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How Long for Skin Care Results?
When it comes to expecting skin care results, how long should you realistically expect to start noticing a difference? In most cases, you shouldn’t expect instant results. It took years for sun damage and wrinkles to appear so it’s unrealistic to expect them to disappear overnight. Shop All Apothekari There are products that can have more immediate impact, but for the most part, it can take weeks to months to notice a real difference. Skin cell turnover – the process by which old skin cells shed and new ones rise to the surface – takes about three to four weeks when you are a teenager, but can increase to between 6 weeks to three months once you are in your 50s. The slowing of this process as we age results in a greater accumulation of dead cells on the skin’s surface. Skin may appear dry, flaky and saggy. Lines, wrinkles and discolouration can become more prevalent. Here’s a rundown of what to expect for skin care results from different products: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs). AHAs exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells revealing the newer, healthier ones hiding below. You’ll notice a more radiant complexion right away and a gradual improvement in skin tone over the course of several weeks. Try AHA-Mazing Clean Cleansing Gel. Moisturizers. Depending on the ingredients in your moisturizer, you can start to see results upon application. Emollients like squalane, for example, enhances the skin’s natural barrier function and boosts its ability to retain moisture. An improvement in the skin’s condition will become apparent with continued use. Try Daily Infusion Moisturizer. Salicylic Acid. Used to help unclog pores, this ingredient is a boon to those of us with acne blemishes. There will be some immediate results, but it can take about 3 months of regular use to benefit from its full effects. Vitamin C. This potent antioxidant can interfere with the production of the melanin pigment, helping to fade dark spots. You may start to notice skin appearing brighter within three weeks but it can take 2 months or longer for hyperpigmented spots to start fading. Find it in our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum. Retinoids. This collagen booster can help to reverse sun damage, minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin tone. It can take between 2 to 3 months to start seeing some improvement, and improvement continues over time. Consider A is for Anti-Aging. Serums and Target Treatments. Depending on the formulation, skin can begin to look and feel younger over a short period of time. Skin tone can improve after about 2-4 weeks but ongoing use is required for continued improvement. A few treatments can deliver faster skin care results but for the most part, it takes time for a product to really make a difference. Consistent and continued use is necessary to achieve and maintain results. While topical treatments are effective at reversing some of the signs of aging skin and preventing further damage, they will not be able to make you look 20 years younger so you must stay realistic. If this is your expectation, then a cosmetic medical procedure or surgery may be better suited to your needs.
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Stability Testing Cosmetics
Stability testing cosmetics is an important step in the manufacturer of products to ensure that the end result is something that is effective and safe. Well formulated and stable treatments are not only safe and effective, they are also much more pleasant to use. Like many of you, I’ve purchased cosmetics that separate, or start to smell badly just a short period after opening. It’s possible that the manufacturer of these products may not have tested them adequately to ensure their stability under certain conditions. Shop All Apothekari Stability testing for cosmetics is a complicated process that involves 3 main tests: Physical and Chemical Integrity Tests. Evaluate color, odor/fragrance, pH value, viscosity, texture, flow, and emulsion stability (signs of separation) Microbiological Stability Tests. Evaluate the degree of contamination with bacteria, mold, and yeast. Packaging Stability Tests. Evaluate the impact of packaging on the contained product. How To Stability Test Companies can do stability testing for cosmetics in real time or under ‘accelerated’ conditions, which aim to speed up the results of real time. Most companies perform tests using “Accelerated” Conditions. The actual tests involved vary depending on the product, its packaging and its anticipated shipping, storage, display and use. The following tests may be conducted: High Temperature Testing: High temperature testing is commonly used as a predictor of long-term stability. Storage and stability at a range of high temperatures (between 37 and 45oC) is a good predictor as to how long a product will maintain its integrity. Cycle Testing: Often called a freeze-thaw cycle, the product is frozen and thawed three times testing a range of temperatures from below freezing to high room temperature. Centrifuge Testing: Centrifuging is the process of rapidly rotating a product to force its contents (typically fluids) to separate out. Light Testing: Formulas and packaging can be sensitive to UV radiation. Light testing helps to predict if the product or packaging will discolor in its chosen container. Mechanical Shock Testing: As products are transported, shipping movements may damage them. Vibration testing can help to determine if this will happen. Products should also be monitored for changes in color, odor/fragrance, viscosity and pH value. Microbiological stability tests assess microbial contamination either during the production and filling or during the use of the cosmetic by the consumer. These tests are very important to ensure that the treatment is safe and maintains its quality. In particular, we are concerned about dangerous bacteria. Finally, cosmetics should also be tested to be stable in the container in which they are packaged. The topic of stability testing for cosmetics sounds like a boring one. Yet, it is a complex process and an important one too. For your health and safety it’s imperative that the cosmetics you are using have gone through these widely recognized standard tests.
