One thing I’m glad I learned at a young age: it’s never too early to start using an eye cream. Since I’ve been babying my under eyes since my mid-twenties, I’ve tried just about every kind of cream you can think of. So when retinol’s all-natural cousin, bakuchiol, popped on the scene, of course I had to give it a try it too.
The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of the face. So it’s first to show wear and tear as you age. But you may not want to slather that delicate skin with retinoids, which can often make skin red, flaky and sensitive to the sun. That’s where bakuchiol really shines. It encourages collagen production and speeds up cell turnover [source] without the irritation and photosensitivity of retinol—meaning you can use it day or night.
This DIY bakuchiol eye cream combines pumpkin seed oil, Vitamin E, bakuchi oil, and jojoba oil to help rejuvenate the delicate skin around the eyes. Not only does it target the signs of aging, it also soothes and softens the skin, so eyes look more youthful and radiant.
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What is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is a natural plant extract made from the seeds and leaves of the Babchi plant. Like many powerhouse beauty ingredients, it’s been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for years to help soothe the skin. Due to its high antioxidant content, bakuchiol offers a gentle yet effective solution for reducing fine lines, improving skin elasticity, and brightening dark circles gently and naturally.
Ingredients
- Water: Serves as the base for the cream, providing hydration and helping to dissolve other ingredients for a smoother consistency.
- Glycerin: A humectant that attracts moisture from the air into the skin, glycerin ensures the eye area remains hydrated and plump.
- Jojoba Oil: Mimics the skin’s natural sebum, providing deep, long-lasting moisture without clogging pores.
- Emulsifying Wax: Binds water and oils together to create a stable, creamy lotion-like texture.
- Bakuchi Oil: An unrefined, natural oil that contains bakuchiol.
- Pumpkin Seed Oil: Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, it nourishes, firms the skin, and supports overall skin health and elasticity.
- Preservative: Extends the shelf life of the eye cream by preventing the growth of mold, bacteria, and yeast, ensuring the product remains safe and effective over time. I used Leucidal Complete in my eye cream, but you can use any brand you like.
- Vitamin E: Acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radical damage, enhancing moisture retention, and supporting skin repair and regeneration.
How to Make Bakuchiol Eye Cream Recipe
Step 1 | Combine water and glycerin
Mix water and glycerin in a small heat safe container. Stir well to combine.
Step 2 | Combine jojoba oil and emulsifying wax
In a second heat safe container, combine emulsifying wax pastilles and jojoba oil.
Step 3 | Heat both mixtures
Starting with the jojoba oil mixture, microwave in 15-second intervals until the wax is melted. Ideally the mixture will be around 100-115 degrees. Stir well to combine and set aside.
Next, microwave the glycerin water mixture in 15-second intervals until it, too, reaches about 100-115 degrees.
Step 4 | Combine the oil and water mixtures
Once the emulsifying wax is completely melted and the glycerin water is about the same temperature, pour the wax into the water, stirring continuously.
Step 5 | Emulsify
Starting with the jojoba oil mixture, microwave in 15-second intervals until the wax is melted. Ideally the mixture will be around 100-115 degrees. Stir well to combine and set aside.
Use a stick blender to emulsify the mixture. This may take several minutes to reach a lotion-like consistency, so be patient.
Step 6 | Add the remaining ingredients
When the lotion has come together, add the bakuchi oil, pumpkin seed oil, vitamin E, and preservative. Stir well to combine.
Finally, spoon or pour the lotion into sanitized containers. Let cool completely.
Tip:
To create a smooth, stable cream, it’s essential to properly emulsify the water and oil phases. Heat the water phase (water and glycerin) and the oil phase (oil and emulsifying wax) separately until the emulsifying wax is fully melted. Then, slowly combine the two phases while stirring continuously to prevent clumping as the mixtures combine. Use a stick blender to emulsify the rest of the way.
Storage
Store your eye cream in an airtight container to protect it from air and moisture, which can degrade the ingredients. A dark-colored glass jar can help protect the cream from light, but it’s not necessary if you plan to keep your eye cream in a dark cabinet or drawer.
With the addition of a preservative, this homemade bakuchiol eye cream can typically last for about 6 to 12 months. However, it’s essential to monitor the cream for any changes in texture, color, or smell, which may indicate that it’s gone bad. Always use clean hands or a sanitized spatula to dispense the cream to prevent contamination and extend its shelf life.
How to Use Your DIY Bakuchiol Eye Cream
After cleansing and toning your face, take a small amount of the eye cream on your ring finger. Gently dab the cream around your eye area, focusing on the under-eye region and the outer corners where you typically see fine lines. Avoid tugging or pulling the delicate skin around your eyes to prevent irritation. Pat the cream into your skin until it is fully absorbed.
Use 1-2 times daily. Remember to follow with sunscreen during the day to protect the eye area from UV damage, which can exacerbate signs of aging.
FAQ
While bakuchiol eye cream is specifically formulated for the delicate skin around the eyes, it can also be used on other parts of the face if needed.
Bakuchiol is considered a safer alternative to retinol during pregnancy, but it is always best to consult with your doctor before incorporating new skincare products into your routine while pregnant.
Yes, bakuchiol is versatile and can be used alongside other skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and Vitamin C. It pairs well with these ingredients to enhance overall skincare benefits.
DIY Bakuchiol Eye Cream
A powerful all-natural alternative to retinol, this DIY bakuchiol eye cream helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles naturally
Yield: 8 ounces
Equipment
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Kitchen scale
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Kitchen thermometer
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2 heat safe bowls
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Stick blender
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2 4-ounce jars with lids
Instructions
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In a small heat-safe container, mix together distilled water and glycerin. Stir well to combine.
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In a separate heat-safe container, mix together jojoba oil and emulsifying wax.
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Microwave the jojoba oil mixture in 15-second intervals until the wax is melted. Ideally the mixture will be around 100-115 degrees. Stir well to combine and set aside. Next, microwave the glycerin water mixture in 15-second intervals until it, too, reaches about 100-115 degrees.
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Once the emulsifying wax is completely melted and the glycerin water is about the same temperature, pour the wax into the water, stirring continuously.
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Use a stick blender to emulsify the mixture. This may take several minutes to reach a lotion-like consistency, so be patient.
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When the lotion has come together, add the bakuchi oil, pumpkin seed oil, vitamin E, and preservative. Stir to combine.
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Spoon or pour the lotion into sanitized containers. Let cool completely.
Notes
Don’t skip the preservative. Since you’ll be using this around the eyes, its vital that you ensure your eye cream is bacteria-free and safe to use.
