Creamy Hand Cream
1/4 c. mineral oil **
1/4 c. stearine flakes (used in candle making, I get mine at Michael's)
Put these in a heatproof glass mixing bowl and heat in a pan with water brought to a boil, then lower flame to a simmer. When the liquid is completely clear, remove from water bath. Then mix:
1 c. distilled water
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 T glycerine
In a measuring cup with a fork or a whisk. Heat this mixture in the microwave for a minute to a minute and a half - don't bring to a boil.

Slowly pour the water mixture into the oil mixture, whisking merrily. Have your trusty stick blender OR regular 'mixer' at the ready. After the solution foams up and doubles in volume, mix it with one of the above on HIGH for about two minutes. (I have found this is critical - don't stop mixing too early or the cream will separate later into water and solids). You will thrill at the sight of your cream turning into a wonderful, shiny fluffy cloud - the consistency of 'marshmallow creme'. When thoroughly mixed, set bowl aside, cover and allow to cool. I prefer not to refrigerate as the temperature extremes tend to make your results vary. If desired, when cool stir in a little FO or EO. My most favorite are 'honey almond' FO (smells just like Jergens!) or 'Orange Blossom' FO (Sweetcakes) or Lavender EO. Spoon into jars which have been heat sterilized. This wonderful cream leaves your skin feeling velvety, moisturized, but NOT greasy. (Warning: If you notice a 'watery' texture after rubbing into your skin, you probably didn't blend it long enough - but you can reheat the whole mixture in a water bath and mix again! This has worked for me).
Yield: 12 oz.
From 'Natural Beauty at Home' by Janice Cox
Cathy Loper 11/17/98



Whipped Creme
This is a very light cream good for all body areas.....its especially nice scented cucumber and tinted very pale green.
14 oz. Distilled Water
4 oz. Oil ( your choice ) I used Almond
1.5 oz. Emulsifying Wax
1.2 oz. Stearic Acid
.8 oz Emulsifying Wax
.2 oz Germaben II
.1 oz. Fragrance Oil / Essential Oil
2 Drops Color

All items used to make cream should be sterilized

Combine over double boiler water and Citric Acid heat till it's totally melted, then add all ingredients except fragrance, color, and Germaben II. When the mixture turns creamy color our into a blender and whip off and on till it cools ( this can take quite a while ). I usually whip it for 5 minutes let it cool 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and whip some more.

You don't want it to get so cool that you cant pour it, this will thicken in jars as it cools more.

Makes approximately 20 ounces of cream. I hope you enjoy this as much as my family and I do.
China 3/22/99



Creme' de La' Creme!
This is not your typical procedure, but hey, it worked great! :)
Group 1 Ingredients:
3/4 cup Fractionated Coconut oil. You can choose any other liquid oil of choice (grapeseed, apricot, almond, etc..)
1/3 cup Coconut oil
1 tsp Cocoa Butter
1/2 oz Beeswax
Group 2 Ingredients:
1/3 cup Aloe Vera Gel
1/3 cup Witch Hazel
1/3 cup Distilled Water
Instructions:
Melt group 1 ingredients over low heat in a double boiler. Heat the ingredients just enough to melt them.
Pour mixture into a glass measuring cup and let cool to room temperature.
Oils should become thick, creamy, semisolid, and cream-colored.
Place Group 2 ingredients (also room temperature) into a blender.
Turn blender on highest speed. In a slow, thin drizzle, pour group 1 oil mixture into the blender.
When most of the oil mixture has been added to the water mixture, listen to the blender, when the blender "coughs" and the cream looks thick, turn the blender off, do not overbeat! If there is still a little liquid left, handbeat it in. It will continue to thicken a bit as it sets up.
End of recipe
I chose not to use a preservative in this as I was just messing around. But If I were to, I would place either vit E, or GSE into the oil mixture when melting. Also, add your own (eo's-fo's) to the finished creme.
Kathy, The Petal Pusher

Creme' de La' Creme! variation
Substitute:
Almond milk for the water.
Almond oil for the fractionated coconut oil.
Add a good sized chunk of shea butter in place of the cocoa butter.
Scent it with almond fo.
I like this lotion, although it takes a while for the oiliness to go away after I rubbed it into my hands. I am thinking it would be great after a shower.
Susan Hancock




Lorena's Adventure Cream
My first adventure into cream making.
1 oz. Lanette Wax
60 ml.of oil(s) of your choice (I used 20 ml. of olive oil infused with calendula; 20 ml. jojoba; 20 ml. almond)
50 ml. rosewater
300 ml. distilled water
5 ml. Vit. E
3 ml. grapefruit seed extract
5 drops myrrh eo
5 drops lavender eo (or whatever eo you prefer)
5 drops benzoin resinoid

