Sanitize all utensils, a heatproof glass or stainless steel bowl, a small whisk or spoon, measuring tools, and a storage pump bottle or jar by washing with hot soapy water and wiping with isopropyl alcohol. Work on a clean surface.

Measure 1 cup distilled water into the sanitized bowl. Add 2 tbs vegetable glycerin and whisk until uniformly mixed.

Add surfactants

To the aqueous-glycerin mixture, add 2 tbs coco-glucoside, 1 tbs sodium cocoyl glutamate, and 1 tbs decyl glucoside. Stir gently but thoroughly to avoid creating excessive foam. Continue mixing until the solution becomes slightly viscous and homogeneous.

Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow surfactants to hydrate and integrate.

Add actives and preservatives

Warm (to about body temperature) the mixture slightly if it's cool — you can place the bowl briefly in a warm water bath; avoid heating above 40°C. Add 0.2 cup of a 5% niacinamide solution (to achieve ~1% final niacinamide), 0.5 tsp allantoin, 1 tsp panthenol solution, and 1 tsp sodium hyaluronate solution. Stir until dissolved and uniform.

Add 0.25 tsp phenoxyethanol + ethylhexylglycerin preservative and mix thoroughly.

pH adjustment and final touches

Test the pH with pH strips or a meter. Aim for pH 5.0–6.0 for skin compatibility. Add lactic acid dropwise (or diluted citric acid) about 0.25 tsp at a time, mixing and testing after each addition until you reach the desired pH. Be conservative — small amounts change pH significantly.

If desired, add 1 drop of essential oil and mix. Avoid essential oils if formulating for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Transfer the cleanser into a sanitized pump bottle or dispenser. Label with product name, date made, and approximate expiration (with preservative and clean handling, use within 3 months; without proper preservative do not store).