. Use daily for best results.
Conclusion:
This recipe for a DIY Brightening face and body oil is a great way to achieve brighter and more even skin tone. The active ingredients used in this recipe are niacinamide, kojic acid, vitamin C, and arbutin. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and improve the overall texture of the skin. Kojic acid is a natural skin lightener derived from mushrooms that helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps brighten the skin and protect it from environmental stressors. Arbutin is a natural skin brightener derived from bearberry extract that helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. The carrier oils used in this recipe are jojoba oil and sweet almond oil. Jojoba oil is a lightweight and easily absorbed oil that is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it ideal for use on the face and body. Sweet almond oil is also lightweight and easily absorbed, and is known for its moisturizing properties. The addition of lavender essential oil adds a relaxing and aromatic element to the oil. As with any skincare product, it is important to test the PH level and conduct a patch test before using the oil on a larger area of skin to ensure no adverse reactions occur.
