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

Beeswax Lotion,

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