I love playing in my kitchen as anyone who knows me knows. I love playing in the soap kitchen. And I love experimenting with new to me products. By no means do I consider myself a formulator; my knowledge base isn’t broad enough for that but I can take a formula I find online and make it my own.
That’s what I did this after work one day this week. I already make an amazing Hyaluronic Acid serum but I came across another formula for an under eye serum that uses a homemade gel base. The gel is made with an ingredient called Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC). When blended with water and pH adjusted, it becomes a beautifully clear gel that can be used as a base for other ingredients.
It’s made with a soothing blend of ingredients that include Allantoin, Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid, and Papaya Extract. And it feels amazing when I apply it. All those little bubbles should dissipate with a bit of time; the gel is fairly thick but goes on smoothly. There may be a few things I tweak and experiment with but I’m pretty happy with my first attempt at creating my very own under eye gel.
As for the ingredients, Allantoin is a free-flowing hygroscopic (attracts moisture) powder (naturally occurring in comfrey) widely used in cosmetic, dermatological and pharmaceutical formulations for its soothing and anti-irritating properties. Allantoin stimulates healthy, normal tissue formation even at low concentrations.
Panthenol is the very same Pro-Vitamin B5 featured in the Pantene commercials.
Hyaluronic Acid is a polysaccharide that occurs naturally in the human body and works to support the body’s collagen production and to help maintain elasticity. This natural molecule is specifically found in the hair, skin, eyes, nerves, and joints. Sodium Hyaluronate, a water-soluble form of Hyaluronic Acid, works in a similar way, offering better skin penetration and stability. Its water-holding ability – specifically its natural capacity for holding water that is 1000 times its weight – makes it an exceptional hydrating agent and thus a popular ingredient in the cosmetic industry; this constituent is widely used in rejuvenating moisturizing products intended to address the appearance of wrinkles.
Papaya Extract is gently refreshing with a sweet, summery fragrance. It is excellent for balancing the oiliness of the skin & working as an exfoliant on dry areas. Papaya also is often used in skincare products to give a rejuvenated look to the skin. Papaya contains Vitamin A, which helps to reveal the next layer of the skin and exposes a radiant complexion. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant with wonderful qualities that helps to smooth and soften the skin.
It just makes me so happy to be able to make products like this for myself and my friends, knowing exactly what’s in the products I’m making. This isn’t something I’m ready to sell as I’m still experimenting but I can tell you I’m pretty happy with it as is.
Strings 'n Things 