Crafting Your Own Age-Defying Eye Cream
This is part 4 of a 9-part “DIY Personal Care Products” series originally featured in Epoch Times.
In this series we explore how to save money and lower our toxic burden by harnessing the healing powers of nature through home-made personal care products. By making your own product line, you can avoid the side effects of chemical additives, artificial fragrances, and toxic preservatives commonly found in commercial products.
Article #4: Crafting Your Own Age-Defying Eye Cream
By Sina McCullough, PhD
Last week we crafted natural toothpaste in our journey to reduce chemical exposure and save money by diving into the world of do-it-yourself personal care products. Today, we focus on age-defying eye cream.
In this article, we explore the potential dangers of chemicals found in store-bought eye cream and the advantages of formulating your own. An all-natural recipe is provided.
Unmasking the Perils of Conventional Eye Cream
Some of the potential harmful chemicals lurking in some commercial eye creams include:
Phenoxyethanol: A common preservative found in eye creams is phenoxyethanol. Although declared safe by European standards and present in many products that claim to be preserved naturally, a study published in Experimental Eye Research reported phenoxyethanol to be toxic to human cells of the meibomian gland (tiny oil glands that line the margins of the upper and lower eyelids). Exposure to phenoxyethanol for 30-minutes resulted in significant reduction in cell activity, even at concentrations less than the dosage approved for human use. Following 24-hours of exposure to phenoxyethanol at the approved human dosage, cell atrophy and death occurred.
Parabens: As synthetic preservatives, parabens extend the shelf life of eye cream but research has linked parabens to hormone disruption due to their ability to mimic estrogen in the body, raising concerns about their possible role in breast cancer development and impaired fertility. Parabens were detected in 90% of breast tumors examined, according to a 2004 study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology. Additionally, a study published in Pharmacological Reports shed light on parabens' capacity to alter the expression of estrogen-responsive genes in human breast cancer cells. Furthermore, maternal exposure to parabens has been associated with reduced gestational age, birth weight, and body length, as highlighted in a 2017 review article published in the Journal of Endocrinology.
Propylene Glycol: Used as a texture enhancer, propylene glycol could cause skin irritation and sensitization in some individuals, according to a study in Contact Dermatitis.
Artificial Fragrances: The appealing scents in eye cream are often created using dozens of synthetic chemicals. Even though they can trigger allergic reactions and dermatitis, those chemicals are not required to be disclosed on the product label. Some fragrances have shown endocrine-disrupting or neurotoxic effects, according to a 2021 review article in Current Treatment Options in Allergy. Fragrance ingredients, such as benzophenone and styrene, are listed as possible carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the National Toxicology Program.
Formaldehyde-releasing Preservatives: Some lotions contain preservatives that release formaldehyde, which is classified as a human carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program. Formaldehyde-releasers, such as sodium hydroxymethylglycinate and imidazolidinyl urea, have been associated with dermatitis and allergies.
You can avoid these harmful chemicals and protect yourself from potential risks associated with long-term exposure by making your own eye cream.
Benefits of Making Your Own Eye Cream
By incorporating natural eye cream into your skin care routine, you bestow upon your skin an array of advantages in addition to chemical-free assurance, such as:
Cost Savings in Inflationary Times: Natural ingredients used in homemade eye cream are often more affordable when purchased in bulk, and you can reuse containers to reduce costs. This article includes a recipe for Age-Defying Eye Cream using organic ingredients. Using today’s bulk pricing, the Age-Defying Eye Cream costs $1.32 per ounce, which is approximately fifty times cheaper than a comparable store-bought eye cream.
Personalized Ingredients and Tailored Formulations: Crafting your own eye cream allows you to select specific ingredients that cater to your unique skin care needs.
Environmental Consciousness: By making your own eye cream, you can reduce waste by utilizing reusable containers. Furthermore, natural ingredients are typically biodegradable, minimizing their impact on ecosystems.
DIY Eye Cream Recipe
Below is a recipe that harnesses the power of natural ingredients to promote skin health, including:
Aloe Vera: Used daily by the Egyptian queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra as part of their beauty routine, Aloe keeps skin moist, according to a study published in the International Research Journal of Plant Science.
Honey: Renowned for its ability to heal wounds and burns, honey boasts a rich history of therapeutic use dating back to at least 2000 B.C. Honey contains antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and anti-inflammatory activity, according to a 2017 study in Frontiers in Pharmacology.
Honey can modulate the skin’s immune system and promote tissue repair, according to a 2016 study in the Central Asian Journal of Global Health. A component of honey, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, has demonstrated potent inhibitory effects against several types of cancer, including skin cancer, according to a 2019 study in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy.
Jojoba Oil: A widely known medicinal plant, jojoba has a long history of use for treating skin disorders, such as psoriasis and acne, as well as for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial activity, according to a study published in 2021 in Polymers.
Shea Butter: Due to its rich content of fatty acids, including linoleic, oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids, shea butter is naturally moisturizing. Shea butter contains antioxidant properties and is a “significant source of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor promoting compounds,” according to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Oleo Science. Specifically, components of shea butter inhibited tumor promoters and one compound in particular, lupeol cinnamate, inhibited skin tumor promotion in vivo. According to a 2014 study published in Phytochemistry, some constituents of shea butter also demonstrate potent inhibitory activity against melanoma cells (skin cancer).
