Store-bought skin cream can get expensive, especially if you have very dry skin that needs lots of moisturizer. Many commercial skin creams are chock full of artificial preservatives, colors, fragrances and other harsh ingredients that might irritate sensitive skin. You can make your own homemade skin cream with a few simple ingredients found in craft supply stores, natural foods stores or your own pantry.
Water
One of the most basic ingredients in natural skin creams and lotions is water. Water helps hydrate the skin and thins out the cream so that it is smooth and spreadable. Since the water will be absorbed by your skin and will enter into your body, use filtered or distilled water. Some skin cream recipes use an herbal tea infusion in place of water.
Oil
Oil moisturizes the skin and, like water, also thins out the skin cream. Almond oil and jojoba oil are particularly nourishing, although you may also use olive oil or canola oil. Avoid oils that quickly turn rancid at room temperature, such as flax oil.
Beeswax
Beeswax has a subtle, honey-like fragrance and is used to thickens natural skin cream and helps lock moisture into the skin. It also works as an emulsifier to bind together water and oil. Beeswax can be found in craft supply stores or some natural food stores, and it comes in either a solid brick or in small beads. The beeswax must be melted to be used in a homemade skin cream or lotion, and the beads melt a lot quicker and are easier to work with. However, they are also more expensive. Beeswax bricks are cheaper and may be grated with an old cheese grater.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E acts as a natural preservative for homemade lotions and skin creams. You can either prick Vitamin E capsules with a pin and squeeze them out, or you can purchase Vitamin E in liquid form in some natural food stores or pharmacies. Creams made without Vitamin E will only keep for a few weeks before the oil starts to go rancid, while creams made with Vitamin E will keep for many months.
Herbs
Many herbs have powerful healing capabilities and can be incorporated into homemade natural skin cream. Lavender and comfrey moisturize dry skin, while chamomile, calendula and St. John's wort help sooth irritated or inflamed skin. You can use whole, dried herbs, herbal infusions or essential oils. Always research an individual herb before using it in a skin cream. Just because herbs are natural doesn't mean they are all gentle and safe. Some herbs may cause an allergic reaction or may make you ill if used externally or internally.
Other Ingredients
Coconut oil, cocoa butter and lanolin all add additional moisturizing qualities to skin creams. Aloe vera gel has healing properties and is used to thin lotions and creams. Borax is sometimes used in skin creams for eczema or other skin problems.
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