Microdermabrasion Creams

General Recipe:

1. Exfoliating Agents (2-10%): Microdermabrasion creams typically contain finely ground particles of a substance like aluminum oxide crystals, pumice, pearl powder, or other finely milled natural materials. The percentage can be varied depending upon the desired level of exfoliation.

2. Emollients (30-60%): Emollients soften the skin and can be oils (jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil), butters (shea butter, cocoa butter), or synthetic emollients.

3. Emulsifiers (5-15%): These allow water and oil to mix and can include ingredients like cetearyl alcohol, polysorbate 20, or lecithin.

4. Thickeners (1-5%): These give the product its texture and include ingredients like xanthan gum, carbomer, or cetyl alcohol.

5. Humectants (2-10%): These draw moisture to the skin and include ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or propylene glycol.

6. Preservatives (0.5-2%): These prevent microbial growth and can include ingredients like phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, or potassium sorbate.

7. Fragrance/Essential Oils (0.5-2%): These provide a pleasant scent to your product. Ensure that any fragrance or essential oils used are skin-safe and used at an appropriate percentage to avoid skin irritation.

8. pH adjusters (as needed): These adjust the product's pH to be skin compatible, typically around 5.5. Common pH adjusters include citric acid or sodium bicarbonate.

9. Additional Actives (2-5%): These can provide additional skin benefits, like vitamins (vitamin E), botanical extracts, or ingredients targeting specific skin concerns.

10. Water (Balance): Water often makes up the balance of the formulation and provides a medium for the delivery of some of the other ingredients.

Remember that microdermabrasion is a serious treatment and it can be irritating to some skin types. It should always be tested in a small area before applying it to the whole face.