The handymade learning centre
Homemade cosmetics academy
Recipes, ingredient profiles and regulations in one place. Learn step by step — and add the ingredients of any recipe to your cart in one click.
Learning paths
Getting started with homemade cosmetics
First steps in making your own cosmetics: measuring pH, preservation, working with actives and essential oils. The parts build on each other, but each one also stands alone.
Level II · 5 partsMineral make-up from A to Z
A complete series on home-made mineral make-up: powder foundation, a cream version in five shades and liquid make-up, including how to mix your own shade.
Level III · 6 partsCosmetics legislation for makers
INCI names, correct product labelling, IFRA standards and cosmetic certificates — a learning path for everyone who wants to make cosmetics properly and legally.
Exfoliation in cosmetics: mechanical and chemical, how they differ and what to watch out for
Mechanical vs chemical exfoliation: how they work, how they differ and what to watch for. A practical guide for home formulators and choosing an exfoliant.
Candle waxes: how the type of wax affects burning, fragrance and wick choice
Why your dishwasher needs gel, salt and rinse aid
Gel cleans, salt protects the dishwasher, rinse aid dries and shines. How the three-product system works and why one job cannot be replaced by a bigger dose of another.
What is in a dishwasher gel and what each ingredient does
Surfactant, enzymes, citrate and chelating agent. The composition of eco dishwasher gel, ingredient by ingredient: what each one does, why it is there and what you will not find in the gel.
Dishwasher gel or tablets? The differences go deeper than you might think
A tablet offers convenience, a gel offers control. Dosing by water hardness, dissolving in eco programmes and what studies say about PVA capsule film.
How to care for your dishwasher so it cleans like new
Dull dishes, white film or odours? How to set the softener for your water hardness, when to top up salt and rinse aid, and how to clean the filter.
We have a new online shop: what’s changing and why you need a new password
Your account and order history have moved to the new Handymade shop, but passwords have not. Set a new password in a minute — or sign in with Google or Apple.
DIY aftershave: simple recipe for men’s skin
A recipe for a soothing aftershave made with witch hazel hydrosol, Centella asiatica, niacinamide and panthenol. A simple method, including checking and adjusting the pH.
Men’s Face Toner: Minimalist Care Inspired by Japan
Ironing spray: less ironing after every wash
Why do clothes wrinkle and how does an ironing spray help? Wheat protein smooths the fibres, the iron glides more easily and ironing takes less time.
Why we started making our own cleaning products
For years we have taught people to read cosmetics labels. Then we turned round a bottle of ordinary cleaner. Why Handymade is entering the world of the eco-friendly home.
Oily skin, blemishes and shaving: how niacinamide can help men’s skin
Niacinamide regulates sebum, soothes skin after shaving and helps with breakouts. Find out why it suits men’s skin and how to add it to your own cream.
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