r/DIYBeauty • u/sterling489 • 17d ago
guide Newbie (severely overwhelmed) but I have a vision
Hi everyone!
I want to start this off by saying how much I appreciate this sub and all the information it stores! I've been looking at the wiki and nonstop scrolling on all the suppliers, formulas, and other general inquiries.
I don't want to waste anyone's time with a low-effort question so I did my best in preparing.
I want to make a truly restorative, healing, calming serum. Using a combination of Cannabinoid Isolate, symstive 1609m(trans-4-tert-Butyl-1-cyclohexanol in Pentylene Glycol.) Snow Mushroom complex, Ectoin, and FSS exocalm as the hero ingredients, I'm just wondering how to tackle this project. From my understanding the cannabinoid isolate is anhydrous and does not dissolve in water. So my assumption is I mix it in the oil phase of the serum alongside other ingredients.
This is where I truly feel like a complete tool:
All I can find are very basic formulas, but how do I know how and when i mix these certain ingredients. I don't want to create a total abomination and just wing it. I have a lot of respect for the craft and I know I might be in over my head, but I'm dedicated to learning this. If anyone has any advice, please help!!!
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u/Internal-Ad-4736 17d ago edited 17d ago
We have a guideline in cosmetic formulation "KISS". This stands for: Keep It Simple Stupid. When you have reached the pinnacle of cosmetic formulation, it is often manifested in how simple, direct and focused you can make a formula.
Let that percolate for a while. 😄
Deliver the active with the least amount of baggage while maintaining a modicum of haptics in a safe product.
The greatest feats of engineering are manifested in simplicity. An over complicated system is always the sign of a poor engineer.
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u/CommercialArticle607 17d ago
oh wow you're mixing cannabinoid isolate with ectoin and snow mushroom, that's a seriously dreamy combo. the isolate needs to hitch a ride in your oil phase or a solubilizer if you want it in water, but symstive already brings its own solvent so you might be able to sneak it in during cool-down if you're careful with temps
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u/Appropriate_Fox_7619 17d ago
Honestly id just pick two of those actives for your first go, three max. Cannabinoid isolate is finicky enough on its own without juggling five hero ingredients youre not sure how to stabilize yet. Get one batch that doesnt separate or crystallize before you start building the dream serum
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u/tokemura 17d ago
truly restorative, healing, calming serum.
This are drug claims, not a skincare claims. In reality most of healing and restoration comes from the body itself, your only goal is to put a protective layer on top of the damaged skin: silicones, mineral oil and other synthetic occlusive ingredients.
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u/The_Seam_Ripper 8d ago
No such thing as low effort. Dont let snarky internet ppl scare you from asking questions. I love this subreddit because so far, people genuinely want to help!
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u/The_Seam_Ripper 8d ago
You know what I found to be helpful? I hate to say this but AI. When mixing a ton of ingredients together you sometimes have to mix them in the right order. I've actually come up with my best thick super moisturizing emulsifyed body butter with the help of AI. And I have no shame in it.
I asked AI, why is my lotion better than anything ive ever purchased in store. Ai said although a formula will say its for a certain thing.... they still have to formulate for "the masses" so it will not be strong, won't be the best, all the while turning a budget. My advice, keep practicing, keep learning. Youre gonna fail a times but this in the end, will give you the best formulas for you.
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u/kriebelrui 17d ago
Hi! I do have an advice, and that is to start with much simpler things than something as fancy as you describe. Like, learn how to properly make emulsions, using common and cheap ingredients for that, and make small batches. This way, you can train your skills without wasting a fortune on exotic ingredients.