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A Complete 3-Part Series for Formulators Emulsions are the backbone of modern skincare. From lightweight lotions and gel-creams to rich night creams and sunscreens, most cosmetic products are built on oil + water systems held together by emulsifiers. For DIY formulators, skincare brands, and cosmetic learners, understanding emulsions is essential to:• Create stable products• Prevent separation and spoilage• Improve texture, skin feel, and performance• Scale formulations confi

A Practical & pH-Aware Guide for Skincare Formulators Gels are among the most popular skincare formats today—lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-greasy, and refreshing. From aloe vera gels and hydrating face gels to soothing after-sun and body gels, the gelling agent you choose plays a critical role in texture, clarity, stability, skin feel, and overall product performance. This comprehensive guide explains the most commonly used cosmetic gelling agents, their pH compatibility,

— A Guide for Skincare Formulators Preservatives are the backbone of safe skincare formulation. They protect your products from bacteria, mold, yeast, and oxidation, ensuring they remain safe, stable, and effective throughout their shelf life. Whether you're formulating creams, gels, lotions, floral waters, face packs, scrubs, serums, or balms, choosing the correct preservative depends on: Product Format (Water-based, Oil-based, or Powder) Solubility (Oil-soluble / Water-solu

Choosing the right base—gel, lotion, cream, or body butter—is one of the most important decisions in skincare formulation. It determines not only the texture and feel, but also the absorption, skin suitability, climate compatibility, hydration level, repair ability, and overall customer experience. Whether you’re formulating DIY skincare, building a brand, or creating professional products, understanding these formats helps you choose the right base for your formulation purpo

Niacinamide and Vitamin C are two of the most powerful and widely used skincare ingredients — known for their ability to brighten skin, fade pigmentation, control acne, reduce signs of aging, and improve overall skin health. But one common question formulators and skincare users ask is: Can Niacinamide and Vitamin C be used together?YES! — When formulated or layered correctly, they complement each other and boost each other’s effects, offering even better results than when us

When you pick up a lotion, cream, or body butter, have you ever wondered how oil and water — two ingredients that naturally repel each other — blend seamlessly into one smooth, creamy texture? The answer lies in emulsifiers — the quiet achievers of cosmetic formulation that transform basic ingredients into luxurious skincare. Whether you’re a DIY skincare maker or a professional formulator, understanding emulsifiers is essential to creating stable, high-performing, and sensor

What Are Surfactants in Skincare? Surfactants (surface-active agents) are ingredients that help oil and water mix, allowing dirt and impurities to be lifted and rinsed away.They form the cleansing base of shampoos, face washes, body washes, and hand cleansers, giving each product its characteristic lather and cleaning action. Natural vs. Naturally Derived Surfactants Natural Surfactants - These come directly from plants or herbs rich in natural saponins, such as Soapnut (Reet

At IBHACARES, we connect with our community of formulators and skincare enthusiasts to help them create safe, effective, and natural...

Natural skincare and haircare lovers know, herbs are nature’s original beauty actives. From ancient Ayurveda to modern organic formulations, herbal extracts and infusions remain central to creams, lotions, serums, toners, soaps, and hair oils. Herbal Extracts vs. Infusions Herbal Extracts → concentrated plant actives, drawn out using solvents like water, Glycerine, alcohol, oil, or CO₂ more potent stable with longer shelf life. Example: Green tea extract (antioxidant), Licor

This comprehensive guide covers the proteins and peptides for skin & hair care, how they work, formulation notes, usage ranges,...

Nature’s Gentle Elixirs for Skincare At IBHACARES we empower formulators, DIY creators, and skincare professionals with practical, evidence-informed knowledge. This comprehensive guide covers hydrosols (floral waters) — how they are made, their benefits, formulation uses, storage, safety, sourcing and advanced tips for product development. Use this guide as a ready reference for blog content, training materials, or product development notes. What are Hydrosols? Hydrosols (als

Waxes are natural or synthetic substances widely used in cosmetics, personal care, and candle-making industries. They can be plant-based,...

At Ibhacares, we love empowering formulators with knowledge about natural raw materials that can transform skincare and haircare...

At IBHACARES, we help formulators, DIY creators, and skincare professionals with high-quality raw materials. Among these, plant-based...

At Ibhacares, we share knowledge and practical insights with our community of formulators and DIY skincare enthusiasts. Essential oils are one of the most fascinating ingredients you’ll work with in aromatherapy and natural skincare. This guide will help you understand what they are, how to use them safely, and how to choose the right ones for your formulations. What Are Essential Oils? Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts, obtained from flowers, leaves, bark

The Foundation of Natural Skincare & Aromatherapy : In today’s feature, we’re covering Base Oils – also known as Carrier Oils or Fixed...

If you’re making your own skincare products, you’ll often see ingredients like fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and esters in formulation...