Hydrating Face Gel (Aloe + Cucumber)
A weightless, water-fresh gel that quenches thirsty skin, calms visible redness, and leaves a dewy, non-sticky finish — perfect for daily use and humid climates.
Tags: DIY, Clean Beauty, Lightweight Moisturizer, Sensitive Skin
Skin Goals: Hydrate · Soothe · Refresh
🌿 What It Does
This ultra-light gel pairs Aloe with Cucumber for instant hydration and post-sun comfort. Humectants like glycerin and panthenol boost moisture retention, while a touch of hyaluronic acid helps the skin look plump and fresh without heaviness.
🧴 Ingredients (50 ml / 1.7 fl oz)
- Aloe vera gel (pure, cosmetic grade) — 35 ml
- Cucumber hydrosol or water-soluble extract — 10 ml
- Vegetable glycerin — 2.5 ml (≈ 5%)
- Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5, liquid) — 1.5 ml (≈ 3%)
- Hyaluronic acid 1% solution (LMW) — 1.5 ml (≈ 3%)
- Sodium PCA (optional humectant) — 0.5 ml (≈ 1%)
- Niacinamide (optional, tone support) — 0.5 ml of a 10% solution (≈ 1% final)
- Preservative (broad-spectrum, per supplier usage) — as directed
- pH adjuster: lactic/citric solution (a few drops to reach pH 5.0–5.5)
👉 Buy Complete Hydrating Face Gel Kit
🔥 How to Prepare
- Sanitize beaker, spatula, and a 50 ml airless or pump bottle; allow to dry.
- In a beaker, combine aloe gel, cucumber hydrosol, glycerin, panthenol, and (optional) sodium PCA and niacinamide solution. Mix gently to a smooth gel.
- Stir in hyaluronic acid 1% solution until fully uniform.
- Add the preservative at supplier-recommended dose; mix thoroughly.
- Check pH and adjust to 5.0–5.5 with a few drops of lactic/citric solution. Mix again and bottle.
- Let the gel rest 2–4 hours to de-bubble before first use.
🌸 How to Use
- Apply a nickel-sized amount to clean, slightly damp skin (face/neck).
- Use AM and/or PM. Layer under sunscreen by day; under a light oil or cream at night if needed.
- Post-sun or after shaving: smooth on a thin layer for quick calm and hydration.
🧭 How You Can Use This Recipe
- For Personal Use: A fuss-free daily hydrator for warm weather and gym bags.
- For R&D / Formulation: Adjust humectant blend (glycerin vs. sodium PCA), or test different HA weights for feel.
- For Small Business: Position as a “Hydrating Gel Moisturizer—Aloe + Cucumber.” Offer in 50 ml airless pumps with minimal, cool-tone labels.
- For Gifting: Pair with a soft face towel and a simple “AM/PM” routine card.
🪶 Storage & Shelf Life
Store tightly capped, away from heat and light. With proper preservation, best within 3–4 months. Always dispense with a pump/airless container to minimize contamination.
💡 Pro Tips
- Ultra-light finish: reduce glycerin to 3% and increase hydrosol by 2%.
- Extra comfort: add 0.2–0.3% allantoin (pre-dissolved) and keep pH near 5.2.
- Make it a cooling gel: chill in the fridge for 20 minutes before use.
🌿 Why This Works
Aloe hydrates on contact and calms the look of irritation; Cucumber delivers a fresh, soothing feel. A trio of humectants (glycerin, panthenol, HA) helps bind moisture so skin feels plump and comfortable without oiliness.
⚠️ Note
- External use only. Patch-test before first use.
- Discontinue if irritation occurs. Avoid the immediate eye area.
- If pregnant/nursing or under dermatological care, consult a professional before use.