Cosmetic Formulation: Tea Tree Hydrosol & Witch Hazel Toner

 

Recently, I’ve been studying how to formulate toners for different skin types. Facial toners are one of the easiest cosmetic formula to make if you’re only going to use water soluble ingredients. For this post, I decided to develop an alcohol-free facial toner specifically designed for people with oily and/or acne-prone skin.

Normally, alcohol is used in oil-control facial toner for its astringent properties. Since this is an alcohol-free formula, I decided to replace alcohol with witch hazel extract which is also an astringent. Take note though that there are some witch hazel extract being sold in the market that contains alcohol. Just to be sure, ask your supplier for the INCI of the witch hazel extract. If the INCI contains ethanol, then the witch hazel extract is not alcohol-free.

Another important ingredient for this formulation is the tea tree hydrosol. Since I want the formulation to be completely oil-free, I decided to use tea tree hydrosol instead of tea tree essential oil. Tea tree is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties making it an essential ingredient in treating acne.

I also included glycerin as humectant (attract moisture to the skin) and aloe vera extract as emollient (smooth and soften the skin).

For the preservative, I used DMDM Hydantoin which is water soluble. DMDM Hydantoin is a synthetic preservative and the only ingredient that is not natural in this formulation. If you want to use natural preservative, you can replace it with Geogard ECT (also known as Preservative Eco) and adjust the formula accordingly since it has different usage rate than DMDM Hydantoin. I just happened to have a hard time finding Geogard ECT locally.

Formula

(Makes 100 grams)

Ingredient	Weight (%)	Weight (g)
Phase A
Tea Tree Hydrosol	67.8	67.8
Witch Hazel Extract	20	20
Aloe Vera Extract (liquid)	10	10
Glycerin	2	2
DMDM Hydantoin	0.2	0.2
	100	100

Instructions

1. In a glass beaker, mix all phase A ingredients together.
2. Adjust the pH of the final product between 5 to 6 (if necessary).
3. Transfer the solution into a flip-top bottle.

Where to buy the materials (Philippine-based)

• Tea tree hydrosol – Cedar Alley
• Witch hazel extract – Craftology Essentials
• Aloe vera extract - Craftology Essentials
• Glycerin - Craftology Essentials
• DMDM Hydantoin - Craftology Essentials

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and purchase the products, I’ll receive some commission.