The ingredients (useful for making 200g of cream)
PHASE A
- 18.4g Calendula oleate (vegetable base, active)
- 20g Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (vegetable base)
- 6g Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate (emulsifier)
- 2g Cetearyl Alcohol (consistency factor)
- 2g Glyceryl Stearate (emulsifier)
PHASE B
- 80g Aloe Gel (active)
- 6g Glycerin (humectant)
- 65.6g water
As promised, here is a recipe for making a fresh homemade after-sun cream. A cream designed to restore radiance and hydration to the skin after a day in the sun, thanks to the high content of aloe gel with its known anti-inflammatory properties (see also the recipe for aloe gel and the properties of aloe) and the presence of calendula oleate, an excellent soothing agent. Aloe and Calendula After-Sun Cream This is a simple, quick-absorbing, non-greasy O/W type formulation. The level of difficulty in making it is medium to high. (Before venturing into the magical world of emulsions, we recommend that those who are beginners get familiar with the world of DIY cosmetics with simpler recipes, such as aloe after-sun gel.) The resulting cream has excellent consistency, a final pH of around 5, so no adjustments are necessary. The ingredients used (INCI) are completely green and of plant origin. Procedure for making the cream [gallery link="file"]
Preparation
Mix the ingredients of PHASE A (oil-based) and PHASE B (water-based) separately and then heat them - still separately - to a temperature of 60-65 °C. Add the oily phase (PHASE A) to the aqueous phase (PHASE B) while continuing to stir. Use a mini blender to mix and continue stirring until completely cooled. The consistency will be that of a compact creamy emulsion, gradually changing from liquid to solid as it cools. At the end of the process, check the pH, which should be around 5 (for home use, you can easily do this with litmus paper).
How to use
This natural cream can be stored for about 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator without the addition of preservatives or essential oils, taking care not to touch it with your fingers but using a spoon/spatula to avoid bacterial contamination. Alternatively, you can add 0.5% preservative to the formulation (such as this one, for example). This will extend the shelf life of the cream to one year. The cream can also be customized with essential oils: lavender, mint, and ylang-ylang are ideal choices for after-sun use.
