Babchi Seed Oil Face Cream
This face cream is made with babchi seed oil, which is rich in antioxidants, compounds that help protect the skin from damage due to free radicals. The oil extracted from babchi seeds has broad health and beauty benefits discussed in a previous post. If you’re interested in greater detail, read this PDF on the Babchi Seed Oil Health and Beauty Benefits.
Bakuchiol, a phytochemical compound found in babchi seed oil, appears to be a natural replacement for retinoid, which are a class of skincare ingredients used to promote cell turnover. This formula was created by TaraLee, an expert skincare formulator.
And if you enjoy this skin care recipe, check out our other DIY skin care recipes inspired by TaraLee’s like our homemade rose body cream, homemade whipped rose body Butter, rosehip and lavender facial mask, and our rose hyaluronic gel facial mask.
If you’ve never made lotion before, it’s surprisingly easy. All you have to do is combine water, oils, and additives. Not ready to jump into lotion making quite yet? Body butter is a great option—learn the difference between lotion, cream and body butter here.
Equipment Prep
Sanitize your utensils by boiling them in distilled water and allowing to dry. This includes mixing containers, whisks, and any spoons or spatulas that may come in contact with your mask. Your products must be as free of germs, bacteria, and microbes as possible. If you’re a beginner DIY’er and unsure about how to best avoid bacterial and mold growth in your homemade self care products, check out our quick guide to cosmetic preservatives.
What You Will Need
- One 8 oz. glass jar with tight–fitting lid
How to Make a Babchi Seed Oil Face Cream
Yield: 8 ounces of cream
Skill Level: Intermediate
Time: 1 hour
Water Phase
- 4.6 oz. (130 g) distilled water
- 0.35 oz. (10 g) vegetable glycerin
- 0.04 oz. (1 g) xanthan gum (optional, aids in emulsification)
Oil Phase
- 4 oz. (113 g) apricot kernel oil
- 0.75 oz. (22 g) beeswax
Cooling Phase
- 0.15 oz. (4 g) panthenol
- 0.35 oz. (10 g) distilled water
- 0.04 oz. (1 g) sea salt (or preservative of choice, optional)
Final Phase
- 1 oz. (28 g) babchi seed oil
- 0.07 oz. (2 g) vitamin E
Directions
- In a small container, mix together xanthan gum and vegetable glycerin, then add water—the water phase.
- In a separate heat–safe container, mix together the oil phase—apricot kernel oil and beeswax. Heat the oil phase —you can do this in the microwave or by filling a pot halfway with water over medium heat and placing the heat–safe container over the water as it simmers (double boiler method).
- Once the oil phase is completely melted, pour the water phase into the oil phase and whisk to emulsify. Set aside to cool.
- Combine the cooling phase—distilled water, sea salt and panthenol. Mix until the salt and panthenol have fully dissolved. Once the water/oil mixture has cooled to about 80°F, pour the cooling phase into the mixture and whisk until emulsified.
- Add the final phase—babchi seed oil and vitamin E. Whisk to combine.
- Pour or spoon the mixture into the jar and allow to fully cool before closing the lid.
Precautions
Generally, babchi seed oil is safe for all skin types, although if you are pregnant or lactating, you may wish to avoid it. It is a natural plant–based alternative to retinol. To err on the side of caution, it should be used at night. Avoid during pregnancy and with sensitive skin. Consult a doctor to treat any medical condition. It should not be used internally. Avoid sun exposure after using babchi seed oil. People with sore throat, dry mouth, constipation, urinary tract infection and hematuria (blood in urine) should avoid it.
It can cause possible sensitization in some individuals, so use in very low concentration only. It is important to note that all essential oils are extremely concentrated and if to be applied anywhere topically, should always be diluted up to a maximum dosage of 4% in a suitable carrier oil. Babchi seed oil can irritate the skin and can cause burns and blisters. It must be diluted to 1–5% of a formula in order for it to be rendered safe. The warnings advise using it as low as 0.5%. Babchi seed oil can cause Hepatitis, hyperacidity and gastritis in high doses and/or prolonged usage. Avoid products like curd, pickles, fish etc. when using babchi seed oil.
It is important to apply babchi seed oil with caution. Studies have found it to be phototoxic due to its levels of furocoumarins. One study found it caused phytophotodermatitis following application of a product containing an unknown amount of babchi seed oil combined with sun exposure. Another precaution when using babchi seed oil is that too much of it can cause skin discoloration. Just 3–4 drops diluted in a carrier oil while avoiding sun exposure are enough.
Essential Oils to Avoid in Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant should use essential oils with caution. Some oils are best steering clear of altogether, apricot kernel oil and babchi seed oil are two of them. Never use essential oils in a humidifier, CPAP machine, or any other breathing device.
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Sources:
Bakuchiol Face Cream Project
https://www.brambleberry.com/articles-and-projects/projects/skincare/bakuchiol-face-cream-project/PS000356.html
by TaraLee SkinCare
https://www.youtube.com/c/TaraLeee
https://www.instagram.com/taraleeskincare/
https://www.patreon.com/taraleee
Tutorial credits:
Photographer: Amanda Kerzman