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Wednesday, September 19, 2012

beeswax lotion



I made moisturizer for the first time back in June.
Although it left my skin soft and silky,
I had a constant battle with it separating.
Then, to make matters worse, I noticed
that the portion that I had stored in the fridge
was 'growing' something...so I tossed it.
Not ready to give up, I found a simple recipe at a sonoma garden for
and there was no water involved, so no separation issues!
I believe the lack of water also helps lengthen
shelf life {?}.
Playing it safe, I only made a half recipe.
Here's what I used:

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup coconut oil
24 grams solid beeswax, grated ***I used a bit
less than 1 oz so I would have more of a lotion consistency***
1/4 tsp Vitamin E oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil
15 drops tangerine essential oil
1 1/2 tsp cornstarch

First, all utensils and containers were sterilized in boiling water.  I put the oils and the grated beeswax in a pint canning jar and placed the jar in a hot water bath on the stove.  Stirred mixture until the beeswax was melted, then removed jar from the hot water.  As it cooled, I blended it with a stick blender until thickened and creamy.  I then added the essential oils and cornstarch.  The cornstarch helps reduce greatly that oily sheen when the lotion is applied--I've found any oiliness disappears within a very short time, leaving soft and silky skin.

It's been a few weeks, and the lotion is holding up great--no separation problems at all--I think this one's a keeper!

Deb

17 comments:

  1. Anonymous4:32 PM

    That's really great. I've never heard of vitamin E oil before. Do you mind sharing where it can be purchased from?

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    1. Sarah,
      The vitamin E oil I used came from my local Feel-Rite health food store; the brand name is JASON.
      Hope this helps...Deb

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  2. I love making homemade lotion, but didn't know the tip about the corn starch, thank you, my next batch will have it!
    I love using yang-yang in my lotion, but will have to try the tangerine -peppermint, it sounds nice.

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    Replies
    1. The tangerine/peppermint mix is nice---hope you like it!...Deb

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  3. I made your lemon blueberry scones the other day...great success!

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    1. Glad you liked the scones, Joyce--they're one of my favorites!...Deb

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  4. I suppose the one made previously with water could possibly have had organisms in the water that 'grew'. I know when I found instructions for refilling foaming handwash containers by combining water and Dr. Bronner's pure castille soap, the instructions said to boil the water and let it cool down before mixing.

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    Replies
    1. Kath, I'm sure you're right about the water. I think I used distilled...Deb

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  5. I've always wanted to try that and maybe now I will. Did you have to refrigerate the second recipe? I'm going to try your washcloth pattern too. Thank you so much!

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    Replies
    1. No, I have not refrigerated the second recipe and so far, so good....Deb

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  6. I am often making home remedies, creams, soaps and other consumables. I get all excited and pretend to myself that I will do this forever, then I get all busy and the game is over, I reverta back to store bought. I will try this lotion.

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    Replies
    1. Ah, I know what you mean! I really need to do some soapmaking soon, but have not found time lately to fit it in...oh, and toothpaste as well. I've had to revert to store bought the last couple days :)
      Deb

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  7. I made the same Sonoma Garden lotion a few weeks back and love it, too! I divided it up into 4oz canning jars, so I could put them around the house. Great idea with the cornstarch, and LOVE the scent combination, I'll have to try that next time.

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  8. I make a similar beeswax cream that I love. I've not heard of the cornstarch addition, but I may try it next time. Thank you!

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  9. Thank you for this timeless recipe. Your tips and comments are really helpful too. (I am now in the mood to start making holiday gifts, and this looks like a winner!)

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  10. I have some leftover beeswax from making wood butter. I know what I'm doing tomorrow.

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  11. Aloha Deb,
    Thanks for sharing your lotion recipe with us! I will make time to try this recipe one day.
    hugs,
    Wayna (aka CreativeGrammie)

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Thank you for taking time to leave a comment--I love reading each and every one! I will try to answer any questions you have in the comment section. Due to the amount of spam, I am sadly no longer able to accept Anonymous comments....Kindly, Deb