Melt the wax and all the oils except the vit. E on the top of a double boiler. In a separate pot, heat the rosewater and distilled water until just before they boil. When wax and oils completely melted, slowly add the waters to the fats, stirring the whole time. Remove from heat and keep stirring until completely cool. Add the remainder of the ingredients and enjoy.
Lorena Beccari 9/2/98



Cuticle Creams
This recipe yields approximately 3 ounces of cream.
1 oz. coconut oil
.5 oz. water
.4 oz. hazelnut oil
.2 oz. vegetable glycerin
.3 oz. jojoba oil
1/2 tsp. borax
.4 oz stearic acid
.2 oz. beeswax
8 g. emulsifying wax
.3 oz. shea butter
4 g. squalene
6 g. cocoa butter

OPTIONAL AROMATICS (all good for healthy skin & nail bed; use no more than 30 drops for the entire recipe) lemon peel essential oil frankincense CO2 myrrh CO2

Combine together until cream forms. Pour into jars. Allow to cool. Enjoy!!
Donna Maria Aromatics 9/3/98



Herbal Creams
The first step in making most herbal creams is to make an herbal oil. The following recipe is for dried herbs. See my note at the end of the oil recipe if you wish to use fresh calendula.
Calendula Oil
Part used: flower
2-3 oz dried herb
1 cup olive oil
(The basic here is enough oil to barely cover your quantity of herbs--fresh or dry)

Put the dried herb into a pyrex, ceramic or stainless steel double boiler (do not use reactive metals such as iron or aluminum) and cover with olive oil. Very gently, heat the oil and herbs for 1 to 2 hours, keeping temperature well below boiling, about 100--150 degrees. Stir often. Heat until herbs feel "crispy" and done (a somewhat intuitive measure, I admit--just use the clock if this is not your style). Strain the oil through a clean cloth into an appropriate container. I prefer using oils to creams and at this point funnel the oil into a bottle with a pour spout for easy use. Always label your products with a complete list of ingredients and date.

Note on using fresh herbs: Fresh herbs contain water which can shorten the shelf life of your oil (usually 1-3 years) to a few weeks. If your fresh herb oil will not be used up quickly, the water can be removed by allowing the oil to stand for two weeks without agitation. The oil will then have separated from the water and can be siphoned or poured off into a new, clean container for storage--preferably in a cool, dark place.

Henriette Kress

http://www.luxurylane.com/thelibrary/recipefiles/cream.htm



Marshmallow Moisturizer

A lotion to moisturize and soften the skin and to help soothe minor irritations. IF the lotion is kept in the refrigerator, it will last for up to 5 days. Place 3 tablespoons of dried marshmallow root or leaves in a bowl, and cover with a generous cup of distilled water. Leave to infuse overnight, then strain into a glass jar with a stopper or screw-top.Apply to the skin morning and evening after normal cleansing. Adding the lotion to a little plain cold cream will make a rich and creamy moisturizer.



Unscented Moisture Cream
Ideal for applying before going outdoors, this simple, fragrance-free cream can be used by both men and women.
Makes about 2/3 cup

2 tbsp carnauba wax
1 tbsp white beeswax
1/2 cup almond oil
Melt the waxes and oil in a double boiler over low heat and stir. Take off the heat, pour the cream in a pot, or leave to set.



Lemon Moisturizer
1 beaten egg yolk
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
Combine egg yolk and lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir with a wire whisk while adding both oils until the mixture thickens. If it's too thick, add more lemon juice.


Makeup Remover and Moisturizer
1/2 cup paraffin
1 cup mineral oil
1/2 cup water
2 tbsp alum
Slowly heat paraffin with the oil in a double boiler. In a separate saucepan, heat the water until it simmers, then dissolve the alum in it. Let cool, then add to the warm mineral oil and paraffin mixture. As everything cools, the paraffin will rise to the top. Drain off the water. The residue is your makeup remover.


Peppermint Lotion
Relieves itching.
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
3-4 drops peppermint oil
Oil of eucalyputs or cade can be used in place of peppermint, if you prefer. Pour the water and alcohol into a bottle, then add the oil. Cap and shake well. Apply to your skin with a clean cloth.


Rosewater Skin Lotion
Rejuvinates and smooths your skin.
1 tbsp Rose water
3 tbsp rose soluble
2 cups water
2 tbsp glycerin
2 capsules vitamin E (800 IU's)
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp olive oil
Break open capsules to remove vitamin E and combine with other ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well. To use, apply to your skin with cotton balls. Refrigerate between uses.


Strawberry Skin Moisturizer 1 tbsp each: olive, coconut and vegetable oils
2 tbsp mashed strawberries
(Optional) 1-2 drops Vitamin E oil
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Store in the refrigerator in a covered jar between uses.


