Essential Equipment and Tips
Nowadays, with the abundance of mass-produced cosmetics, many people are opting to create their own skincare products using natural ingredients.
This approach offers numerous benefits such as the ability to make personalized preparations that suit individual skin and hair types, as well as reducing exposure to harmful chemicals.
However, to embark on this exciting journey into the world of natural cosmetics, it’s essential to have the right equipment. Fortunately, you don’t need much to get started.
In fact, some basic tools can help you create authentic, effective, and affordable natural skincare products.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced DIY enthusiast, having the right equipment and some expert tips can make all the difference in your natural cosmetic-making endeavors.
Essential Equipment:
Workspace:
Set up a dedicated area for your DIY projects with a smooth, disinfectable surface. Keep paper towels handy for easy cleanup.Paper towels can help prevent spills and make cleanup easier.
Disinfecting supplies:
Alcohol and paper towels are essential for maintaining hygiene. Maintain hygiene by having alcohol and paper towels on hand to clean your workspace and equipment.
Measuring cups:
I recommend getting 2-4 cups of the same volume (150ml or 250ml) for even heating in a water bath.
Measuring spoons:
A few from your kitchen utensils are perfect for starters.
Scale:
Essential for precise measurement of all ingredients, especially small quantities. A scale with a range of 0-500g is necessary; other scales may be inaccurate.
Double boiler:
You can use kitchenware at first, but make sure the measuring cups you bought fit inside.
Mixing utensils:
You can use spoons or a glass rod.
Formulary:
A notebook to record your formulations and track their behavior during and after formulation. Write everything down, don’t think you’ll remember because trust me, you won’t remember what you put in a particular recipe. So write, write, write!
Ingredients:
It’s important not to overdo it with the ingredients you plan to use. For starters, buy a few base oils, a couple of hydrolates, and 1 emulsifier, because believe me, it can get out of control. Of course, you need just this one more ingredient, and then you may not see the essential one from the forest of ingredients and the ingredient may expire, so take it slow with buying. I know it’s not easy, and I’ve overdone it before, but that’s why I’m telling you to take it slow with buying.
If you plan to make macerates or glycol extracts, which I highly recommend, buy glycerin and oils that have a longer shelf life.
Containers for your preparations:
Decide whether you will use plastic, glass, or eco-friendly packaging. It is important to start by buying a few jars, and then when you develop your formulation skills, you can buy more and more expensive ones. Of course, your packaging should look nice, but choose it according to your budget.
Labels:
It is very important to label your preparations with the date of manufacture, ingredients, and instructions for use.
Additional Notes:
- Don’t be afraid to invest in additional equipment if you want to make more complex products or improve your workflow.
- Use the tools you already have in your kitchen to make cosmetics. Be creative and find ways to use existing resources.
- Buy ingredients from reputable sources to ensure their high quality.
- Always be careful when working with hot ingredients and chemicals.
- Have fun and be creative in experimenting with different ingredients and recipes to find the perfect products for your individual needs.
Conclusion:
With this basic equipment and a little creativity, you’re ready for an adventure in the world of natural cosmetics. Enjoy creating your own products without harmful chemicals, pamper yourself, and be eco-conscious.
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