DIY Foamy Facial Cleanser Recipe

Are you tired of spending a fortune on fancy face cleansers that promise to work miracles but leave your wallet feeling empty? Get ready to whip up your very own bubbly, soothing facial cleanser! Simple, effective, and gentle on the skin barrier, this natural formula leaves your skin feeling as fresh as a daisy without any artificial fillers.

Why This Recipe Works

This expertly balanced gel-foam formula uses Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)—a ultra-mild, coconut-derived surfactant known as "baby foam"—to produce a rich, creamy lather that cleanses without stripping skin lipids. Cetostearyl alcohol adds structure and slip, while humectants (glycerine, D-panthenol) and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) keep the skin barrier hydrated and calm.

Ingredients

Phase A (Oil/Surfactant Melt Phase) & Phase C

0.4g Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)

4g Cetostearyl Alcohol

20g Vegetable Glycerine

24.27g Distilled Water (Phase C)

Phase B (Aqueous Actives) & Phase D (Cool Down)

0.5g Xanthan Gum + 10g Vegetable Glycerine

39.8g Distilled Water

0.4g D-Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)

0.1g Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

0.03g Lactic Acid Solution

0.5g Saliplus Liquid (Preservative)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep & Heat Phases

Phase A: Combine SCI, Cetostearyl Alcohol, and Glycerine in a heat-safe beaker.

Phase B: Slurry Xanthan Gum in Glycerine, then add D-Panthenol, Vitamin B3, Distilled Water, and Lactic Acid. Weigh and record container total.

Phase C: Fill a third beaker with 30g Distilled Water. Heat all three phases in a water bath until Phase A is completely melted and clear.

Step 2: Emulsify, Cool & Preserve

Pour 24.27g hot water from Phase C into Phase A. Stir continuously until a glossy, clear gel forms.

Re-weigh Phase B and replace evaporated water loss with hot distilled water. Combine Phase B with Phase A+C and stir thoroughly.

Allow to cool below 40°C, then stir in Saliplus Liquid. Test pH (target 5.0–5.5) and bottle!

What Are the Key Ingredients in This Foaming Cleanser?

Each active and surfactant component works together for mild yet effective facial cleansing:

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI): An extremely mild, coconut-derived surfactant that creates a dense, luxurious foam without disrupting skin barrier lipids.

D-Panthenol & Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Soothe surface redness, strengthen skin barrier function, and retain essential moisture.

Vegetable Glycerine & Xanthan Gum: Draw hydration into the skin during cleansing while forming a smooth gel base.

Saliplus Liquid & Lactic Acid: Provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection and balance the formula to skin's natural acidic pH (~5.5).

FAQs About DIY Foamy Facial Cleanser

Q: How do I test and adjust the pH level?
A: Take 2g of final cleanser and mix into 18g distilled water. Measure with a pH meter or strip. Ideal range is 5.0–5.5. Use a dilute lactic acid or citric acid solution to lower pH if it's too high.

Q: What is the shelf life and proper storage?
A: Stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, Saliplus Liquid gives this formula a shelf life of up to 1 full year.

Q: How should I use this foamy cleanser?
A: Lather a small amount in wet palms and massage over the face, wiping off with a damp cloth. You can also apply dry and gently wipe off with a soft cloth.

Shop the Ingredients

Craft high-performance, natural skincare products at home! Refined Naturals offers gentle surfactants (SCI), cosmetic vitamins (B3 & B5), thickeners, broad-spectrum preservatives, and botanical extracts for custom formulations.