Foaming Facial Cleanser

Foaming Facial Cleanser

This gentle foaming facial cleanser recipe, kindly shared by Susan Barclay Nichols (SwiftCraftyMonkey), combines mild surfactants, soothing botanical extracts, and Fision® Glow to deliver a soft, airy foam that cleanses skin thoroughly yet gently. Rich in antioxidants and humectants, it helps remove impurities while supporting hydration and comfort.

Perfect for DIY skincare enthusiasts, this versatile formula can be customized for different skin types and needs, making it ideal for anyone looking to create a personalized daily cleanser at home. 

By Susan Barclay Nichols (SwiftCraftyMonkey)

Click here to download the Step-by-Step PDF Guide!

Recommended Ingredients(Total 1000g):

Phase A – Surfactant Phase

Ingredient                     Weight%        Function

AS-40 Surfactant              150g(15%)      Gentle, plant-based cleanser with good foaming

Plantapon SF Surfactant    150g(15%)      Mild surfactant blend that improves foam and skin feel

Cocamidopropyl Betaine   115g(11.5%)   Amphoteric co-surfactant for mildness and thickening


Phase B – Water & Actives

Ingredient                         Weight%   Function

Distilled Water                       310g(31%)Solvent and base

Witch Hazel (USP)                 100g(10%)Soothing, balancing, and toning water-based extract

Chamomile Floral Water         100g(10%)Calming, gentle botanical water for skin comfort

Blueberry Liquid Extract           50g(5%)  Antioxidant, adds Softness

Fision® Glow Plex                   20g(2%)  Brightening & hydration

Germall Plus                             5g(0.5%)Broad-spectrum preservative


Optional Additives

Ingredient                                   Weight %                     Function

Fragrance or Essential Oil             2g(0.2%)                     Scent and product personality


Recommended Utensils:

  • Digital scale
  • Gloves
  • glass or plastic measuring cup (1L+)
  • whisk
  • Funnel
  • 3x 12 oz White Boston Round Foamer Bottle with 40mm Black Pump
  • Labels for finished product




Directions:

Step 1: Prepare Surfactant Phase (Phase A).

  • Place a clean, dry mixing container on your digital scale.
  • Weigh in Bioterge® AS-40, Plantapon® SF, and Cocamidopropyl Betaine.
  • Stir gently with a spatula or whisk until the surfactants form a uniform mixture. Avoid whipping to prevent foam.


Step 2:  Add Water & Actives (Phase B)

  • Using the same container, weigh in the Distilled Water, Witch Hazel, Chamomile Floral Water, Blueberry Extract, and Fision® Glow Plex, Germall Plus and optional fragrance or essential oil, stirring gently until incorporated.


Step 3: Fragrance(Optional)

  • Add 2g fragrance or essential oil. Mix once more until uniform.


Step 4: Package

  • Using a funnel, fill foamer bottles with the cleanser.
  • Wipe the exterior of each bottle with isopropyl alcohol, apply labels, and cap securely.


Final Notes:

  • This formula is designed for foamer bottles without thickening.
  • For a thicker product, incorporate a thickener and package in pump, tottle, or disc-cap bottles instead.


Variation Ideas (swap as indicated):

  • Extra Cleansing: Replace blueberry extract with 5% Yucca Extract.
  • Extra Soothing: Replace blueberry extract with 5% Cornsilk Extract.
  • Aloe Boost: Replace 10% water with Aloe Vera Extract Liquid.
  • Oily Skin: Replace 10% water with Tea Tree, Honeysuckle, or Rosemary Floral Water.
  • Dry Skin: Reduce Witch Hazel by 10%, increase Chamomile Floral Water or use Rose/Rose Geranium Floral Water.
  • Antioxidant Boost: Replace 5% water with Cranberry Extract.
  • Turmeric Formula: Replace 3% water with Turmeric Root Extract or split blueberry extract 2% + turmeric extract 3%.

How to Use:

Apply 1–2 pumps of foam to damp skin.Massage gently in circular motions over face and neck. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use once or twice daily, as needed.


Usage & Safety Notes:

  • For external use only.
  • Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, rinse with water.
  • Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
  • Keep out of reach of children.
  • Store in a cool place away from direct sunlight.



Special Thanks to Susan Barclay Nichols of  SwiftCraftyMonkey:

We’d like to extend a sincere thank you to Susan Barclay Nichols, creator of SwiftCraftyMonkey, for generously sharing her extensive knowledge and allowing us to feature one of her incredible formulations.

Susan’s blog is a trusted resource in the DIY and indie beauty community, packed with well-researched, science-backed content for anyone passionate about creating their own bath, body, hair, and skincare products.

We highly encourage you to visit swiftcraftymonkey.blog to explore more of her work.

Please note that Voyageur Soap & Candle does not accept any liability for the effectiveness or success of any formulas provided. It is the responsibility of the user to follow good manufacturing practices and to ensure all applicable regulatory requirements are met within their jurisdiction.

Back to Recipes