Aloe vera gel, derived from the center of the aloe leaf, is a common home remedy for burns, and a popular additive in cosmetics such as lotions and moisturizers. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, aloe gel contains compounds that decrease pain and inflammation, and promote skin repair. Lotion made with aloe gel provides soothing relief to the skin after a long day in the sun, and also softens, firms and tones. This recipe yields approximately 2 cups of aloe lotion suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive.
Step 1
Place coconut oil and beeswax in a glass measuring cup, and place inside a small saucepan. Fill the pan with enough water to come about halfway up the sides of the cup.
Step 2
Place the pan over medium-low heat, and bring the water to a gentle boil. Continue to boil until the beeswax melts.
Step 3
Stir in the almond oil, and continue boiling until heated through. This usually takes about five minutes, but check the mixture before proceeding. Cold oil will prevent the lotion from emulsifying.
Step 4
Place the aloe vera gel, lanolin and vitamin E oil in a blender or food processor while the beeswax mixture is warming. Process on low speed for about 30 seconds to blend ingredients.
Step 5
Remove the measuring cup from the pan of water and turn the blender on low speed again. Pour the warm oil and wax mixture into the blender in a slow, steady stream.
Step 6
Turn off the blender when the lotion becomes thick and white, and the blender's blades begin to sputter. You should have a creamy, mayonnaise-like consistency.
Step 7
Add essential oils and use the blender's pulse setting to gently incorporate into the lotion. Use essential oils that complement your skin type for the best results. Try lavender or rose for normal skin, lemon or orange for dry skin, and rosewood or cedarwood for oily skin.
Step 8
Transfer the aloe lotion to glass or plastic storage jars immediately. The cream will thicken even more as it cools. Store in a cool, dark place. Use within 30 days for the best results, or refrigerate and use within three months.
Tips and Warnings
- Use the aloe lotion on your face or body, as desired. It also makes a cooling treatment for sunburned skin. For best results, purchase only 100 percent pure aloe gel with no additives for use in your natural lotions and cosmetics, or harvest the gel directly from your own plant. Break the leaves off the plant, cut lengthwise, and simply scoop out the gel.
Things You'll Need
- 1/3 cup Coconut oil
- 4 tsp. Grated beeswax
- Glass measuring cup
- Small saucepan
- 3/4 cup Almond oil
- 1 cup Aloe vera gel
- 1 tsp Lanolin
- 1 tsp Vitamin E oil
- Blender or food processor
- 1 1/2 tsp Essential oil of choice
- Glass or plastic storage jars
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Aloe
- "Natural Beauty at Home"; Janice Cox; 2002
- "Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2008
