FORMULATE HIS & HERS VALENTINE’S DAY SOLID CLEANSERS
Table of Contents
ABOUT THE FORMULA
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a luxurious solid cleanser duo made just for you and your loved one? These His & Hers cleansing bars bring together nourishing oils, gentle surfactants, and skin-loving ingredients to create a pampering cleansing experience. Whether treating yourself or formulating a heartfelt gift, these bars offer a professional formulation with a personal touch.
For a silky-smooth lather, we’re using a blend of SCI and SLSA—mild, coconut-derived surfactants that cleanse without stripping the skin. Lamesoft PO65 adds a conditioning boost, leaving the skin feeling soft and hydrated.
To ensure these bars are as nourishing as they are cleansing, we’ve included glycerin to attract moisture and lock it in. The star ingredients? Macadamia oil is for her, and jojoba oil is for him. They are both lovely, deeply moisturising, and skin-compatible oils that keep the skin balanced and moisturised. To top it off, tocopherol (vitamin E) brings antioxidant protection, ensuring a skin-loving finish.
Each bar has its own unique touch: a pink mica shimmer for her and activated charcoal for him to provide a customised cleansing experience. Whether you love a soft glow or a deep detox, these bars bring a touch of indulgence to your daily skincare routine.
Let’s get formulating!
THE FORMULA
| Phases | Ingredient | Function | %w/w |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Cetearyl alcohol | Structural | 25.0 |
| A | SLSA powder | Anionic surfactant | 20.0 |
| A | SCI powder | Anionic surfactant | 20.0 |
| B | Glycerin | Humectant | 5.0 |
| B | Lamesoft PO65 | Superfatting, non-ionic | 3.0 |
| B | Macadamia/ jojoba oil | Emollient | 23.0 |
| C | Tocopherol | Antioxidant | 2.0 |
| C | Essential oil of your choice | Fragrance | 1.50 |
| C | Mica/ charcoal powder | Colourant | 0.50 |
Method:
Weigh Phase A in a milk pan (if you have an electric hob) or use a double boiler. Follow the order of ingredients.
Start heating Phase A. When almost molten, add in Phase B ingredients.
Stir slowly, avoid creating bubbles.
Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Add Phase C ingredients and pour into your chosen mould.
Allow the cleanser to harden overnight before demoulding.
Use the remainder in the pan to check the pH. Create a 10% solution (1g cleanser and 9g distilled water) and check the pH. My charcoal bar has a pH of 4.96.
HOW TO USE
Use in the shower. Swirl it around in your hand to create a creamy lather. Always allow it to dry after use!
INGREDIENT BREAKDOWN & BENEFITS
Core Cleansing Ingredients
Cetearyl Alcohol – Acts as a mild emulsifier, providing stability (structure) and a creamy feel.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSA) – A gentle surfactant derived from coconut, creating a rich lather without irritation.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) – Another mild cleanser that enhances the creamy, soft feel of the bar while maintaining moisture.
Lamesoft PO65 – A plant-derived conditioning agent that helps lock in hydration and smooth the skin.
Moisturising & Nourishing Ingredients
- Glycerin – A powerful humectant that attracts moisture to keep the skin hydrated.
- Macadamia Oil (for her) / Jojoba Oil (for him) – You can choose your own lipids to make the bars.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) – A potent antioxidant to protect the lipids in the formula.
Customisation for Him & Her
Essential oil blend – Customise with scents like rose, vanilla, and sandalwood for a romantic touch. Use Fiona, your AI Lab Assistant, to help create the perfect essential oil blend!
Pink mica (for her) – Adds a soft shimmer and aesthetic appeal. I used “Dazzling Pink”.
Activated charcoal (for him) – Detoxifies and draws out impurities, making it perfect for deeper cleansing.
FURTHER CUSTOMISATION OPTIONS
Want to enhance the formula even further? Try adding:
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) (0.5 – 1%) – Improves hydration, enhances skin barrier function, and provides soothing benefits.
Hydrolysed proteins (Silk, Oat, or Wheat) (0.5 – 2%) – Adds conditioning properties, boosts elasticity, and helps with skin repair.
Colloidal oatmeal (0.5 – 3%) – Soothes irritation and gives sensitive skin a gentle, nourishing feel.
Clay (Kaolin, Bentonite, or Rhassoul) (0.5 – 2%) – Adds a detoxifying effect and enhances cleansing performance. Not to mention, some clays can add beautiful, stable colour to your bars!
If using these, deduct amount from the lipid %.
Virtual Lab Assistants: Your research helpers
POSSIBLE SOURCES
Nikura – “Energy” essential oil blend for the charcoal bar
Nikura – “Sweet Dreams” essential oil blend for the pink bar
These His & Hers Valentine’s Day solid cleansers are a perfect formulated skincare treat. Not only do they cleanse and nourish the skin, but they also add a personalised, loving touch to your gift-giving this season.
With skin-loving ingredients, romantic customisations, and eco-conscious benefits, these bars are a perfect blend of practicality and indulgence.
💬 Which essential oils or custom ingredients would you add to your solid cleanser bars? Let’s chat in the comments!
