FORMULATE A WATERMELON & ALMOND CLEANSING FOAM

Timi Racz Author

Learn how to make a gentle Watermelon & Almond Cleansing Foam, the perfect DIY skincare gift for Mother’s Day. Beginner-friendly and hydrating.

ABOUT THE FORMULA

A Homemade Skincare Gift That Feels Truly Thoughtful

When it comes to Mother’s Day, it’s easy to reach for flowers or a card. But something handmade, especially if it’s gentle, nourishing, and smells like spring in a bottle, can mean so much more.

This Watermelon & Almond Cleansing Foam is a beginner-friendly facial wash with a soft lather and a subtly fruity scent. It’s light, non-stripping, and perfect for morning or evening use. Whether you’re gifting it to Mum, a friend, or keeping it as your own skincare staple, it’s a joy to make and even lovelier to use.

Who Is It For?

This cleanser is:

-Ideal for dry to combination skin.

-Great for beginners and DIYers.

-Perfect as a pampering gift or daily staple

It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and makes a lovely first step in any routine, whether it’s Mum’s or yours.

THE FORMULA

Method:

• Weigh Phase A in a clean beaker. Stir well.
• Add Phase B to A and stir. You can use a magnetic stirrer if you have. It may take a while to get the water-soluble almond oil totally dispersed.
• Add Phase C and stir slowly to avoid creating foam.
• Add Phase D.
• Check and adjust the pH if needed to 4.5-5.5.

* You need to have a foamer bottle for this formula.

** I used a drop of soap colouring to achieve this colour (cranberry). While I love natural colourants, in a formula like this, you are better off with soap colourants to achieve good stability. This is, of course, optional.

Add a handwritten label or note if you’re gifting it. Want to go the extra mile? Pair it with a fruity or floral face mist or a handmade cloth for a thoughtful, complete set.

HOW TO USE

Pump a small amount of foam (1–2 pumps is plenty) into clean hands and massage gently over damp skin. Focus on areas like the T-zone or anywhere with congestion. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Use it in the morning and/or evening as the first step in your routine. If desired, follow with a toner, serum, and moisturiser.

Tip: This cleanser is mild enough for daily use and especially lovely as a morning refresh.

INGREDIENT BREAKDOWN & BENEFITS

Key Ingredients

Resplanta Phyto-6 Almond MB – A clever twist on almond oil

Traditional almond oil is lovely, but can be a pain in water-based formulations. That’s where Resplanta Phyto-6 Almond MB becomes your friend. It’s a water-soluble version of sweet almond oil made with polyglyceryl-6 esters, meaning it disperses beautifully in aqueous systems like this foaming cleanser. The best part? Your water base stays perfectly clear.

• It softens and conditions the skin without leaving any greasy residue.
• It helps stabilise the surfactant system slightly, giving a smoother feel.
• And it’s palm-free and biodegradable, so it ticks the sustainability box, too.

In short? It brings all the nourishing comfort of almond oil with none of the hassle.

Hydrolysed Rice Protein – Gentle support for the skin barrier

Rice protein is a gentle, skin-conditioning ingredient that’s especially useful in rinse-off products like cleansers. It helps:

• Protect the skin’s natural barrier while cleansing
• Minimise the tightness or dryness sometimes caused by surfactants
• Add a soft, smooth afterfeel without making the formula heavy

It’s an excellent choice for beginner-friendly, hydrating cleansers. Plus, it’s widely available and generally well-tolerated.

Watermelon hydrosol – Light and refreshing

Hydrosols are a lovely way to enhance a product’s function and feel. Watermelon hydrosol adds a soft, fruity scent – nothing overpowering, just a fresh, sweet note that makes cleansing feel like a little treat. It’s mild and non-irritating on the skin, making it great for dry or sensitive types. It also contains trace minerals and plant compounds that support hydration.

INGREDIENT SWAPS & SUBSTITUTIONS

Don’t have every ingredient? No problem. This formula is flexible enough to tweak without losing its charm. Here are some thoughtful alternatives:

• Watermelon hydrosol - Try cucumber hydrosol or rose water for a similarly light, skin-friendly scent.
• Resplanta Phyto-6 Almond MB - Use another water-dispersible oil like Resplanta Phyto-6 Avocado or a solubilised light oil blend. There are also PEG versions of these water-soluble oils, if you don’t mind using them. Alternatively, you can omit it and increase the water to make the formula 100% again.
• Rice protein - Hydrolysed oat or quinoa protein works well for similar barrier support and skin feel.
• Sodium PCA - Glycerin or sodium lactate make suitable substitutes for hydration.
• Niacinamide - You can omit this if needed; it’s a bonus in this formula, not essential. And if you received my latest email, you know it is one ingredient I use in everything (if possible).

A quick patch test is always a smart idea when working with new swaps.

POSSIBLE SOURCES

This is where I purchased my key ingredients:

Watermelon hydrosol – INCI: Citrullus Vulgaris (Watermelon) Fruit Water

Resplanta Phyto-6 Almond MB – INCI: Sweet Almond Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters, Aqua

Making skincare doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. This foaming cleanser is simple, effective, and full of care, just like a good gift should be. This gentle cleanser is a small but meaningful way to show care, perfect as a gift for someone special or as a daily reminder to look after your own skin with kindness.

Have you tried making your own facial cleanser before? Share your thoughts or ask questions in the comments below!

Categories: : Formulations