I have a confession to make. When I first started learning about skincare formulation, I kept coming across a bit of advice from experienced formulators and experts that I just didn’t take seriously. Tell me if you’ve heard this before: “Less is more in skincare formulation.” “Wait… what?! Why would I use fewer ingredients or lower concentrations? Shouldn’t piling on more actives mean better results?” It just didn’t seem right! Maybe I was too inexperienced, maybe a tad too proud, but I’ll admit it—I ignored this advice for quite some time. I was so sure that more ingredients would create a powerhouse formula. And for over a months, I kept piling in the actives, convinced it would make for better products. But then, I took a formulating course where the instructor said something that finally clicked. They stressed the importance of simple, balanced formulations, and the light bulb finally turned on. When I stripped my formulas down and focused on just a few key actives in the right proportions, the difference was amazing! My products were more effective, gentler, and worked better across different skin types. The truth is: Less really is more. In skincare, it’s not about having the most ingredients—it’s about using the right ones in the right way. This simple change to my approach was such a game-changer that I now consider it one of the most powerful formulating hacks out there. And trust me, I get it: when you’re staring down a brand-new formula, it’s tempting to toss in everything but the kitchen sink. But here’s the trick that I swear by now: When you’re working on a new formula—whether it’s a moisturiser, serum, or cleanser—try stripping it back to the basics. Focus on the core ingredients: emollients, humectants, and occlusives. Work on stability and balance first, before adding high-potency actives or extra essential oils. Action Step: Dust off an old formula you’ve been tweaking and give it a try. Strip away anything unnecessary and focus on those core ingredients—your emollients, humectants, and one or two actives. Test it like this, and see if the simplified version brings you that magical mix of stability and effectiveness.

Ever had your beautiful formulation split like it's going through a messy breakup? Yeah, we've all been there, and it's not fun. One minute you’re patting yourself on the back, and the next, it’s a sad case of oil and water doing their own thing like they’ve signed the divorce papers. So, why is your formula separating, and more importantly, how do we stop it from becoming a skincare catastrophe? Here are the usual suspects: 1. Emulsifier Drama – If your formula has water and oil, they need a mediator (aka an emulsifier). Without one, they’ll part ways faster than a reality show couple. If you’re already using one, double-check your emulsifier is strong enough for the job or used at the right percentage. 2. Mixing Problems – Did you mix like a pro, or were you a bit too gentle? If you haven’t emulsified properly, things will separate faster than a bowl of salad dressing. Try blending at a higher speed or for a bit longer. 3. Temperature Tantrums – Temperature matters. If your oils are too hot or too cold when mixed with your water phase, they’ll rebel. They need to meet at a harmonious middle ground – think Goldilocks: not too hot, not too cold, just right. 4. Wrong Ratios – Formulation is like baking. Too much or too little of certain ingredients can mess things up. Too much oil or too much water might unbalance your formula and cause it to separate. 5. Preservative Panic – Some preservatives don’t play nicely with emulsifiers, leading to that dreaded separation. Make sure they’re BFFs before adding them to your formula. So, What Can You Do? Go back and check your emulsifier amount and type. Double-check your temperatures. Give it a good mix – don’t be afraid to get vigorous! Review your oil-to-water ratio. Test your preservative compatibility. Formulating is an art and a science, and yes, sometimes your formula might have a bit of a diva moment. But that’s okay – we’re all here to learn, tweak, and improve. So if your formula is splitting, don’t panic, we’ll figure it out together!

