New to Formulating?
This page is for everyone who is just starting out. I have linked all the Introduction to DIY cosmetics posts as well as the skincare formulation series.
Introduction
Cosmetic and Drug definition by the FDA
Updated 5/25/23
DIY Cosmetic Supplies (General)
Supplies needed
Descriptions
Links
Updated 5/25/23
Introduction to pH
Why it is important?
What you can run into with pH
Disinfection
Essential oils and fragrance oils
Having a healthy respect for chemicals
Preservatives, Antioxidants, Fragrance Oils, and Essential Oils!
Common preservatives I use
What is not a preservative
How to make oil-based products last longer.
Antioxidants:
Oil-based Products, What do I need to know?
What is a lipid?
Comparing different lipids
Charts
Formulation
Powder-based Products, What do I need to know?
Function of powders
Formulation
Water-based products What do I need to know?
Scaling Formulations
Simple toner formula
Creating pH media
Formulation at the end of the post.
How can we figure out the percentages?How can we figure out the percentages?
Introduction to DIY Cosmetics Part 2 (Diamond Level Exclusive)
What are they?
What are the different types?
Can this Active be included in my product?
What is HLB?
What are Surfactant?
How do emulsions work?
What are they?
What is ASM?
Cheat Sheet
How do we make a more mild surfactant formula?
EmulsifiersHow to calculate the HLB required for your formula
What make emulsifiers different?
Theoretical formula
Cheat Sheet
General Method For Emulsions
Basic Equipment for Formulating Emulsions
Making Your First Emulsion
General Method for Making Emulsions
Trouble Shooting Emulsions
Comparing Different Emulsifiers Inputs in Lotions
Conclusion for Emulsifying Wax NF Experiment
Reducing the Greasiness of Lotions
SolublizersWhat are they?
Can one solubilizer be used at the same percentage for different oils?
Skincare Formulations Series
Natural Formulations
More Coming Soon!
Humectants:
Gums:
Fragrance:
Stability in Cosmetics
What are Chelating Agents?
Natural Preservatives
When can we use a lower percentage of Preservative?
Good Manufacturing: the Basics
Formulating with Natural Ingredients
Creating Your Own Extracts
Calculating the Active Content of Extracts
Tips For Writing Your Ingredient Lists
Color Cosmetics:
Basic Equipment to Formulate Color Cosmetics
Oil Spot is Eyeshadows; How to fix them
Dispersions
Hair Care Series
Coming Soon! See the formulary for hair care formulas. (link)
Emulsion Course:
Coming Soon!
Emulsifying Wax NF
BTMS-25
I get a ton of questions about formulating with acids. My usual response was, do not use them unless you know how to formulate with them. I have a whole eBook on the topic aimed at beginners. You will learn about acids, bases, pH, and pH meters.
Topics:
Introduction
Chemistry Vocabulary
Crash Course Acid and Base Chemistry
Molecular Definitions of Acids and Bases
Reactions of Acids and Bases
Strong and Weak Acids
Strong and Weak Bases
Water: Acids and Base in One
The pH and pOH Scale: Ways to Express Acidity and Basicity
What about Oil Soluble Fruit Acids?
Introduction to AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs
Overview of Acids
What Should the pH of Our Product be?
Strips Vs PH Meters 18
Safety when Formulating With Acids and Bases
Creating pH Adjusting Buffers:
Taking the pH
Checking Vs Adjusting
General Tips for pH Meters: Important
Common pH Meter Mistakes
Why are pH and Viscosity Different Every Time?
Scaling Formulations
Integrating Acids in Formulations
Formulations
AHA Fruit Acid Toner
AHA Fruit Acid Mask
AHA Fruit Acid Moisturizer
Foaming Glycolic Face Wash
PHA Toner
Glycolic Acid Gel Mask
Lactic Acid Facial Moisturizer with Ceramide
Glycolic and Fruit Acids Body Wash
Further Discussion on Acids and Formulating
Sources and References
Suppliers
Let's Get Formulating!
Terms and conditions apply. Due to the nature of the product, all sales are final.