Introduction
Cleansing balms are anhydrous products that are made from butters, oils and waxes. The idea is to use it as your first cleanser, the oils will bind to makeup, excess dirt gently removing it from your skin. It is an excellent option for those with dry or sensitive skin as it is not as stressful for the skin as traditional makeup removers. Normally you would then follow up with a secondary cleanse with a water based cleanser, dry your face apply moisturiser.
In this blue tansy cleansing balm tutorial we will be using the following ingredients:
INCI Name: Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Shea butter is derived from the nuts of the African shea tree. A natural and renewable ingredient packed with fatty acids and vitamins, including A and E. Shea butter deeply nourishes the skin, promoting a healthy and radiant complexion. Its rich texture provides intense hydration, making it particularly effective for combating dryness and soothing irritated skin. Shea butter possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, aiding in the reduction of inflammation and protecting the skin from environmental damage. We are using it in this formula for its excellent moisturising abilities, and its solid form helps build the body of the cleansing balm.
BTMS 25
INCI Name: Behentrimonium Methosulfate and Cetearyl Alcohol.
Behentrimonium Methosulfate is a quaternary ammonium salt derived from rapeseed oil, and Cetearyl Alcohol is typically derived from coconut or palm oil. It is considered a NDS material (Naturally derived with a synthetic component). It is used in formulation typically as an emulsifier when making creams or lotions. We are using it in this cleansing balm due to its surfactant properties, which will boost the cleansing activity of this balm.
INCI Name: Cetearyl Alcohol
Cetearyl Alcohol is derived from coconut or palm oil. It is a fatty alcohol that serves as an emollient and stabiliser in cosmetic formulations. It is also used a as co emulsifier in emulsions such as creams or lotions. It is considered a natural ingredient with minimal processing. We are using it in this cleansing balm for its emollience properties but prodominently as stabiliser.
INCI Name: Cera Alba
Beeswax is the wax secreted by the glands of bees, it is used to construct the honeycomb. Raw beeswax is typically dark yellow in colour with a honied scent. White beeswax however undergoes further refinement resulting in a smoother more malleable wax. White beeswax boasts numerous benefits for the skin, such as its emollient and humectant properties, which help lock in moisture and prevent dehydration. White beeswax is considered a natural ingredient with minimal processing. We are using it in this cleansing balm to give the balm body and more solid consistency, and also its excellent moisturising and emollient properties.
INCI Name: caprylic/capric triglyceride.
Fractionated coconut oil is a specialised form of coconut oil that has undergone a process called fractionation. This involves separating the long-chain fatty acids from the oil, leaving behind the medium-chain triglycerides. This results in a lightweight, clear, and odourless liquid that remains in a liquid state. It is considered a natural ingredient with minimal processing. Fractionated coconut oil has excellent moisturising and emolliency properties. It is easily absorbed by the skin without leaving a greasy residue, making it suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive or oily skin. The MCTs in fractionated coconut oil contain capric and caprylic acids, known for their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. We are using it in this cleansing balm for its lightweight consistency and excellent moisturising properties. It’s clear colour is preferable over a coloured oil such as avocado oil as it allows the blue from the blue tansy essential oil to come through, resulting in a beautiful finished colour. Also as it is a liquid oil at room temperature it softens the beeswax and shea butter allowing for a smooth and overall consistency.
INCI Name: Tocopherol
Vitamin E Oil is vital vitamin needed for healthy skin and hair. Whilst is is naturally occurring in many plants, it is often synthetically made to match the vitamin E found in nature. It is produced synthetically due to it being more better efficacy and stability, it is also more commercially efficient. Some Vitamin E oil is natural with minimal processing. Be sure to check the safety data sheets to determine whether the vitamin e oil is synthetically produced or natural with minimal processing. Vitamin E oil is used in skin care as an antioxidant. Natural plant oils have a high risk of premature oxidation resulting in rancid oils. Vitamin E oil is added to protect the plant oils from prevent premature oxidation, extending the shelf life of the formula.
INCI: Tanacetum annuum flower oil
Blue tansy essential oil is derived from the Tanacetum annuum plant. The oil is extracted from the plants flowers through a process called steam distillation. Blue tansy contains a powerful compound called chamazulene, which contributes to its distinctive blue colour. It possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties make blue tansy essential oil particularly beneficial for soothing irritated skin and reducing redness. We are using it in this cleansing balm for its aromatic scent and brilliant blue colour, giving the overall formula a beautiful blue colour.
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