Getting Started with Affordable Ingredients: A Guide for New Formulators
When you're just starting out in cosmetic formulation, it can be tempting to turn to Amazon for your ingredient purchases. (For more information, please refer to my post titled Buying
Ingredients on Amazon.) While this is a common approach, it's essential to understand that
there are better options available, particularly through reliable small-scale suppliers.
As you browse these suppliers' websites, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer
variety of ingredients. Many of them sound appealing, and it’s easy to get excited about
incorporating exotic oils and costly extracts into your formulations. However, I strongly
recommend starting with affordable, accessible ingredients until you've gained more experience in formulation.
Every new formulator makes mistakes—it's a natural part of the learning process. But making a mistake with expensive ingredients can be incredibly frustrating and costly. By focusing on more affordable options, you can experiment freely without worrying about breaking the bank.
To help you get started, I’ve put together a list of affordable ingredients that are perfect for
beginning your formulation journey:
1) Distilled or Deionized Water
When formulating products that contain water, it's crucial to use distilled or deionized water. Tap or spring water contains impurities that can compromise the stability and safety of your
products. Distilled or deionized water is readily available at supermarkets or drugstores and
should always be your go-to choice for water-based formulations.
2) Carrier Oils
Carrier oils are a staple in both anhydrous and emulsified products, providing nourishment and aiding in the absorption of active ingredients. Start with a small selection of affordable oils, and as you grow as a formulator, you can expand your collection. Here are a few great options:
Sweet Almond Oil: Affordable and versatile, Sweet Almond Oil has a medium
absorption rate and is rich in Vitamin D. It’s an excellent choice for lotions, creams, body butters, and balms.
Sunflower Oil: With a quick absorption rate, Sunflower Oil is rich in linoleic acid and
vitamins A, B, D, and E. It’s a budget-friendly option that performs well in a variety of
formulations.
Grapeseed Oil: Another fast-absorbing oil, Grapeseed Oil is affordable and lightweight, making it a great addition to your starter collection.
Jojoba Oil: While technically a liquid wax, Jojoba Oil is unique and versatile. It mimics the skin’s natural sebum, making it a valuable ingredient for balancing the skin and providing long-lasting moisture.
New Directions Aromatics Link: https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.ca/
4) Humectants
If you plan to make lotions or creams, a humectant is essential for your starting collection.
Humectants help attract and retain moisture in the skin, making your products more hydrating. Both Glycerin and Propanediol 1,3 are excellent choices for beginners.
Glycerin is widely available and affordable, but if used at too high a percentage, it can create a tacky feeling in your formulation. If you're only able to invest in one humectant initially, you might want to start with Propanediol 1,3. It’s a versatile option that provides effective hydration without the potential tackiness associated with higher glycerin concentrations.
Lotioncrafter Link:
Windy Point Soap:
5) Emulsifiers
One common misconception in DIY formulation is that beeswax can be used as an emulsifier. This is incorrect. Beeswax is NOT an emulsifier and has no properties that allow it to bind oil and water. Unfortunately, there is a lot of inaccurate information online that claims otherwise.
Windy Point Link:
Lotioncrafter Link:
6) Preservatives
When formulating products that contain water, using a broad-spectrum preservative is crucial
to prevent microbial growth and ensure product safety. Without a preservative, your formulation is at risk of contamination, which can lead to spoilage and potential harm to users.
One affordable and widely available option is Liquid Germall Plus. It's an effective
broad-spectrum preservative that works well in a variety of formulations. Another excellent
choice is Jeecide CAP-5, which also offers broad-spectrum protection.
When selecting a preservative, make sure it has a wide pH range to ensure compatibility with
different formulations. This will give you more flexibility in your formulations and help you
maintain product stability over time.
Lotioncrafter Link:
Windy Point Soap Link:
7) Waxes
For anhydrous formulations like lip or body balms, waxes are essential for providing structure