Coconut Oil: In addition to moisturizing and soothing the skin, a 2019 study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine concluded that coconut oil protects the skin by enhancing skin barrier function through its ability to suppress inflammation.
Coconut oil contains natural antimicrobial properties that may help rebalance the skin microbiome. Whether applied topically or ingested, coconut oil is broken down to lauric acid and monolaurin, which have significant antimicrobial activity against gram positive bacteria, as well as a number of fungi, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society.
Cacao butter: Thanks to its abundant fatty acid content, cacao butter is praised for its skin-hydrating quality. Rich in phytochemicals, cacao butter may combat aging by protecting the skin from UV damage and promoting healing. A 2014 review article in Nutrients reported that flavanol-rich cocoa contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, “improves dermal blood flow, increases photoprotection and contributes to the maintenance of skin health.”
ǂEssential Oil: These natural oils add desirable aroma to deodorant while providing health benefits.
Rosemary essential oil, for example, contains antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that can extend the shelf-life of creams by staving off microbial growth. Rosemary also contains anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and anticancer activities for the skin, according to a 2023 study in Antioxidants.
Rosehip seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids, which contribute to good skin texture and hydration, according to a 2021 review article in the Journal of Plant Science. Due to high amounts of vitamin C and retinoids, rosehip seed oil contributes to brighter skin and combats acne. Furthermore, vitamin C combined with fatty acids promotes collagen production, which diminishes signs of premature aging.
Frankincense essential oil contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it ideal for acne-prone skin. It alleviates oily skin and provides lipids for aging skin, according to a 2021 review article in the Journal of Plant Science. Frankincense demonstrated the ability to reduce inflammation and promote tissue remodeling in skin cells in a 2017 study in Biochimie Open.
Sandalwood seed oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat skin issues, such as blemishes and blackheads. It can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, according to a 2021 review article in the Journal of Plant Science.
Apricot seed oil contains compounds with strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activity, according to a 2023 review article in Food Bioscience.
Used for centuries, tamanu oil can prevent skin infections, reduce the appearance of scars, and has been used to treat eczema, acne, psoriasis, burns, skin cracks, and dermatitis, according to a 2021 study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
A Word on Ingredient Quality
Choose organic ingredients whenever possible. Organic means the crop was not genetically modified and was not sprayed with most synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
In addition to organic, when choosing oils, select products that are 100% pure, cold-pressed, and unrefined.
Essential oils are sometimes adulterated by adding a similar but cheaper oil or diluting the natural oil with various solvent oils in order to reduce costs. In 2023, ConsumersAdvocate.org tested 11 peppermint essential oil samples and four were reportedly adulterated. Therefore, choose essential oils that are 100% pure, do not contain additives or synthetic chemicals, and have been tested for heavy metals, microbes and glyphosate.
Recipe: Age-Defying Eye Cream
Ingredients:
1/3 cup shea butter
⅓ cup coconut oil
⅓ cup cacao butter
⅓ cup jojoba oil
1 Tablespoon beeswax
1 teaspoon apricot kernel oil
20 drops rosehip seed oil
10 drops sandalwood seed oil
1 teaspoon aloe vera gel (roughly ¾-inch piece of fresh aloe*)
1/8 teaspoon honey
15-30 drops of your favorite essential oilǂ (I enjoy 1 drop rosemary, 5 drops vanilla, and 10 drops frankincense essential oil)
Instructions:
In a glass bowl, combine shea butter, coconut oil, cacao butter, jojoba oil, and beeswax.
Melt the mixture over medium-low heat using a double boiler, stirring until well combined. If you don’t have a double boiler, use the glass bowl and a large pot as a substitute. When choosing the size of the pot, the glass bowl should fit comfortably over the top of the pot, almost like a lid, but leave enough space between the bottom of the glass bowl and the pot to ensure steam can flow between them. Place water in the bottom of the pot, place the glass bowl containing the ingredients on top of the pot, and simmer until the water steams.
Once all ingredients are melted and thoroughly combined, remove from heat.
Allow to cool to the touch, mixing occasionally with a hand blender.
Add remaining ingredients and blend thoroughly with a hand blender.
Place the bowl in the refrigerator until the lotion begins to harden but is still somewhat soft.
Remove from the refrigerator and whip with a hand blender until the eye cream achieves a smooth, creamy consistency.
Transfer the eye cream to a clean, airtight, glass container.
To apply, place a small amount on your finger and gently massage into the skin around the eyes. Do not get cream in your eye.
*If using fresh aloe, choose a thick leaf and cut a ¾-inch piece. Remove the outer coating and add just the aloe gel.
Contraindications and Precautions
ǂPregnant or breastfeeding women, children under the age of 2, and anyone consuming prescription medications should consult their healthcare provider before using essential oils. Essential oils can irritate the skin. People with high blood pressure or epilepsy should avoid rosemary essential oil. Frankincense has blood-thinning effects, therefore; do not use if on anticoagulant medication or have a problem with blood clotting.
Before using the recipes in this article, consult with your health care provider to ensure the ingredients are aligned with your specific health needs. Always check for sensitivities or adverse reactions by applying a small amount of product. Do not use these recipes if you are allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Embracing a DIY natural eye cream empowers you to take charge of your well-being while saving money. As you venture into crafting your own personal care products, remember to choose ingredients that best suit your unique needs and preferences.
Stay tuned for our next article, where we explore crafting natural body soap - a cleansing treat for your skin without the harsh chemicals!
