Oil phase

• 11.5 g of argan oil (Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E, it nourishes intensely and hydrates deeply.)
• 2.5 g of Eco emulsifier
• 0.1 g of xanthan gum (Stabilizes the texture!)

Water phase

• 34 g of distilled water (Which you can find at pharmacies, and sometimes even at grocery stores!)

Cooling phase

• 0.25 g to 0.5 g of bakuchiol extract * (Stimulates collagen production, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and improves skin texture.)
• 0.5 g of vitamin E
• 0.5 g of Eco preservative

* Bakuchiol is used in facial care at a ratio of 0.5 to 1%. Feel free to use the amount you like, either 0.25 g or 0.5 g in this recipe. Since it's a very small amount, you don't need to adjust the amounts of the other ingredients if you opt for the larger proportion of bakuchiol.

Equipment

• precision scale 0.01 g
• digital thermometer
• 2 heat-resistant containers (e.g., Pyrex cup, Mason jars) (The ingredient amounts in this recipe are fairly small, use 250 ml jars at most)
• small spatula or rubber spatula, and fork
• mini electric whisk or immersion blender
• pot or large pan for a double boiler
• 55 ml (2 oz) amber glass jar or 55 ml “treatment pump” bottle
• 70% isopropyl alcohol

Not yet a pro at homemade moisturizing creams? You will be soon! Check out the associated article by clicking the link above. Don't be intimidated. It's much easier than it looks!

1. With 70% isopropyl alcohol, disinfect the work surface, the equipment involved in the making and the inside of the amber jar and its lid.

2. In one of the two heat-resistant containers, put all the oil phase ingredients: the argan oil, the Eco emulsifier and the xanthan gum.

3. Weigh the distilled water into the other heat-resistant container.

4. Place both containers in two double boilers (or just one if the pot is big enough), with enough water to come slightly above the height of the ingredients. We recommend placing the containers on a folded cloth at the bottom of the pot(s) to keep them stable and avoid splashes.

5. Heat over low heat until both phases reach 85°C. Careful, this step is important for the stability of the emulsion. Placing a lid (without screwing it on) on the jar containing the water phase helps reach the right temperature faster and avoid water loss through evaporation. Use the metal disc from a Mason jar, a saucer or aluminum foil.

6. Once the temperature is reached, remove the containers from the double boiler(s).

7. Pour the water phase into the oil phase. First mix the two phases with the spatula or fork (disinfected!). Then use either the immersion blender or the mini electric whisk (with the emulsifying attachment, the one that looks like a small metal wheel) to emulsify for 2 to 3 minutes (no more!) while trying to incorporate as little air as possible.

8. Cooling phase: let the temperature drop below 40°C (104°F) while mixing regularly with the spatula or fork. The cream will thicken during this phase.

9. Add the cooling phase ingredients one by one, mixing with the fork or spatula after each addition.

10. Transfer the cream to its jar and let it settle 15 minutes before putting on the lid or stopper.

Store your cream at room temperature, in an airtight container, away from light.

With clean hands, take a small amount of cream and apply to the face and neck, massaging in to absorb.

What is bakuchiol?

Revolutionary, bakuchiol is the rising star of natural anti-aging care. Acting on the skin the same way as retinol, it's establishing itself as its number 1 (and better) alternative in the cosmetics world.

• Stimulates collagen production and regenerates skin, for firmer skin, a renewed and smoother complexion, and softened wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots
• Antioxidant: fights premature skin aging by protecting it from the harmful effects of the sun and pollution
• Oily-prone skin: purifying and antibacterial, it prevents breakouts and soothes the inflammation linked to their appearance. It also acts on sebum oxidation, which reduces the appearance of blackheads
• Non-photosensitizing: unlike retinol, which must be used in the evening only, cosmetics containing bakuchiol can be used at any time!
• Non-irritating and non-drying (yes, many experience irritation and dryness with retinol, which isn't the case with bakuchiol!)

Our bakuchiol extract is water-soluble - so it's super easy to add to any moisturizing cream recipe or to a facial toner or two-phase serum made with a hydrosol and enjoy its fabulous properties!