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Giving THANKS To You! A Gift
As we reflect on the past year and acknowledge the many things to be grateful for during our THANKSgiving holiday, it’s an appropriate time for me to say “THANK YOU” for your support and business this year! Shop All Apothekari Between October 3 – 10th, all orders placed online at Apothekari.com qualify for FREE SHIPPING PLUS a special gift of our top selling DAILY INFUSION MOISTURIZER (15 g size). Use code THANKS at checkout. *No minimum purchase required. Apothekari Daily Infusion Moisturizer hydrates, plumps and protects skin year round: Ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin Improves skin barrier function to help protect against environmental irritants Promotes healthy surface bacteria to protect skin against harmful bacteria Fragrance free, paraben free, gluten free Daily Infusion is a customer favourite because it hydrates without greasiness. It’s the moisturizer you’ve been waiting for! From all of us at Apothekari, Happy Thanksgiving!
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Shea Butter : Skin Care
Shea butter, also known by its Latin name, Butyrospermum parkii, comes from the karite tree in Africa. Shea fruit are picked from the tree to yield a nutritious pulp that surrounds a large, oil-rich seed from which shea butter is extracted. Historically used for cooking, hair and skin care, this plant lipid is added to cosmetics for its emollient and smoothing properties. Shea butter has a rich, non-greasy texture and is quickly absorbed because its melting point matches that of our body temperature. It is yellow in colour when raw and becomes ivory or white in colour upon refinement. It is a rich source of antioxidants including vitamins a and e, quercetin, epicatechin gallate, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin, as well as skin-replenishing fatty acids including stearic, oleic and linoleic. It also contains cinnamic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to absorb UVB rays between 290 to 320 nm, giving it some limited capacity as a sun filtering agent. Find shea butter in skin-and hair-related products such as lip glosses, moisturizers, and hair conditioners for dry and brittle hair. It’s also used by soap makers and is an excellent ingredient for individuals who suffer from dry skin conditions. Medicinally, it is sometimes used as a base for ointments. Some of the isolated chemical constituents are reported to have anti-inflammatory, emollient, and humectant properties. Shea butter is a key ingredient in Apothekari Shea Body Butter, where it is enhanced with healing herbs, fresh oils, natural vegetarian waxes and an intoxicating blend of essential oils to heal dry, cracked and callused skin.
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Travel Toiletry Bag: Santa Fe
Tomorrow I’m heading off on a short break to Santa Fe, New Mexico with my husband, Graham! And while I’m still mulling over which restaurants to eat at (priority and Santa Fe is foodie heaven) and sights to see – definitely Tent Rocks – I’m also planning my packing list. Short trips – in fact, most trips for me these days – involve carry-on luggage. Less costly yes, it’s also more convenient (no lost luggage or waiting at the baggage carousel for pick up) and lighter too. Opting for carry-on means seriously culling the suitcase. No matter how long the trip or the destination, I find that I have a habit of over packing. Carry-on makes me think hard about what I will really need while I’m away. Shop All Apothekari Tent Rocks The weather forecast during our stay in Santa Fe is for mainly warm, sunny days with cooler evenings. For our plane trip both ways, I’ll pile on the layers since I’m always freezing when I travel by air. I run really cold so I’m going to wear my winter coat with a scarf, a sweater, dark denims plus my sneakers. Into my suitcase, I’ll pack clothes I can layer including items to dress things up at night. A casual pair of sandals for daytime plus comfortable booties and warm socks for night. Mixing and matching will be the name of the game! My travel toiletry bag will include the following essentials: Toothbrush Dental floss Travel sizes of the following: Toothpaste Deodorant Shampoo & Conditioner (even though most places stock, some of it is nasty!) Apothekari Shea Body Butter – if I’m traveling somewhere low humidity like New Mexico, my skin will need it. Sunscreen Facial potions – I put these into little sample jars or vials: Apothekari Bespoke Vitamin C Serum Apothekari Daily Infusion Moisturizer Apothekari A is for Anti-Aging Apothekari Firming Eye Gel (small bottle so I take the full size) Sewing kit Tweezers Nail clippers Q-tips Bobby pins & hair elastics Make-up bag. I don’t wear a lot of make-up but this is what goes in it: Foundation (small sample jar) Blush and brush Eyeliner Mascara Lip pencil Lipstick Lip balm – I have a feeling I’ll need some in Santa Fe! With this list, packing won’t take long and there will be plenty of room to bring back a few souvenirs. I hear that Santa Fe is a shopper’s paradise! What does your travel toiletry bag and vacation suitcase look like? Follow along on Instagram or Facebook (links at the bottom of our site) where I’ll be posting shots of my trip (and probably NOT of my travel toiletry bag) while I’m away!
