The Truth About Formula Creams

 

 "formula creams" that are homemade mixtures made by combining dozens of commercial creams (like Archie, Mena, Betnovate, Skinlite, Dermovate, etc.) into one DIY skin-whitening or glowing cream. These are very popular in South Asia, especially Pakistan, India, and the Philippines.

Let’s break it all down — from what they are to the risks involved.

---

💡 What Are "Formula Creams"?

"Formula creams" are non-medical DIY skincare blends made by mixing dozens (sometimes over 100!) different branded creams, lotions, serums, and sometimes tubes containing steroids or acids. The goal is to make a cream that:

• Whitens the skin fast ⏱️

• Clears pigmentation, melasma, dark spots

• Gives a glowing “glass” skin look

These mixtures are often sold without any brand or ingredients list, simply called "Formula Cream", "Whitening Jar", "Glow Cream", or "Bride Cream".

Mercury Danger in Skin care.

---

🧪 Common Ingredients in Formula Creams

Most formulas include a dangerous mix of:

• ❗ Steroids: Betnovate, Dermovate, Momate

• ❗ Hydroquinone: SkinLite, Movate

• ❗ Tretinoin (Retin-A)

• ❗ Mercury-based products (in fake Mena or unregulated brands)

• ❗ Anti-fungal creams like Candid B

• ❗ Antibiotic creams (Fucidin, Neomycin)

• ❗ Fairness creams like Mena, Archie, Golden Pearl, Faiza, Stillman’s

• Moisturizing creams (like Pond’s, Nivea, etc.)

• Baby lotions, oils, Vaseline

• Whitening serums or injection drops

---

🚨 Why It's Dangerous

These creams may show quick results, but the side effects are severe:

Short-Term Effects:

✅ Skin feels smooth
✅ Glows in 2–3 days
✅ Reduces acne/dark spots temporarily

---

Long-Term Side Effects:

❌ Steroid addiction (your skin becomes dependent)
❌ Extreme skin thinning
❌ Redness, burning, itchiness
❌ Permanent dark patches after stopping
❌ Acne flare-ups & whiteheads
❌ Sensitive or raw skin that can't tolerate sun
❌ Hormonal disruption & kidney damage (due to mercury)
❌ Facial hair growth in women

---

📛 Hidden Dangers

1. Unlabeled jars: You don’t know what’s inside.

2. No hygiene: Often made in kitchens without gloves, sanitation.

3. No preservative system: These go bad quickly and grow bacteria.

4. Skin dependency: You must keep using or skin rebounds worse.

5. Not dermatologically tested.

---

👩‍⚕️ Expert Warning

Dermatologists strongly advise against using or buying these creams. Many patients come in with ruined skin barriers, burns, and permanent damage from long-term use.

---

🟢 Safe Alternatives (That Actually Work)

Instead of formula creams, go for:

• 🌿 Azelaic acid (20%) – safe for melasma, acne, and brightening

• 🌞 Niacinamide (5%) – clears spots and brightens

• 💧 Vitamin C – for glow and dull skin

• 🌕 Alpha arbutin – a safe skin-lightener

• 🧴 Hydration – Use gentle moisturizers like ceramides, aloe vera

• 💦 Sunscreen every day (SPF 50)

---

📢 If You're Using One Right Now:

👉 Gradually stop using it
👉 Start a barrier-repair routine (ceramide-rich creams, aloe, hyaluronic acid)
👉 Consult a dermatologist if skin is thin or inflamed
👉 Never apply steroid creams without a prescription

---

❤️‍🔥 Message to Readers

You don’t need quick-fix creams to glow. Real skincare comes from:

• Healing the barrier

• Using safe, proven actives

• Eating well, staying hydrated

• Avoiding bleaching product. Let's help you make a natural homemade glow cream or give you a safe routine for bright, clear skin.

Yay! 🌿 Let's make a safe, natural, and effective organic cream at home — perfect for glow, hydration, and even skin tone. This cream will be free from steroids, mercury, or harmful chemicals. 🧴✨

---

💚 DIY Organic Glow Cream (All Skin Types)

🧴 Purpose:

• Brightens skin naturally

• Hydrates and softens

• Fades dark spots & dullness

• 100% natural & chemical-free

---

🛒 Ingredients (Organic & Easily Available)

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Aloe vera gel (fresh or pure organic)	2 tbsp	Soothes & hydrates skin
Shea butter or Cocoa butter	1 tbsp	Rich moisturizer, softens skin
Sweet almond oil or jojoba oil	1 tbsp	Nourishes, lightens pigmentation
Rosehip oil (optional)	1 tsp	Anti-aging & glow
Beeswax pellets	1 tsp	Natural thickener & preservative
Vitamin E oil	1 capsule or 5 drops	Heals & prevents aging
Rose water or distilled water	1 tbsp	Balances pH, adds glow
Essential oil (like lavender or tea tree)	2-3 drops	Adds natural scent & benefits

---

🧪 Equipment Needed:

• Double boiler or a steel bowl over boiling water

• Whisk or electric hand mixer (optional)

• Clean jar/container (preferably glass)

---

👩‍🍳 How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

1. Melt the butters & beeswax:

   • In a double boiler, melt shea butter + beeswax on low heat.

2. Add oils:

   • Once melted, turn off the flame.

   • Add almond oil, rosehip oil, and Vitamin E oil.

   • Mix well.

3. Cool slightly:

   • Let it cool for 5 minutes (not solidify).

4. Add aloe vera & rose water:

   • Add aloe vera gel and rose water.

   • Whisk/mix fast to combine the oil + water phase.

   • Add essential oils last.

5. Blend (optional):

   • Use a hand blender for a fluffy, creamy texture.

6. Store:

   • Pour into a clean, dry glass jar.

   • Keep in the fridge for 1 month (or in a cool place for 2 weeks).

---

☀️ How to Use

• Use it morning and night on clean skin.

• Safe for face, neck, and hands.

• Works well under makeup too!

---

🟢 Optional Variations (Custom Cream Ideas)

Skin Type	Add This	Why
Oily/Acne-prone	Tea tree oil + aloe gel	Soothes & fights acne
Dry skin	More shea butter + honey	Deeply nourishes
Dull skin	Rosehip oil + turmeric (a pinch)	Brightens & evens tone
Aging skin	Carrot seed oil + rosehip	Anti-aging boost

---

⚠️ Important Tips

• Always patch test first.

• Use clean hands or spatula to scoop.

• Don’t add fruits or milk – spoils fast.

• If making for sale, use a natural preservative like Leucidal SF or Geogard.

---