Home Cosmetic Science Talk Formulating Oil in Clay Masks

  • Oil in Clay Masks

    Posted by theoracle on May 9, 2019 at 5:35 pm

    So I’m starting to formulate some clay masks which I know have plenty of potential problems ahead but let’s start with this one:
    Do I need oil in my mask? What is the benefit, other than the benefits of the oil itself? If I don’t use any oil, do I still need the emulsifier for the essential oils and/or product stability? Should I just nix the oil and use some Xanthan gum
    and call it a day??
    I want this product to be less viscous than most clay masks so I can put it in a bottle and get it through a lotion pump so I’m thinking more liquid is good but should it just be a lot of water or does the oil bring anything to the table in this case? I’m thinking of using Grapeseed but am open to other cost effective suggestions, except coconut oil. No coconut oil. 
    Thanks! 

    Sponge replied 5 years, 11 months ago 3 Members · 2 Replies
  • 2 Replies
  • bellbottom

    Member
    May 31, 2019 at 8:02 pm

    have you ever used a clay mask? because when you say “I want this product to be less viscous than most clay masks so I can put it in a bottle” it sounds like you’ve never actually touched a clay mask. clay masks are not liquid, if they are runny they will not stay on your face. they are not viscous and run. they are like thick mud, to stay put and not run down your neck. and they certainly will not come out of a bottle (too thick and goopy) and probably clog the pump when the clay inevitably dries. 

    if you are using water AND oil, yes you need an emulsifier. but not just because of the EOs, as they will be absorbed by the clay. essential oils are not true oils, but they are hydrophobic. and of course you would be using them at probably 1% or less, because that is the most common safe ratio for cosmetic facial skin use.

  • Sponge

    Member
    June 2, 2019 at 1:54 am

    Hi Theoracle,

    Typically people work out a preliminary formula before asking a question like this. Simple questions are fine and “tweak my formula” questions are fine because they both have a tangible goal, if that makes sense. With a question like this, there are too many variables and it’s too subjective. We’d have to guess a lot before providing any kind of answer. 

    You may want to look at some formulas as a starting point and try some of those so you can get most of the preferential decisions out of the way. It’s like asking “which surfactants should I use to make a facial cleanser?” If we gave you an answer, you probably wouldn’t like the result. 

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