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4 Fall Skin Care Tips
These fall skin care tips are a great way to change up your skin care routine to ensure that you’re using the right products for the season. Much like we change our wardrobe when the weather changes, it’s a good idea to re-examine the products you’re using on your skin too. Shop All Apothekari Summer is fantastic and my favourite season of all so I always hate to say goodbye. Yet, longer and more extensive exposure to UV rays during the warmer months can do a number on skin leaving it more sun damaged and prone to early signs of skin aging. Fall is a great time to evaluate how your skin is looking and feeling. If you need to swap out products by eliminating those that aren’t working with those that are more relevant for your skin care needs now, this is a good time to do it. Here are 4 fall skin care tips to consider when the leaves start to fall and the weather turns cooler: 1. Exfoliate It may seem counter-intuitive but if your skin is looking dry and flaky, a good (gently, though) scrubbing is what you may need. Exfoliation helps to remove dry skin that looks bad but that also prevents topical treatments from absorbing in. Try our AHA-Mazing Clean Exfoliating Cleansing Gel with its triple combination of alpha hydroxy acids and boasting a fresh peppermint scent. Showers and baths are so much more exciting with our Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Polish – a customer favourite! 2. Up the Moisture Cooler temperatures and lower humidity may make additional hydration necessary. Although I can generally get away with a moisturizer during the summer months, my skin often craves a bit more when September rolls around. Daily Infusion Moisturizer hydrates and plumps skin year-round and leaves it feeling refreshed. It’s ideal for all skin types, including sensitive. 3. Fix the Damage If you experienced excessive sun exposure during the summer, your skin may have suffered some sun damage. If you aren’t already using a retinoid, get thee to one pronto! Retinoids, which are derivatives of Vitamin A, help to repair and renew skin and are excellent in helping manage hyperpigmentation and age spots that the sun may have had a part in creating. A is for Anti-Aging is our version, which incorporates gentle yet effective retinaldehyde along with niacinamide, which is a strong anti-inflammatory that helps to calm skin and manage breakouts. 4. Customize We are all different and so we have different skin care needs. If you live along the coast, your skin will require different treatment than someone living on the Prairies or in the Midwest. My skin loves humid, coastal Vancouver but take me to Arizona and I’m parched just like that desert! Keep that in mind as you tailor a skin care regimen that works for you. I hope that the 4 fall skin care tips will help as you transition through the seasons. Do you have any more to share?
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What Makes You Buy Skin Care Products?
As someone who runs a skin care brand, I’m always curious to know what makes customers buy skin care products. There’s no shortage of choice and many outlets – drugstores, department stores, independent boutiques and the internet – to fulfill every possible need. One could peruse for hours, days, weeks, months. Certainly there must be a lot of confusion. What makes one go from looking to committing and finally to pulling the plug to buy skin care products? Shop All Apothekari In a previous post, I wrote about the 4 Steps to Great Skin and I think that most skin care experts would agree to this, with some minor differences. Several skin care products are considered as essential – a good sunscreen and an effective cleanser, for example. And, if you are after skin that looks and feels youthful and that radiates wellness, it’s wise to add in a retinoid and some antioxidants too. Then it’s time to deal with the specifics. If your skin is dry, you’ll need to hydrate with a good moisturizer. Acne? Treat that. Same with hyperpigmentation, skin sensitivity, eye concerns and aging or sun-damaged skin. Once you know what kinds of products you need – a moisturizer, a sunscreen, an eye cream – how do you decide how and where to buy skin care products? Which ones specifically? Which brands? Formulated with which ingredients? What gives you the confidence to try a new skin care product especially if you are mostly happy with your current skin care routine? Who do you trust? These are some of the things that customers have mentioned to me: My dermatologist/esthetician/doctor recommends it. My friends love it and suggested I try it. I’ve heard about it on social media platforms – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. I like to try before I buy so samples will help to seal the deal I’ve seen an advertisement online, in a magazine, etc. Testimonials. One of the things that helps us find new customers and keeps regular ones coming back are through word of mouth or from the results they’ve had from using Apothekari. From helping to manage acne breakouts to delivering glowing skin, many individuals report receiving compliments on their skin, which they’ve never received before. I LOVE these products. My skin glows. ~India, Vancouver, BC My breakouts have disappeared… ~Sara, Vancouver Thank you for treating my skin so well, Apothekari! ~Karen, Vancouver, BC Happy customers make us happy too! Do testimonials help you to buy skin care products? Read more testimonials here. If you’re curious about Apothekari Skincare and have questions, don’t hesitate to call us – 1.866.876.3649 or email us info@apothekari.com. We love to talk skin care and would be happy to discuss your needs!
