Women are increasingly aware that skin care products might do more harm than good. They often contain harsh chemicals that dry out the skin, fragrances that irritate--and even ingredients whose safety has yet to be determined. Making your own skin care products is a wise alternative. This particular recipe is simple and produces about 3.5 oz. of cream.
Heating the ingredients
Step 1
Measure the 30 grams of almond oil and 10 grams of bees wax in a clean, heat-proof measuring cup.
Step 2
Measure the 60 grams of liquid and pour into the other pot together with the 1/4 teaspoon of borax.
Step 3
Heat the oil and wax gently in the double boiler over medium heat until the ingredients are liquefied. Do not boil.
Step 4
Heat the water with the borax gently while the oil and wax are melting in the double boiler.
Step 5
Measure the heat of both liquids. It should be 150 degrees Fahrenheit in both pots.
Step 6
Remove both the oil and the water pots from the heat.
Mixing the ingredients
Step 1
Mix the oil and wax on medium speed with your small hand-held mixer.
Step 2
Add the 60 g of water gradually to the oil while mixing. The mixture will quickly thicken and become lighter. The amount of time you mix will determine the thickness, a minimum of 30 seconds for creams and up to 20 minutes for thinner lotions.
Stop mixing, wait 1 minute.
Step 3
Scrape the sides of the container with the spatula to integrate all the ingredients properly.
Step 4
Add the 5 to 10 drops of essential oil once the consistency is to your liking. Rose, for example, is very gentle and not at all over-powering, while the Neroli scent is intense. Use the amount of drops accordingly.
Step 5
Mix now at low speed to incorporate the essential oil.
Filling the jar
Step 1
Transfer your cream into the jar, tapping the bottom lightly to force out any air bubbles. You should have a jar ready that accommodates 3.5 ounces.
Step 2
Swirl and smooth the top of the cream with a clean tooth pick.
Step 3
Allow the cream to cool completely before closing the lid. Keep in mind that if the cream sits uncovered for too long a thin coat will form on the surface.
Tips and Warnings
- Use utensils that are scrupulously clean and sterilized. If you will continue making your own skin care products you might want to invest in a separate set of utensils just for this purpose. While the raw materials can be safely ordered over the Internet, any essential oils should be purchased locally, unless you are familiar with the scent you are about to order.
- Since your creams do not contain preservatives, you should avoid using your fingers to take cream out of the pot. Use a cotton swab, plastic spoon, tongue depressor or something else disposable of that nature to retrieve the cream, and do not dip it back into the pot for more. This way avoid introducing bacteria that could severely shorten the shelf life of your product.
Things You'll Need
- Kitchen scale
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- Double boiler
- Pot
- Small electric hand-held mixer
- Measuring spoons
- 2 Measuring cups
- Candy thermometer
- Toothpick
- Containers with screw tops
- 30 grams sweet almond oil
- 10 grams beeswax
- 60 grams distilled water
- 1/4 teaspoon borax
- 5 to 10 drops of an essential oil of your choice (optional)
References
- Making Aromatherapy Creams and Lotions, Donna Maria Coles Johnson, 2000
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