Summer is in full swing here in Europe, and I’ve been craving something light, refreshing, and hydrating for the skin. So I headed into my home lab and created a coconut and berry body yoghurt that’s perfect for warm, sunny days.
And let me tell you this: it feels and smells heavenly. It has a lightweight, smooth, and spreadable texture, and will leave your skin feeling soft, hydrated and moisturised. It also has a delightful coconut and berry scent that will instantly transport you to summertime!
But what I love the most about this yoghurt is how versatile it is. You can simply pop it in your beach bag, leave it in your car, and reapply whenever your skin needs a little TLC. And the whole family can use it! I’ve even been using it on my 1.5-year-old baby boy, and he loves it. Let me show you how to make it.
The inspiration behind my coconut & berry body yoghurt
As summer settles in across Europe, I find myself longing for a skincare product that feels light, hydrating, and refreshing for the skin. So naturally, as a certified organic skincare formulator, I thought of making a body yoghurt and picked a coconut and berry theme to match the feel of the season.
If you’re new to body yoghurts, your world is about to change! Body yoghurts are incredibly lightweight emulsions that sink in quickly, leaving your skin soft and hydrated without the heaviness of a traditional body butter. They’re especially good for hot summer days when your skin still needs moisture, but you don’t want anything sticky or greasy. You can read more about them below:
Feel, scent & texture
For this summer-inspired body yoghurt, I created a multifunctional oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion that can be used by the whole family, at home or on the go.
The yoghurt feels incredibly light on the skin and absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue. I’ve personally used it as a facial product and loved it. When I apply it regularly, at least twice a day, my skin looks noticeably better, especially during the colder months when my skin gets red and damaged.
I’ve also used it on my 1.5-year-old son, who has dermatitis, and the results have been amazing. His skin is now more hydrated, soft, and seems less irritated overall.
This body yoghurt is also great for soothing sun-damaged skin in the summer, helping to calm and support its healing process. While it’s suitable for all seasons (I’ve tested it during winter as well), it’s especially great for summer thanks to its fruity, sweet scent, which is from the raspberry cold-pressed oil and strawberry hydrosol.
What makes this body yoghurt so special
What makes this body yoghurt so special is its unique combination of ingredients. I’ve used coconut in three different forms – glycerite, CO₂ extract, and dried powder – to create a potent formula. I also included strawberry hydrosol, raspberry seed oil and raspberry CO₂ extract – ingredients that instantly transport you to summer days filled with fresh berries and sunshine.
To complete the formula, I’ve added bisabolol and panthenol for their soothing and hydrating properties. Want to learn more about these cosmetic ingredients? Then keep on reading!
How to use this body yoghurt
Use this body yoghurt after a bath or shower, or apply whenever needed.
The great thing about this body yoghurt is how multifunctional it is. You can use it all over the body, including the face.
In fact, the whole family can use it, including little ones, as the formula doesn’t contain any essential oils.
Key ingredients
Here are the key ingredients I’ve used to make this summer body yoghurt, with coconut and berries taking the spotlight:
1. Coconut
INCI: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Milk Powder | Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice (and) Glycerin | Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract
Coconut is the hero ingredient of this formula. I’ve used coconut milk powder, coconut glycerite and coconut CO₂ extract – each offering its own unique benefits. Coconut is perfect for dry and sensitive skin, making it ideal for kids’ products. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, coconut has a pleasant aroma and is used for its moisturising and softening properties.
It is a soothing ingredient that can help improve skin hydration, strengthen the skin’s natural barrier function and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Curious to learn more about the skin barrier? Then check out this helpful post:
Skin barrier 101: Essential guide for natural cosmetic formulators
2. Raspberry
INCI: Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil |Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Extract
Raspberry is the other hero of this formula. I’ve used raspberry oil, which is an organic, cold-pressed and upcycled oil that smells fruity and sweet. Since its iodine value is between 160-195, it’s heat sensitive, meaning you should add it to your cool-down phase.
According to my supplier, it has smoothing, rejuvenating and anti-inflammatory properties. It is said to help restore softness, elasticity and moisture to the skin thanks to its ability to create a natural lipid barrier and retain moisture in the skin. Curious to learn more about upcycled oils? Then you’ll enjoy these free resources:
Podcast 182: Upcycling – the infinite loop of beauty
Podcast 199: Upcycling and zero-waste with Thomas Kerfoot
Podcast 211: Revolutionising beauty with Upcycled Ingredients
You can also check out our Mini Lab on upcycled ingredients, available to you as part of your Lab membership!
I’ve also used raspberry CO₂ extract, which, according to the supplier, helps support the cell membrane function, keep moisture in the skin and maintain the skin’s elasticity. It has the highest concentration of natural gamma-tocopherol in its free natural form, making it the optimal component to protect the skin from free radicals.
3. Bisabolol
INCI: Bisabolol
Bisabolol is another standout ingredient in this formula, known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. Derived from German chamomile, this active plant extract helps calm irritation, improve the condition of dehydrated skin, and restore the skin’s natural hydrolipid mantle.