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Glycerin Skin Benefits
Glycerin, also known as glycerol or glycerine, is an ingredient used commonly in cosmetics. And there’s a reason why – this little ‘ole ingredient packs one hefty punch! Shop All Apothekari Glycerin is present in all natural fats, both vegetable and animal. It also is found naturally in the skin as part of its NMF (natural moisturizing factor) where it acts to protect the skin against dryness, helping it to look and feel healthy. It may be derived from natural substances and also can be manufactured synthetically. Whether from natural or synthetic sources, its action on your skin is the same. Glycerin Skin Benefits Glycerin offers many benefits to skin including: 1. Humectant/Hydration Its ability to absorb moisture from the air can help to increase the skin’s moisture content. However, there can be too much of a good thing as very high concentrations of glycerin can actually take moisture away from skin, leading to dryness. This is a major drawback of any humectant – water from the skin’s lower layers may be attracted to the upper layers and then lost to the environment. For this reason, glycerin is often combined with other ingredients to minimize water loss and is unlikely to be problematic in well formulated cosmetics. 2. Emollient Unlike its humectant, moisture attracting properties, glycerin’s emollient action helps to keep moisture in by forming a protective layer over the skin. This improves the skin’s barrier function, which assists in increasing the thickness of the epidermal layer and helps keep harmful chemicals and environmental elements out of the skin and locks moisture in. 3. Improves Skin Appearance By keeping the moisture level of the skin on track skin appears and feels soft and smooth. 4. Wound Healing Its effects on wound healing are due to its ability to signal skin cells to mature properly. This means that it has the potential to help with diseases including psoriasis and non-melanoma skin cancers. Studies have shown that glycerin may also have antimicrobial properties but further research is required. It is suitable for all skin types – including oily skin, where its humectant properties can help the skin stay hydrated without additional oil. It’s been shown to help acne heal faster, and it may minimize the appearance of acne scars. You can find glycerin in many Apothekari Skincare treatments because it offers so many skin benefits and very little disadvantage. Glycerin, we love you!
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Bidding Summer Farewell
Summer is hands down my favourite season of all. So, each year, as Labour Day approaches, I become a little sad. I’m a warm weather person and September often brings with it cooler days and chilly evenings. Many people are ecstatic as they complain about hot, sticky and humid weather, but I say bring it on! I come alive when it’s 25+ degrees Celsius outside. Shop All Apothekari Fall fashions can be exciting, but I’m happier wearing sandals and short sleeves than bundling up in sweaters and boots. In the summer, my feet are never cold, I don’t need a jacket and I can sit outside and enjoy the long evenings without covering up. Summer also means an abundance of local produce – cherries bursting with flavour, strawberries ruby red and juicy and vegetables galore. I’m in heaven with not only the choice, but also the flavour that these wonderful fresh foods carry when they’re in season. As we get set to celebrate the last long weekend of the summer, there are a few things that I hope to do before my teens head back to school and routine ensues once again: Sit outside and enjoy a cocktail Watch the sunset Go on a hike Walk on the beach Thankfully, here on the West Coast we have been enjoying unprecedented warm summer weather. If the forecast is to be trusted, we still have a good many days of this sunshine left so that I can enjoy a few of my favourite summer activities. What do you like to do when the temperature heats up?
