DIY / Raw Materials

Essential oil in facial oil: ~0.5–2% (max 6 drops of EO per 30 ml carrier oil; start low).

Essential oil in body products: ~1–3%.

Glycerin in a toner (hydrosol + glycerin): ~2–5% glycerin, rest hydrosol/demineralized water.

Butter/oil balm (without water): guideline 1 part wax : 3–4 parts oil/butter for a creamy balm.

Clay mask (powder + liquid): start with 2:1 (clay:liquid) and adjust to desired thickness.

Oil + water = emulsion → you need an emulsifier (creams, lotions).

Scent/EO in watery sprays → use a solubilizer (e.g., for face/body mist).

Stirring/shaking alone is not stable; without emulsifier/solubilizer, it separates.

With water (hydrosols, aloe, tea, toners): yes, always a broad-spectrum preservative + work clean; otherwise risk of spoilage.

Without water (oils, butters, balms): no preservative needed; antioxidant (e.g., vit. E) slows rancidity.

Storage: cool, dark, clean jar/pump; label with manufacture date.

Rules of thumb (indicative): watery 4–12 weeks with preservative; anhydrous 6–12+ months (depending on oils/butters used).

Squalane (light, fast absorbing, very stable),

Jojoba (skin-similar, all-round),

MCT/coconut fraction (odorless, clear, pleasant in balms).
Combine 2–3 and only then add very low % EO (or skip EO).

Too hard: reduce wax/butter, increase liquid oil; melt again and stir evenly.

Grains (often shea/cocoa): melt slowly (double boiler), cool quickly (ice bath), or choose butters that grain less quickly (e.g., mango).

Spreadability: a bit of starch/arrowroot can help with "dry" skin feel; adjust in small steps.