Almond Oil Wrinkle Cream
A rich moisturizer that boosts the water-holding capacity of your skin and helps plump out wrinkled areas.
1 tbsp of an infusion of comfrey leaves OR
1 tbsp of a decoction of comfrey roots
1 tbsp lanolin
2 tsp sweet almond oil
2 tsp water
2 tsp cod liver oil
Melt lanolin and almond oil in a double boiler. Add water and allow to cool. Mix in cod liver oil and comfrey. Apply gently to face and rinse off after 5-10 minutes.


ROSE SCENTED MOISTURE CREAM
Makes about 3/4 cup

1/2 cup rosewater
1/2 tsp. glycerine
2 tablespoons witch hazel
1/4 tsp. borax
2 tbsp. emulsifying wax or white beeswax
1 tsp. lanolin
2 tbsp. almond oil
2 drops rose oil

Gently heat the rosewater, glycerine, witch hazel and borax in a saucepan until the borax has dissolved. In a double boiler, melt the wax, lanolin and almond oil over a gentle heat. Slowly add the rosewater mixture to the oil mixture, whisking as you do so. It will quickly turn milky and thicken. Take off the heat and continue to whisk as it cools and then add the rose oil. Pour into glass pots or jars.


Banana Chamomile Soother
1 Small Ripe Banana
2 T Strong Chamomile Tea
3 Cotton Balls

Mix banana and tea into smooth paste. Dip cotton ball in mixture and swab gently over blemishes. Take 2 or more fresh cotton balls and dip in mixture. Place over irritated areas. Lie down for 5 minutes. Rinse mask off with cool water.



Rose Moisturizing Cream
This moisturizer works best if you use it everyday. It is especially good for people with dry or sensitive skin.

Materials List
2 tablespoons rose water (see below for recipe)
1/2 cup almond oil
1/3 ounce beeswax, finely chopped
2 tablespoons lanolin
1 vitamin E capsule, 400 IU
4 drops geranium essential oil
2 drops red food coloring (optional)
nonreactive saucepan
wooden spoon
6 - 1 ounce jars or 3 - 2 ounce jars or 1 - 6 ounce jar (The jars can be fancy or plain but all of them should have tight fitting lids.
Instructions
1. Sterilize jars in boiling water for 10 minutes at altitudes of 1,000 feet above sea level or less. Add 1 minute for each 1,000 feet above this.
2. Warm the rose water in the saucepan.
3. Warm the almond oil in a double broiler. You can make a double broiler if you don't have one by placing a small saucepan in a larger saucepan. Fill the large saucepan with water without running over once you add the smaller saucepan.
4. Add the beeswax (the finer it is chopped, the quicker it will melt)
5. Add the lanolin to this mixture as well, combining and mixing all well.
6. Remove almond oil, beeswax, lanolin mixture from the heat.
7. Add the rose water, drop by drop and beat the mixture until all the rose water is added, and the mixture is smooth and cool.
8. Add the contents of the vitamin E capsule, the geranium oil and the food coloring (if you want to add the coloring) and mix into mixture until it is well blended.
9. Spoon the mixture into jars and seal.
10. Store in a cool, dark place.
11. Add a note with this gift that lists the ingredients and the best way to use this product.

Tip: If your skin is oily, you might add a few drops of lemon juice to your mixture when you add the geranium oil.

This is best applied with light gentle strokes. Place a dollop on your fingers and gently apply to face moving fingers in a circular motion. Do not pull or stretch the skin. You fingers should glide over your face. After 15 - 20 minutes, remove the excess moisturizing cream with a cotton ball. Dab it off; don't rub it off your face.


Rose Water Recipe:
Steep Rose petals in boiling water for 20 minutes up to an hour and let cool. Strain out petals. The more roses you use and the longer you let it steep, the stronger your rose water will be. The sooner you use the mixture, the stronger the scent will be as well. Preparing a day in advance works well. Use approximately 1 ounce of dried rose petals per pint of water. Use dried materials instead of fresh. Fresh rose petals contain a lot of water and thus are less potent.

Tips:
Use glass, ceramic, pottery or an enameled pot to make your rose water. Use pure spring water only. Completely boil your water before you add your rose petals. Cover the pot tightly. You don't want those oils escaping into the air; you want them in your water.



Gardener's Hand Cream
An ultra-moisturizing, ultra-softening hand cream.
1 T. beeswax
1 T. lanolin
1 T. cocoa butter
3/4 fl.oz. calendula oil
1 t. glycerine
Large pinch borax
2 T. elderflower infusion
5 drops melissa essential oil.
In double boiler, slowly melt the beeswax and stir in lanolin and cocoa butter. Add calendula oil and glycerine to the beeswax mixture. Dissolve borax in elderflower infusion, and add to heating mixture. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens. It will thicken as it cools. Add the melissa oil and stir well. Spoon into decorative jars.