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Handcrafted Skin Care – 5 Things to Watch Out For
There has been a movement of late toward ‘handcrafted’, ‘all-natural’, ‘small batch’, ‘artisanal’ and ‘hand-made’. Whether it’s cosmetics, food or beverages, the implication is that these products are somehow superior or safer for you to consume. While this may very well be the case in some instances, it’s not always true. Shop All Apothekari When it comes to handcrafted skin care products, you may want to consider a few things before you jump on the bandwagon. Where Was The Small Batch Product Produced? While there is nothing inherently wrong with whipping things up in your kitchen, a kitchen is quite different to a dedicated manufacturing facility. Labs that produce cosmetics for retail purposes (or commercial kitchens that prepare food) are often government inspected and must prove that they follow stringent protocols to ensure the safety of the end product. Wiping down the counter with rubbing alcohol isn’t good enough! Quality Control. Can you guarantee that each batch is the same? A solid formulation, proper equipment and knowledge regarding ingredient sourcing help to ensure that the tenth batch is the same as the first one. If policies and procedures aren’t adhered to, there is no way to guarantee that every batch will be the same. Contamination/Safety. Whether from unhygienic equipment or surfaces; tainted ingredients or improper preservation, there is always the risk for contamination. While this is true even for experienced producers, the chances of contamination increase with individuals who are less experienced. Contaminated skin care products not only smell and look bad, they may also contain bacteria, mold or fungi, making them downright dangerous to apply to your skin. Preservative free products sitting out in the sun all day? Um, no thanks! Elegance. Otherwise known as a pleasing texture, small batch cosmetics often feel thick, heavy and greasy. Not always, but in general, I have not been impressed by products whipped up by home crafters. I’m not sure whether it’s inexperience, the choice of ingredients or lack of proper equipment that leads to this, but if it doesn’t feel good on my skin, I’m not going to use it. No matter how safe it claims to be. Efficacy. Many handcrafted skin care lines focus on being ‘natural’. Natural isn’t a regulated word so it can mean anything. Yes, it may be safe, but is it really doing anything for your skin? Before you believe the claims, check out the ingredient list to make sure you’re getting what you’re paying for. I love summer with its many outdoor events including festivals and markets and I always have a blast checking out local vendors who often set up stalls. Whether it’s beautiful jewelry, pottery, or decadent desserts, I love to wander and sample – it’s exciting to discover something new and feels good to support a small, local business if I can. I like to peruse handcrafted skin care products as well, but I’m very cautious about what I purchase because I understand the process behind creating safe and effective products. I hope that this post has helped you too.
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All About UV Rays
When it comes to the sun and the damage it can wreak upon skin, it’s the sun’s UV rays that we’re concerned about most. In this post I discuss the different types of UV rays and the impact they have on your skin. Plus, I’ll look at ways to protect yourself. Shop All Apothekari The sun emits all kinds of electromagnetic radiation, with 99% of it being rays in the form of visible light, ultraviolet (UV) rays and infrared rays. Visible light helps us see, infrared rays help keep us warm and UV rays carry energy. When it comes to skin, we are concerned with UV rays because the energy contained in them can change the chemical structure of molecules, causing cell damage and possibly deformities by actually mutating its genetic code. About UV Rays There are 3 main types of UV rays – UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA rays have the longest wavelengths, followed by UVB, and UVC rays which have the shortest wavelengths. UV-C is the most energetic and most harmful; UV-A is least energetic and least harmful. Fortunately, UVC rays break apart when they reach the earth’s protective ozone layer so the sun’s UVC rays never reach us. UVC rays can be man-made (as in welding) and they are just as dangerous as the natural ones. UVA and UVB rays reach the earth’s surface and both can be detrimental to our health. Most of the UV rays you come in contact with are UVA with a small amount of UVB: UVB rays have a short wavelength and reach the outer layer of your skin (the epidermis). They are responsible for Burning skin. UVA rays have a longer wavelength and can penetrate the middle layer of your skin (the dermis). They are responsible for Aging skin. Both types of rays can contribute to skin cancer with prolonged exposure. Some medicines, including antibiotics, birth control pills, and topical benzoyl peroxide products, along with some cosmetics, may increase skin and eye sensitivity to UV rays. Tanning booths, mercury vapor lighting (often found in stadiums and school gyms), some halogen, fluorescent, and incandescent lights and some types of lasers are also sources of UV radiation. What About Vitamin D? Although you need exposure to UVB radiation to help produce vitamin D, the amount of exposure necessary depends on several factors including: Your Skin Colour (Darker skin requires longer exposure to UVB rays to produce Vitamin D) Sunscreen Use and Clothing Where You Live (latitude and altitude). UV rays are strongest in areas close to the equator and lower in areas further from the equator because the sun is farther away. Higher altitudes have greater UV exposure because there is less atmosphere to absorb UV rays. Snow, sand, pavement, and water can increase UV exposure due to their reflective properties. How To Be Sun Safe The best way to protect your skin against UV ray damage is to reduce the amount of time you spend in the sun, particularly between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun is at its highest in the sky. While this isn’t always possible, there are some additional ways you can protect yourself: Stay out of the sun during the peak sun hours of 10am and 4pm, especially during the summer. Stay indoors or seek shade. Wear hats, protective clothing and sunscreen to cover yourself. Protect your eyes and the skin around your eyes with a large pair of sunglasses. Wear Sunscreen. This is important, even in cloudy weather. UVA rays can penetrate through clouds (and windows) causing long-term damage. Get into the habit of using sunscreen every day, year round. UV rays surround us daily and are one of the biggest contributors to skin damage. It is possible to protect yourself.
