Why This Recipe Works
By using Sucragel as a natural cold-process emulsifier, oil and humectant phases combine into a rich gel-to-milk formula. Light carrier oils dissolve lipid-soluble makeup and sebum, while added glycerine draws moisture into the skin. Upon contact with water, the oil turns into a light milky emulsion that rinses off smoothly without leaving a greasy film behind.
Ingredients
Phase A (Emulsifier Base) & Phase B (Nourishing Oils)
10g (20%) Sucragel
12.63g (25.25%) Sweet Almond Oil
9g (18%) Apricot Kernel Oil
8g (16%) Safflower Oil
Phase C (Humectants, Actives & Aromatics)
9.5g (19%) Vegetable Glycerine
0.25g (0.50%) Vitamin E Oil
0.25g (0.50%) Liquid Germall Plus
0.225g (0.45%) Orange Essential Oil
0.1g (0.20%) Palmarosa Essential Oil
0.05g (0.10%) Rose Geranium Essential Oil
1/64 tsp Mica Powder (optional – for shimmer)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Emulsifier & Oil Phase
Add the Sucragel into a clean mixing bowl and stir until slightly cloudy (or mix on low speed for 1–2 minutes using a small hand mixer).
In a separate beaker, combine the Sweet Almond Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, and Safflower Oil.
Very slowly add the oil blend into the Sucragel (roughly 10 drops at a time), stirring thoroughly after each addition until a thick gel starts forming.
Step 2: Add Actives & Package
In a third container, mix together the Vegetable Glycerine, Vitamin E, Liquid Germall Plus, essential oils, and optional mica.
Slowly add this active mixture to the oil gel base 10 drops at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth emulsion.
Transfer your completed oil cleanser into a clean, airtight bottle or pump dispenser.
What Are the Key Ingredients in This Oil Cleanser?
Each natural component plays an essential role in deep cleansing and skin conditioning:
Sucragel: A natural liquid sugar-ester emulsifier that creates gel-to-milk textures and allows oils to rinse clean with water.
Botanical Oil Blend (Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernel, Safflower): Lightweight, non-comedogenic carrier oils that break down waterproof makeup, dirt, and excess sebum while restoring essential lipids.
Vegetable Glycerine: A powerful humectant that draws water into the skin during cleansing to keep skin hydrated.
Vitamin E Oil: A potent antioxidant that protects botanical oils from oxidation and supports skin repair.
Essential Oils (Orange, Palmarosa, Rose Geranium): Provide a uplifting botanical aroma along with natural skin-balancing and toning benefits.
FAQs About DIY Oil Cleansers
Q: Why is it important to add the oil very slowly to Sucragel?
A: Sucragel relies on slow addition to form a stable oil-in-glycerine gel structure. Adding oils too fast will cause the emulsion to split and break.
Q: How does this cleanser rinse off with water?
A: When water touches the cleanser on your face, Sucragel immediately turns the oil into a light, milky fluid that washes away completely without clogging pores.
Q: Why does this formula include a preservative like Liquid Germall Plus?
A: Because glycerine is present and wet hands will introduce shower/tap water into the container, a broad-spectrum preservative keeps the formula free from microbial contamination.
Shop the Ingredients
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