🌼 Quick Look: Hydrate, Cleanse & Absorb.
💟 Benefits: An excellent emollient for cleansers. Sunflower Lecithin binds to oil and creates a unique jelly-cream texture. It’s non-comedogenic (won't block pores) and helps any other beneficial ingredients added to the cleanser absorb effectively into the skin.
✅ Highly absorbent vitamins and antioxidants.
✅ Strengthens the skin’s barrier.
✅ Absorbs moisture and keeps the skin well-hydrated.
✅ Helps even skin tone and texture.
✅ Contains components like Vitamin E (present in the source oil), fantastic for moisturizing and non-pore-clogging.
✅ Promotes natural moisturizing, giving skin a radiant glow.
💜 Research shows that Sunflower Lecithin is beneficial topically, containing choline, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, glycerol, and small amounts of biotin.
🌿 Treatments: Ideal for anti-aging, dry skin, and acne-prone skin.
🌻 Best used as: Cleanser, Face or Body Moisturizer (especially as a cleansing balm).
💐 Best combined with: Additional extracts and oils of your choice to customize the cleanser's benefits.
⚠️ Caution: Not Applicable
💲 Approximate cost: $5.00 - $10.00 CAD (for a quantity of Sunflower Lecithin, recipe cost will vary based on added ingredients)
Yields: Approximately 1 small jar (adjust recipe for desired amount) Prep time: 5-10 minutes
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon Sunflower Lecithin (powder or liquid, adjust consistency as needed)
2 tablespoons Lightweight Carrier Oil (e.g., Sunflower Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Squalane Oil) - choose based on your skin type and desired cleansing power.
(Optional) 1 teaspoon Hydrosol or Distilled Water (e.g., Rose Hydrosol for soothing, Witch Hazel for toning - use cautiously if sensitive).
(Optional) 1/2 teaspoon Plant-Based Glycerin (for added humectant properties).
(Optional) A few drops of skin-safe Extract of your choice (e.g., Chamomile Extract, Green Tea Extract).
(Optional) A few drops of skin-safe, diluted Essential Oil (for fragrance and potential benefits - use cautiously and ensure proper dilution).
Equipment:
Small mixing bowl or beaker
Small whisk or spatula
Small jar or airtight container for storage
Instructions:
Combine Lecithin and Oil: In your mixing bowl, combine the Sunflower Lecithin and your chosen carrier oil. Stir well with a whisk or spatula until the lecithin is mostly dissolved into the oil. This may take a few minutes, especially if using powdered lecithin. The mixture will start to thicken slightly.
Gradually Add Water/Hydrosol (Optional): If using, slowly drizzle in the hydrosol or distilled water while continuously whisking or stirring. The mixture will emulsify and begin to take on a creamier, jelly-like consistency. Add the liquid gradually to avoid separation.
Incorporate Glycerin (Optional): If using glycerin, add it to the mixture and stir until well combined.
Add Extracts and Essential Oils (Optional): If desired, add a few drops of your chosen extract and/or properly diluted essential oil. Stir gently to incorporate them evenly.
Check Consistency: The cleanser should have a smooth, jelly-cream texture. If it's too thick, you can add a tiny bit more carrier oil or hydrosol. If it's too thin, you may need to slightly increase the lecithin in future batches (adjusting this recipe might require some experimentation).
Transfer to Jar: Once you've achieved the desired consistency, transfer the cleanser to a clean, airtight jar or container.
How to Use:
Apply to Dry Skin: Take a small amount of the jelly-cream cleanser and gently massage it onto your dry face and neck in circular motions. The lecithin will help it bind to oil-based impurities and makeup.
Massage Thoroughly: Continue massaging for 1-2 minutes to allow the cleanser to work.
Remove with Warm Water and Cloth: Wet a soft, clean washcloth with warm water and gently wipe away the cleanser. You may need to rinse the cloth and repeat to remove all traces of the cleanser.
Pat Dry: Pat your skin gently dry with a soft towel.
Follow with Skincare: Continue with your regular skincare routine.
Notes:
Experimentation: This recipe provides a base. Feel free to experiment with different carrier oils, extracts, and small amounts of essential oils to find what works best for your skin.
Lecithin Type: The consistency may vary slightly depending on whether you use liquid or powdered sunflower lecithin. You may need to adjust the ratios of oil and water accordingly in future batches.
Storage: Store your homemade Sunflower Lecithin Jelly-Cream Cleanser in a cool, dark place. Due to the lack of preservatives, it's best to use it within 1-2 months. Observe for any changes in smell or appearance, and discontinue use if any occur.
Patch Test: As with any new skincare product, perform a patch test on a small area of your skin before using it on your entire face.