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How To Develop A Skin Care Formula
I know a lot about skin and skin care, but when it comes to creating and manufacturing a skin care formula, it’s time to get the experts involved. Cosmetic formulation is a complex science and despite a solid science background courtesy of my Pharmacy degree, I have nowhere near the kind of expertise or equipment required to devise and manufacture a safe and effective skin care formula. That’s one of the reasons why I’m not whipping up things in my kitchen! Shop All Apothekari You Need A Chemist! When it comes to introducing treatments to the Apothekari line-up, I know what I want. It’s important to deliver products that are both safe AND effective. To this end, I’m comfortable with choosing which ingredients should and shouldn’t be in formulations. I spend lots of time researching by reading scientific papers, pouring over clinical studies and by talking to formulation chemists. Most chemists possess strong science backgrounds, often with a Masters or PhD degree. They also have extensive practical experience in developing and creating effective, safe and stable preparations. Working with a good chemist is key to not only developing formulas and manufacturing great products but also to keep up to date with new developments in formulation, novel ingredients and cutting edge technology. Chemists may send me samples that they are playing with to see if I like how they look, feel and smell. This helps me to refine our offerings at Apothekari and to consider the introduction of new products. While it’s tempting to think of all the money you’ll save by creating your own skin care concoctions, there are many things to consider. Some recipes are terrific for DIY. In addition to it being fun, you can also save yourself a bit of cash and I’d never suggest that you should shy away from enjoyable projects like facial masks, which you will use immediately and not keep long term. However, when it comes to more complicated serums, which contain lots of active ingredients and an array of botanicals, sunscreens or treatments designed for around the eyes, it’s probably best to leave it to the experts unless you know what you’re doing. In addition to the possibility of creating something that just doesn’t work, you may also end up with a skin care formula that is downright dangerous. Here are just some of the considerations involved in designing a skin care formula that is safe, effective and pleasing to use: Are The Ingredients Supported By Science? Are they found in the right concentrations to deliver their action? Will The Product Maintain Its Integrity Over Time? Will it separate or clump? Is the Preparation Adequately Preserved? Most skin care products should contain preservatives to prevent contamination with bacteria, mold and fungi. Does the Formulation Make Sense? For example, will the combination of ingredients work well together? Can we cut something out? Add something different in? Is the pH Optimal for Efficacy? Can you Mix the Ingredients Together? For example, you may want to mix oil soluble and water soluble ingredients together. This is possible, but you will require additional ingredients like emulsifiers or solubilizers to keep the formulation intact. If you don’t, the mixture will separate and become unappealing and unusable. Do you Have the Right Equipment? While not always necessary, some formulations require heaters, high speed mixers or other specialized tools. Additionally, you need a clean environment – something like a dedicated lab and not your kitchen counter. It May be Effective but is it Pleasant to Use? While many ‘hand-crafted’, natural and/or artisanal skin care products are lovely, many more are heavy, greasy and not at all what most of us would want to put on our skin! I’m sure that I’ve missed several aspects regarding formulation, but I hope that this post provides a bit of insight into the complexities involved with creating products that deliver results. Let me know what you think.
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