Silky cream
Lotion and cream recipes are fun with sometimes satisfying results. This recipe adapted from Rosemary Gladstar’s “Rosemary’s Perfect Cream” is easy with satisfying results. Fun and easy you’ll love the results.
While oil and water do not easily mix, this is a sure bet. Or is it? Read on. A few tricks and we have a beautiful cream/lotion with simple, natural ingredients.
There are 3 basic steps involved. The exact measurements aren’t important, but the steps are. The ingredients and steps are as follows:
1) Organic Oil mixture: (I used oils that I had on hand and wanted to try) Use oils that are organic & Unrefined.
Baobab Seed oil (Organic) - 1/4 cup
This oil is luscious and has a wonderful aroma. Baobab oil is highly penetrating, deeply nourishing and softens dry skin. It is known to restore and re-moisturize the epidermis. Baobab Seed oil is a cell re-generator and gives the skin tone and elasticity. It’s also very stable with a 4-5 yr shelf life. Perfect choice for my face cream.
Natal Mahogany Oil (Organic) - 1/4 Cup
Very nourishing, softens and smooths the skin. I love this new oil!
Rose-hip Seed oil (Organic) – 1/4 Cup
Helps to rejuvenate the skin and is great to soften wrinkles and scars.
Beeswax (Organic) – 1/2 Ounce
The more beeswax you add the thicker your product will be. It also has a lovely aroma for blending! I used 1/2 ounce as I live in a dry climate. If I lived in a more humid climate, I would use more.
Coconut oil (Organic) – 1/3 Cup
Moisturizing and serves as a protective layer to retain moisture in your skin. Coconut oil doesn’t clog pores and is very healing. It smells amazing. Make sure it is Virgin and unrefined for the wonderful benefits.
1) Melt oils over a very low heat with a double boiler. (I use a glass measuring cup in a pan of water) with the Coconut oil. Add the Baobab and Natal Mahogany oils after the coconut oil has melted and the beeswax is almost melted. Take off the heat and the remaining beeswax will melt. Start this step earlier in the day and let it cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally. 
After a couple of hours when the oils are completely cooled to room temperature, stir in 10-12 drops of your favorite essential oil. I added Lavender.
2) Pour the cooled oils into a strong blender and turn on high. Slowly add 1 cup of your favorite hydrosol making sure it is room temperature. Since I used Lavender essential oil, I used an Organic hydrosol called Victorian Blend. This is a co-distilled blend of Rose Geranium, Lavender and Lemon Verbena hydrosols. You can also use distilled water. Blend only until thick and the blender starts to lag. Stop at this point and don’t over blend.
What happens if you do? What happened to me is that the oils started to heat and went from a nice consistency to total liquid. I thought all was lost. I put the blender container with the mixture into the refrigerator and left it for a couple of hours. I once again, blended until creamy and stopped. It turned out beautiful!
3) Pour into glass jars, label and store the cream/lotion in a cool place until ready to use.
Most of the ingredients are found at Aromatics International.
The result is a beautiful, silky, skin cream that was so easy to make! Only organic natural ingredients used.
Aromatics International owner Karen Williams is a Certified Aromatherapist, RN and CFM. She supports organic farmers and essential oil distillers from around the world.
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you Karen for this recipe. It sounds so wonderful. I do want to make some. I have been looking for a natural product cream. Namaste Renee
Hi Renee, I use it every night and love the way it soaks in. The lotion doesn’t leave an oily feel on the skin. Lots of ways to modify the oils for different climates.
I am going to try this great recipe, we also have quite a dry weather. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Wonderful, Karen. Definitely going to try it. Not familiar with the Natal Mahogany Oil. I’ll look to AI for some. Thanks and always, be well.
Natal Mahogany is a fairly new oil that we carry. You may hear it called Mafura oil or Cape Mahogany. It is a beautiful oil that has many properties for the skin. I also take a very small amount and rub it on hair for extra shine.
Thank you for sharing. Sounds delightful.
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I have not used Mahogany oil either, and am intrigued.
I know you mentioned Baobab’s shelf life, any idea on the shelf life of the completed cream?
Hi KC,
The cream doesn’t have any preservatives added but the oils are all fairly stable. This particular recipe hasn’t been tested yet for shelf life. The Rosehip Seed oil has about a 1 year shelf life. You could also add Vitamin E oil for added stability. If the cream is kept in the refrigerator the shelf life would be 1-2 years. If kept on the shelf at room temperature, much less.
Hi Karen
Definitely have to try this! What other butter can I replace the coconut oil with and still make it non greasy and creamy?
Thanks
Rohini
Hi Rohini,
There are several alternatives to the coconut oil. You could use Marula or Kpangnan butter. They would be really nice in a face cream. It’s a matter of just trying different oils to come up with your favorite.
Thanks! How much does this make in ounces? I want to put it in baby food glass jars, which are 2.5 oz.
Thanks!
Hi Christina, This makes between 6-8 ounces.