This active leaves the skin feeling velvety smooth and is especially beneficial for dry, flaky, or sensitive skin. It also supports elasticity and helps reduce signs of dryness.
Want to learn more about the wonders of chamomile and bisabolol? Then check out this post:
Other ingredients
For the functional ingredients, I chose Montanov 202, a natural emulsifier that works beautifully for oily and combination skin. Emulsions made with Montanov 202 are light, non-greasy, and won’t clog pores, which makes this emulsifier ideal for summer use or anyone with oily skin.
Another key feature of this formulation is its high level of emollients: I used only 2% oils, but a full 20% emollients. This helps the cream penetrate better and will leave a pleasant skin feel.
How to make a coconut & berry body yoghurt
- Makes: 200g
- Formulation type: O/W emulsion, hot process
- Level: Intermediate
| Phase | Ingredients | INCI | Weight (g) |
| A | Squalane | Squalane | 10.00 |
| A | Fractionated coconut oil | Caprylic / Capric Triglycerides | 30.00 |
| A | Montanov 202 | Arachidyl Alcohol (and) Behenyl Alcohol (and) Arachidyl Glucoside | 6.00 |
| A | Cetyl alcohol | Cetyl Alcohol | 2.00 |
| B | Strawberry hydrosol | Fragaria Chiloensis (Strawberry) Fruit Water | 110.6 |
| B | Solagum™ AX | Acacia Senegal Gum (and) Xanthan Gum | 1.00 |
| B | Glycerine | Glycerin | 4.00 |
| C | Strawberry hydrosol | Fragaria Chiloensis (Strawberry) Fruit Water | 12.00 |
| C | Coconut milk powder | Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Milk Powder | 6.00 |
| D | Raspberry oil | Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil | 4.00 |
| D | Coconut glycerite | Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice (and) Glycerin | 4.00 |
| D | Coconut CO₂ extract | Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract | 1.00 |
| D | Raspberry CO₂ extract | Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Extract | 1.00 |
| D | Panthenol | Panthenol | 2.00 |
| D | Vitamin E | Tocopherol | 2.00 |
| D | Bisabolol | Bisabolol | 2.00 |
| D | Nipaguard SCE | Sorbitan Caprylate (and) Propanediol (and) Benzoic Acid | 2.00 |
| D | dermofeel® PA-3 | Sodium Phytate (and) Aqua (and) Alcohol | 0.40 |
| Total: 200.00 |
Equipment:
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): Nitrile gloves, medical-grade face mask, disposable head cover and lab coat (or apron)
- Jewellery scales (0.01g precision)
- Glass beakers, glass pipettes/stainless steel spoon/stainless steel spatula/silicone spatula
- Water bath
- Thermometer (-50°С – +300°С)
- Misceo Homogeniser 250 P (rotor stator)
- pH meter – I used the Horiba LAQUAtwin pH-22
- Distilled water to clean the pH meter
- Packaging: Airless pump bottle or glass jars
I washed the beakers, spoons, spatulas and containers with hot soapy water and sanitised them with 70% ethanol.
Formulation method:
Below are the 8 steps to make this emulsion:
- Step 1: Weigh your phase A ingredients (oil phase)
After you have cleaned and sanitised your equipment and workspace, weigh the squalane, fractionated coconut oil, Montanov 202 and cetyl alcohol in a glass beaker.
- Step 2: Weigh your phase B ingredients (water phase)
In a separate beaker, weigh your strawberry hydrosol, Solagum™ AX and glycerine. Mix using a spoon or spatula. A few minutes later, this will transform into a light gel. Solagum™ AX is an “advanced” type of gum that works even in cold water without forming any clumps, so there is no need to make a gum-glycerine blend before adding it to water.
- Step 3: Weigh and combine your phase C ingredients
In another small beaker (or petri dish in my case), weigh the coconut milk powder and add the strawberry hydrosol. Mix well to fully dissolve the powder in the hydrosol.
- Step 4: Heat both phases to 85°C, add the oil phase to the water phase and homogenise
Heat both phases to 85°C in a water bath. Slowly pour the beaker with the oil blend and emulsifier (oil phase) into the light gel with the hydrosol, gum and glycerine (water phase) and mix to combine both phases together. Now it is time to mix under high shear.
I used Misceo 250 P to homogenise the emulsion, as hand blending is not enough for Montanov 202. 1-2 minutes of short bursts on speed 1 should be enough. Do not overblend and avoid making bubbles (it’s very easy to do this if the batch is small).
- Step 5: Mix the emulsion manually
Once the emulsion is homogenised, stop using a high shear and continue to mix manually. Avoid sudden cooling, as it is not recommended for emulsions with Montanov 202 to use a cold-water bath to speed up the cooling process.
Do not use high shear mixing during the cool-down phase to avoid breaking the liquid crystal structure – slow cooling with gentle stirring is key to a successful product.
- Step 6: Add phase C to your emulsion
Once the emulsion is below 50°C, add your phase C ingredients (the blend of coconut milk powder and hydrosol) and stir gently. Once the emulsion cools down below 40°C, add your other heat-sensitive ingredients (except the preservative, Nipaguard SCE) one by one, mixing well after each addition.
