Ingredients
7.5 g Irish moss
300 g distilled water, herb infused or plain
3.1 g Geogard ECT at 1% (or preservative of choice at the recommended usage rate)
Instructions
- Combine Irish moss and distilled water and allow the seaweed to soak and soften for a couple of hours.
- Transfer mixture to a high-powered blender and add the blue spirulina powder.
- Turn on the blender and run until the pitcher just begins to feel warm to the touch. Using a spatula, scrape down the sides and blend a bit more if there are still bits of solids stuck to the pitcher.
- Turn off the blender, add the preservative and blend once more until fully incorporated. The hydrogel will continue to thicken over the next few hours or so, before it reaches its final consistency.
- Store in an airtight jar or pump bottle. If you chose not to use a preservative, the gel must be refrigerated and used within 2 weeks (consider making a smaller batch).
Notes
To use: Apply liberally to a freshly washed face, taking care not to get the mask into your eyes. Leave on for 15-20 minutes or as desired. The mask will tighten a bit as it dries, but it’s not crucial that it dries completely. Rinse with cool water and follow with a high-quality moisturizer to seal in all that lovely moisture. ♥
You do not have to use plain distilled water! Consider making a strong water infusion (tea) of another skin-loving herb such as comfrey or calendula and use it in place of the water portion of the recipe.
Irish moss is non-comedogenic, oil-free and appropriate for all skin types. If you have especially oily skin, consider adding a bit of bentonite or kaolin clay to the gel to improve its sebum-absorption capabilities.
