How to make an activated charcoal cleansing balm

Cleansing balms are more popular than ever not only in the indie and artisan skin care but even by mainstream consumers. The main advantage is the self-preserving nature of the balms (because they don't contain any water) and the mild but effective cleansing specially on dry, chappy and irritated skin.

With autumn and winter arrival (at least in the northern hemisphere) almost every skin type would love some more fat and nourishment, deep cleansing without stripping the skin barrier and a nice and silky after feel.

This balm has contains emulsifiers such as lecithin and our gel-to-milk emulsifier (Dermofeel G5 O) that improve the rinsing and the skin feel after rinsing. You can apply the cleanser over the skin and either wipe it with a micellar water or rinse it with water. Both methods work perfectly. The charcoal is easily wiped out of the skin without leaving any stains over skin and without you having to rub your skin for minutes to get rid of the black stains.

One important point is that although the product is a butter and hence self-preserving, the possibility of adding some water to the product by the consumer is rather high. It is important to apply the product with a spatula instead of wet fingers and to pack the product in small jars that are rapidly consumed. Just to be on the safe side, we've added low concentrations of a preservative to the product. This is just a suggestion according to our experience but  the efficacy of the preservative should be tested by challenge tests if you're going to sell this product.

Just before we start please go and read this blog post to have a better understanding of how to avoid graininess in your balms

So you want to avoid graininess in your butters and balms?

As always before we start I want to recommend you to read our older posts: hygienic manufacturing practice in cosmetic lab and introduction to Basic equipments and utensils for a cosmetic lab.

Ingredients:

Procedure:

1- In a waterbath or bain marie heat phase A until all ingredients are melted. Blend during melting for a uniform temperature distribution.

2- Remove from the bath and add ingredients in phase B and blend.

3- Put the balm in the fridge but stir it every 10-15 minutes until it reaches a trace.

4- Add the essential oils, Euxyl K903 and blend.

5- Gently add the activated charcoal and blend.

6- Pour into suitable jars and put the balm for at least 12 hours in the fridge.

It's your turn now. Don't hesitate to send us your photos, comments and questions. You post your photos on our Facebook account or tag us (@skinchakra) on Instagram .

BeHappy and have fun