One of the most common mistakes in homemade cosmetics is adding essential oils directly into water, shaking the bottle and assuming the mixture is ready to use. At first glance it looks successful. The liquid becomes cloudy, smells pleasant and for a few minutes appears uniform. However, this is not a true mixture and it is not a safe cosmetic product.
To understand why, we first need to look at the basic chemistry of water and oils.
After learning how to incorporate essential oils into water using polysorbates, many people notice something interesting. The product works, but it is often slightly cloudy, sometimes leaves a light film on the skin and occasionally feels a bit “soapy”.
One of the most common formulation mistakes in homemade cosmetics is trying to mix essential oils directly into water.
The mixture may look uniform for a few minutes after shaking, but this is temporary. Oils and water are chemically incompatible. Essential oils are lipophilic and water is hydrophilic, so the oil separates and forms microscopic droplets that float freely in the product.
After nearly twenty years of working in cosmetic formulation, I rarely describe an ingredient as unique. Most actives perform well only within very specific formulation contexts. Donkey milk, however, consistently stands out.