Aloe Vera & Fig Body Cream: Formulation Notes

aloe vera and fig cream from my personal formulation notes 

After the summer period, the skin often presents signs of increased dehydration, discomfort and imbalance. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation, salt water and high temperatures can compromise the skin barrier, leading to dryness, sensitivity or rough texture, particularly on areas such as hands, body and feet.

As we move into autumn, lighter summer formulations are often no longer sufficient. The skin typically benefits from richer emulsions that combine humectants, emollients and soothing ingredients in a balanced way, supporting hydration while maintaining comfort and flexibility.

This cream was formulated with that seasonal transition in mind. The focus is not on intensive treatment or corrective claims, but on creating a nourishing, well-rounded formulation that supports the skin’s natural functions and provides lasting comfort. The texture is rich yet spreadable, making it suitable for daily use on the body and hands, while also addressing areas prone to dryness such as heels.

Due to its ingredient profile, this formulation can also be used as a night cream for all skin types. One ingredient choice, noted later in the formulation, may be adjusted depending on whether the cream is intended for dry facial skin.

The recipe below follows a standard cosmetic cream preparation method and is intended for educational and formulation purposes.

recipe for 100 g/ ~3.5 oz 

cosmetic phase a:

12 g/ ~0.4 oz aloe butter

7 g/ ~0.2 oz black currant seed oil

2 g/ ~0.07 oz calendula oil

7 g/ ~0.2 oz emulsifying agent (e- wax)

3 g/ ~0.1 oz acetyl alcohol

cosmetic phase b:

45 g/ ~1.6 oz aloe vera floral water

15 g/ ~0.5 oz chamomile floral water

5 g/ ~0.2 oz vegetable glycerin

5 g/ ~0.2 oz aloe vera gel

cosmetic phase c:

3 g/ ~0.1 oz snail slime

3 g/ ~0.1 oz silk protein

1 g/ ~0.04 oz fig extract

4 g/ ~0.14 oz pro- vitamin B5 (d- panthenol)

1 g/ ~0.04 oz vitamin E

1 g/ ~0.04 oz vitamin F

1 g/ ~0.04 oz preservative

cosmetic phase d:

1 g/ ~0.04 oz fig cosmetic fragrance

The recipe follows a standard cosmetic cream preparation procedure, detailed here. What follows focuses on the role of each ingredient and how they work together within the formulation.

ingredients and formulation approach 

This cream brings together a carefully selected combination of emollients, humectants and skin-conditioning ingredients, all chosen to support comfort and hydration as the seasons shift. Instead of relying on a single key ingredient, the formulation is designed to work as a balanced whole, where texture, skin feel and performance develop through the interaction of its components.

For this reason, the oil phase is built around aloe vera butter, which acts as the foundation of the cream. By combining aloe vera juice with coconut oil, it provides both soothing properties and emolliency, creating a soft and nourishing base. To further support this profile, black currant seed oil and calendula oil are incorporated, adding essential fatty acids and contributing to the overall sense of skin comfort and flexibility.

Once the oil phase is established, attention turns to the structure of the emulsion. Emulsifying wax and cetyl alcohol ensure stability and consistency, while also shaping the final texture of the cream. In particular, cetyl alcohol, a plant-derived fatty alcohol, helps achieve a richer feel and smoother application without weighing the skin down.

With the structure in place, the formulation moves into hydration and soothing support through the aqueous phase. Aloe vera floral water, chamomile floral water and aloe vera gel work together to calm the skin and provide light hydration, while vegetable glycerin plays a key role in maintaining moisture by attracting and retaining water within the skin.

At this stage, skin-conditioning ingredients are added to refine the overall performance of the cream. Snail secretion filtrate and silk protein enhance skin feel and softness, making the formulation especially suitable for dry or rough areas. Fig extract introduces a gentle surface-level exfoliating action; however, when the cream is intended for facial use on dry skin, this ingredient can be omitted to preserve maximum comfort.

Finally, the formulation is completed with pro-vitamin B5 (D-panthenol), which supports hydration and the skin barrier, alongside vitamin E and vitamin F, known for their antioxidant properties and their role in caring for dry or dehydrated skin. A preservative ensures product safety, while a fig cosmetic fragrance adds a subtle, warm scent that complements the seasonal character of the cream.

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