How to create an organic face scrub in 5 simple steps

Diane Grover 07.2025

 

Looking to create your own organic face scrub formulas and achieve a luxurious foaming product every time — without needing advanced formulation skills?

Our Create Cosmetic Formulas guide simplifies the process!
Follow our comprehensive 5-step guide to start crafting your own organic face scrub formulas today.
Read on to learn how!

Start by logging into your Create Cosmetic Formulas subscription then…
 

How to create an organic face scrub in 5 simple steps

1. Select organic, face scrub (foaming), as the type of formula you would like to create today, then click Create., as the type of formula you would like to create today, then click Create.

In the Create Cosmetic Formulas program, water is used as the base ingredient for organic face scrub formulations, with options to substitute all or part of the water phase with ingredients like organic honey, hydrosols, or aloe vera juice. I have chosen to include 30% w/w rose hydrosol for its luxurious natural aroma and well-known skin benefits, including hydration, soothing, and anti-ageing support.

To enhance formula stability, I’ve added Dermofeel® PA-3, a naturally derived chelating agent, at the minimum effective level of 0.10% w/w. This ingredient helps bind excess metal ions in the water, boosting both the preservative system and antioxidant performance of the product.
 

2. Choose your actives and added extra.

To complement the soothing properties of rose hydrosol, I’ve incorporated naturally derived pearl powder to give this face scrub a luxurious touch. Rich in minerals and amino acids, pearl powder helps to deeply moisturise and nourish the skin. I've also included Kakadu plum extract, the most potent natural source of vitamin C, renowned for its brightening, anti-ageing, and antioxidant benefits. Together, these ingredients create a rejuvenating skincare experience that leaves the complexion smooth, luminous, and refreshed.

Not sure which actives and extracts to choose? That’s ok hit “select” for a description of extract options.

 

3. Choose your surfactants

I have chosen sodium cocyl glutamate which is a gentle and low foaming COSMOS approved anionic surfactant suitable for sensitive skin; cocomidopropyl Betaine which is a COSMOS approved amphoteric surfactant that helps to boost foam and mildenss; coco glucoside which is a naturally derived non-ionic surfactant that also helps to boost foam while being gentle enough to use on the face; and Symbiosolv clear plus which is a naturally derived solubiliser that also helps to boos foam and mildness. I have used all surfactant at midpoint of their recommended input.

 

4. Choose lipid, antioxidant, and fragrance.

I've selected rosehip oil for its high beta-carotene content, making it especially beneficial for supporting and restoring damaged skin. For fragrance, I've chosen certified organic rose and sandalwood essential oils. Rose oil offers similar skin-loving benefits to rose hydrosol, ideal for revitalising mature or dull skin, while sandalwood not only enhances the floral aroma but also helps support skin elasticity.
To protect both the skin and the formula itself, I've included mixed tocopherols, which provide superior antioxidant protection. All lipids have been used at a low input level, as higher concentrations can diminish the foaming performance of the face scrub.


5. Select humectant, gum, preservative and exfoliant.

I’ve selected naturally derived propanediol as the humectant due to its excellent moisturising properties and non-tacky skin feel. For the rheology modifier, I’ve chosen Siligel, a synergistic blend of xanthan gum, lecithin, and sclerotium gum, which imparts a smooth, silicone-like texture and elegant sensory profile. The formula is preserved with Naticide, a broad-spectrum natural preservative known for its gentle efficacy and distinctive almond-like aroma.

As the exfoliant, I’ve included jojoba beads. Made from hydrogenated jojoba oil, which is highly biocompatible with the skin, these beads provide effective yet gentle exfoliation, polishing the skin without causing irritation. You don’t need to select a pH adjuster; the program automatically includes a this as part of the formulation. 
 

Then I just need to click generate method,

Then here is my formula, and here is the method!

Now all you need to do is find your nearest cosmetic ingredient suppliers, order the materials, and get making your fantastic shampoo formulas!

Once you’ve made one formula, you’ll be keen to make more! With Create Cosmetic Formulas, you have almost limitless formulation creation, and just one low annual subscription.

It really is that simple.

Happy formulating!

 

Take our quiz: should you use a program to create cosmetic formulas or learn cosmetic science?
Find out which solution is best for you with our simple quiz!
 

Try the create cosmetic formulas program today! We’re so confident you’ll love how it helps you create cosmetic formulas, it comes with a 24-hour money back guarantee.

See how easy it is to: