Glow & Green is all about sustainability and affordability. That’s why I would love to share my favorite DIYs, which are not just a one-stop-shop kind of product but is one multi-tasker. “DIY Emulsifying Cleansing Balm aka Moisturizing Agent aka Makeup Remover… I am surprised that why didn’t I share emulsifying cleansing balm recipes before. To be honest... Even though multiple products in your beauty counter work hard to have various benefits on your skin, cleansing balms are a one-stop shop. The function of the cleansing balm is not limited to just cleanse. Still, the cleansing balm is also about moisturizing, removing debris and makeup on your face from your day. If you are all reducing products from your beauty cabinet then, cleansing balms are the best low maintenance product.
Now that I’m in my late 30s, I am more about add all the oil-to-my-face phase. I am all about oil boosters, oil serums, oil moisturizers, and oil cleansers. I love getting fatty acids from oil-based products. But when I started using the cleansing balm, I am totally convinced that waterless and oil-based products are the way to go. Especially when I am approaching 40(FYI, I have few years left in my 30s, lolz).
This DIY emulsifying cleansing balm is inspired by my favorite brand, “Sunday Riley Blue Moon Clean-Rinse Cleansing Balm, which costs $50. In my opinion, even though cleansing balm serves multiple purposes, the amount of cleansing balm you get vs. it costs; that’s a lot for any budget. So that’s why I came up with a straightforward but luxurious recipe.
How to Use: Emulsifying Cleansing Balm
The purpose of the waterless and emulsified cleansing balm is to pull oil from the face using oil. You guys might have read many recipes of cleansing balm, consisting of simple oil and waxes, which works fine, but they tend to leave an oil film on your face after cleaning it with reusable wipes.
If you decide not to follow gel or soap-based cleanser, using only oil and wax-based cleaner can cause oily residue or film. It can also cause pore blockage or other skin issues. That’s why I have seen that many people face problems with oil cleansing. In this cleansing balm, we are using emulsifying wax as an essential ingredient. This ingredient will help us create a little bit of lather. Due to this ingredient, we can skip the step of using a soap-based cleanser.
To use your DIY Emulsifying Cleansing Balm, the first step is to wet your face and then massage a small amount of cleansing balm in your palms. The gently massaging in between palms will promote emulsifier and cleanse your face. You can follow cleansing with toner or do a 2-step cleansing process.
DIY Emulsifying Cleansing Balm FAQs
Why are oil-based products essential for anti-aging skincare?
Growing age will cause less oil production in your skin layers which can cause wrinkles. The reason behind this is: our inner skin glands will take a longer time to generate new cells, oil production. This can lead to dehydrated, wrinkled skin. This happens due to hormonal shifts as well. So, we need to introduce oil-based products once we grow older.
Can I use the cleansing balm as a moisturizer or an overnight facemask?
Yes, cleansing Balm is an excellent product because you can use the cleansing balm as a moisturizer, overnight mask, cleanser, or pressed serum.
What is the great anti-aging essential oil for a cleansing balm?
Even though frankincense is not a sustainable option(due to its farming practices), that oil is a beautiful oil to include inside your balm. Sandalwood (again not so sustainable choice) or roman chamomile is the excellent choice for anti-aging cleansing oil.
Sometimes I get the grainy consistency of the balm; what am I doing wrong?
When you melt the butter and start adding oils, it is vital to continuously whisk the oil and wax mixture. I generally see the trace (aka start solidifying line in your wax and butter mixture.
Recipe: DIY Emulsifying Cleansing Balm and Makeup Remover
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Setting Time: 12 hours
Total Time: 12 hours 20 minutes
Equipment: Brain-Marie, heat-protective containers, whisk, and jars to store
Materials
30-gram Mango Butter +Cocoa Butter (I just used cocoa butter)
5-gram any vegan wax or beeswax
5-gram Emulsifying Wax
42-gram MCT Coconut Oil
1-gram Vitamin E
0.5-gram Blue Tansy
How to Make:
1. Melt wax and butter in a double boiler over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the ingredients have melted.
2. Now, when you see the trace in the wax and butter mixture, it means once it starts solidifying and see the line on top, adds MCT coconut oil slowly. Make sure you keep whisking while you pour the oil.
3. Once you see the gel-like texture, add blue tansy oil and Vitamin E inside. Quickly pour the mixture into a glass jar.
4. Wait for 12 hours. Once balm solidify properly, start using. Keep this balm between 60-70 degrees F.
This DIY was formulated by Ruchita, a skincare formulator who is a graduate of Formula Botanica, a London-based online school. She is the founder of Glow & Green. Check out her skincare and body care line here. Learn more about her here. As always, before applying this DIY and we recommend that you do a patch test.
Why would you use emulsifying wax if there’s no water based product?