Body and Face Creams

Before making a body or face cream, read the post on how to make an herbal-oil, choosing your oil and beeswax to work with. 

Creams are emulsions between an aqueous phase (water) and an oily phase (oil). Beeswax allows the emulsion and stabilization of the cream. The cream penetrates more easily into the skin and will therefore hydrate and nourish it more deeply.

Ingredients

• 50 ml herbal-infused oil
• 50 ml water (or floral water like rose water or infusion)
• 6 g of beeswax

Method

1. Melt the beeswax in a double boiler.
2. Add the oil once the beeswax has melted, and mix well.
3. Gradually add water while whisking quickly and without stopping to obtain a homogenous liquid mix.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and keep whisking until an emulsion should form.
5. When the emulsion has ended, place the cream in a sterilized glass jar.
6. Close, label and date.

Shelf life: Unlike salves, creams expire faster since they contain 50% water. Bacteria and fermentations tend to develop in water (aqueous part). Keep up to 6 weeks in the refrigerator, or 4 weeks at room temperature.

→ I like to add some drops of neroli or lavender essential oil, but I don't add any preservatives. Preservatives exist so you do not need to keep your cream in the fridge, but I do not use them because I prefer to make them that are easy to find and have in the kitchen.

→ I use this cream recipe for the face and the body. I like to make 2dl of it each time I make it so 1 dl herbal oil, for 1 dl water, and 12g of beeswax. 2dl lasts a month for me. I apply the cream every morning and evening and the face and over the body after a warm shower.