- Step 7: Measure and adjust the pH and add the preservative
Check the pH of the emulsion and adjust if needed. Add the preservative and check the pH again. The working pH for Nipaguard SCE is 4-8, but it works best if the pH is 4-6.5. I would recommend adjusting your pH until it’s 5-5.5.
- Step 8: Package & label
Finally, package your formulation and label it accordingly. This light, spreadable, emulsion is ideal for airless pump bottles. And that’s it!
Formulation notes & tips:
This emulsion is very spreadable, light and not greasy. Perfect for summer!
As for the formulation process, it’s pretty easy if you have basic formulation knowledge. The important thing with this formulation is to use a high shear to reduce particle sizes and form a liquid crystal structure.
If you’re interested to learn more about lamellar emulsions, then check out our exclusive membership site for formulators, the Lab at Formula Botanica, where you’ll have access to in-depth mini courses like the one on lamellar emulsions.
If you don’t have a homogeniser yet, no worries – you can use an emulsifier that doesn’t need “professional” equipment. Olivem 1000 at 3% is a great alternative, though keep in mind the final texture will be a bit thicker and the skin feel slightly different.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you could increase Montanov 202 up to 4%, and try 2% cetyl alcohol. Alternatively, you can substitute Montanov 202 with Montanov 68 or experiment with a blend of Montanov 202 and Montanov 68 to customise the texture to your liking.
Below are two helpful posts on how to formulate with these natural emulsifiers, to get you started:
How to make an emulsion with Vegetal
How to make a natural emulsion with Montanov 202 (Palm oil-free emulsifier)
Final words
I hope you enjoyed this post and feel inspired to make this body yoghurt! It’s a beautiful formulation, and I’m confident you’ll love it.
Don’t forget to share your experience: leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out and what you’d like to see next. I’d also love to see your creations! Take a photo of your body yoghurt and tag us in the Formula Botanica online classroom or on Instagram using the hashtag #FormulaBotanica.
New to formulation? Start your journey with Formula Botanica’s free training course and discover the art and science of making your own natural skincare. When you’re ready to dive deeper, check out the Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation to become a certified organic skincare formulator.
Already an experienced formulator? Take your skills to the next level with our Advanced Diploma in Organic Cosmetic Science and start creating high-performance formulations that stand out. I’ll see you in the next post!
FAQ
- What is a body yoghurt?
A body yoghurt is a lightweight oil-in-water emulsion designed to moisturise the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
As its name suggests, it has a soft, creamy, yoghurt-like texture that absorbs quickly, making it ideal for hot or humid climates. It’s especially lovely in summer when heavier creams or butters can feel too rich.
- What does this coconut & berry yoghurt feel and smell like?
It feels and smells heavenly! It’s lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin, without leaving a greasy feel. The raspberry oil gives the lotion a very pleasant, slightly sweet and fruity aroma, so you don’t need to add any extra essential oils or fragrance!
- How do I use this formulation?
You can either use this formulation on the face or body, after a shower or bath, or whenever needed! This yoghurt is particularly great during summer, but you can use it all year round. I tested it during the cold winter months, and the result was also great.
- Who is this body yoghurt for?
It’s for the whole family! Everyone can use it, including pregnant women and breastfeeding moms, and children, as it doesn’t contain essential oils. I even used it on my 1.5-year-old baby boy, with great results.
- Can I customise this body yoghurt?
Yes, you can absolutely customise this body yoghurt! You could try using a different emulsifier like Montanov 68 for a thicker, richer texture, for example, or increase Montanov 202 from 3% to 4-5% for added creaminess.
If you have a different broad-spectrum preservative, feel free to use it, and you can also skip the chelator if you don’t have it.
While coconut ingredients are the stars here and key to the formulation’s sensory and skin benefits, you can still achieve great results by including just one type if that’s all you have. I also highly recommend using cold-pressed raspberry seed oil for its exceptional properties and beautiful scent. Other than that, the sky is the limit!
Suggested suppliers
I sourced all of my ingredients from trusted suppliers here in Ukraine, primarily Zulfiya and Beurre. I made sure that the star ingredients, especially the coconut-derived ones, were cosmetic grade and suitable for safe skincare use. Each component was carefully researched and easy to purchase locally.
If you’re based elsewhere in the world, no worries! Here’s a list of recommended global suppliers from Formula Botanica to help you find high-quality natural ingredients wherever you are:
INKY Ingredients (UK)
Aroma-Zone (EU)
Aromantic (UK)
Alexmo Cosmetics (EU)
Manske (EU)
The Soap Kitchen (UK)
Ellemental (EU)
Lotioncrafter (USA)
Essential Labs (USA)
Go Native NZ (New Zealand)
Naturally Balmy (UK)
O&3 – The Oil Family (UK/EU)
Soap & More (Canada)
Handymade (EU)
Formulator Sample Shop (USA)
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Viktoriia Slyvka is a Grading Tutor at Formula Botanica and a Formula Botanica graduate. She is a big fan of the distillation process and her favourite formulations are oil-in-water emulsions.