1. Playing Mad Scientist With Preservatives You whip up a lovely batch of lotion, leave it on the counter for days, and whoops, you forgot the preservative. Cue bacteria growing faster than mold on last week’s forgotten leftovers. Without proper preservatives, your product is basically a breeding ground for things you don’t want on your skin. Always research the right preservative for water-based products! 2. Mixing “All-Natural” Ingredients Without Knowing Their Potency Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe. Essential oils? They’re like the vodka of skincare – strong, concentrated, and very easy to overdo. Slapping undiluted essential oils on your skin can lead to irritation, burns, or allergic reactions. Dilute like your skin depends on it – because it does! 3. Guessing Measurements Instead of Using Scales “Eh, close enough” might work in the kitchen, but when it comes to skincare, eyeballing measurements can lead to disastrous outcomes. Your skin isn’t a fan of unpredictability. Get yourself a digital scale and measure in grams for consistent, safe formulations. 4. Not Understanding pH Levels If you’re out here just blending ingredients without checking the pH, your skin might be screaming. pH is crucial – too high or too low can mess up your skin’s barrier, leading to irritation, dryness, or breakouts. Invest in pH strips and make sure your formulations are skin-friendly! 5. Skipping Patch Tests Because You’re Impatient We get it – you made your product, and now you want to bathe in it. But skipping a patch test is like jumping into a pool without checking if there’s water. Even the best ingredients can cause reactions. Patch test on a small area and wait 24 hours before using a new product all over your face or body. Avoid these pitfalls, and your DIY skincare journey will be much smoother!

When it comes to skincare, the formula behind each product is just as important as the active ingredients. Understanding different types of formulations can help you choose the best products for your skin type and needs. Today, we’re breaking down three common types of skincare formulas: anhydrous, aqueous, and emulsions. 👩🏽‍🔬 Anhydrous Formulations Anhydrous formulas are products that don’t contain water. Instead, they rely on oils, butters, and waxes as their base. These formulations tend to be thicker, richer, and offer a longer-lasting moisturising effect since they don’t evaporate from the skin as quickly as water-based products. 🔑 Key benefits of anhydrous formulations: Moisture Lock: They create a protective barrier on the skin, making them great for dry or compromised skin. Stability: Since water is a breeding ground for bacteria, anhydrous products typically have longer shelf lives and require fewer preservatives. Concentrated Ingredients: Without water, these formulas often deliver a higher concentration of active ingredients. Examples of anhydrous products: - Face balms - Oil-based serums - Lip balms - Solid lotions When to use: These formulas are ideal for people with dry, sensitive, or mature skin. If your skin barrier is compromised, or if you live in a dry climate, anhydrous products can help lock in hydration. 👩🏽‍🔬 Aqueous Formulations Aqueous products are primarily water-based. They are lightweight, absorb quickly, and feel refreshing on the skin. Aqueous formulas often contain active ingredients dissolved in water, making it easier for them to penetrate the skin quickly. 🔑 Key benefits of aqueous formulations: Hydration Boost: Water-based formulas are perfect for providing immediate hydration to the skin. Lightweight Feel: These products tend to be non-greasy and work well for oily or combination skin types. Quick Absorption: Aqueous formulations penetrate the skin quickly, delivering active ingredients to the deeper layers of the skin. Examples of aqueous products:

Are you ready to elevate your skincare game? Say goodbye to traditional recipes and hello to the power of formulations! Here's why formulas are the secret sauce to skincare success: 🔒 Safe Formulas: Formulas are carefully crafted with precise measurements and ingredients, ensuring safe and effective skincare products every time. 🔢 Batching Made Easy: With formulas, you can easily scale up or down your batch size without compromising the integrity of your product. Perfect for small-batch and large-scale manufacturers alike! 🌎 Universal Units: No more converting between grams, ounces, or teaspoons. Formulas use universal units, making it easier to follow and replicate across different scales and regions. 🎨 Personalisation: Tailor your formulations to suit your unique skincare needs. Adjust ingredients and concentrations to create products that are perfectly suited to your skin type and concerns. 💰 Avoid Costly Mistakes: Formulas provide consistency and reliability, helping you avoid costly mistakes and wasted ingredients often associated with trial-and-error recipes. 📏 Precise Measurements: Say goodbye to guesswork! Formulas provide precise measurements, ensuring accurate ingredient ratios for optimal performance. Ready to ditch the guesswork and embrace the science of skincare? Start formulating today and unlock the potential of your skincare creations! ✨ #SkincareFormulations #BeautyScience