Natural And Hand Cre Recipe

Sanitize all utensils, bowls, spatulas and storage jar(s) with hot soapy water, rinse and then wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Have a double boiler or two pots ready and a small kitchen scale or measuring spoons.

Combine oils, waxes, and butter

In a heatproof bowl, combine shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax pellets, emulsifying wax, sweet almond oil, and cetyl alcohol (if using). Place the bowl over a simmering pot of water (double boiler) and gently heat until everything is fully melted and homogeneous, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat once clear and fluid.

Warm water and aloe

In a separate heatproof container, combine distilled water and aloe vera gel. Warm gently in the double boiler or microwave until roughly the same temperature as the oil phase (about 60-70°C / 140-160°F).

Blend phases

Slowly pour the warmed water phase into the melted oil phase while using an immersion blender, stick blender, or high-speed hand blender. Blend for 1–2 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy. Continue to blend intermittently while the mixture cools to room temperature to maintain an even texture.

Cool to safe-add temperature

Once the cream has cooled to about 40°C (104°F) or below, add the glycerin, Vitamin E oil, essential oils (start with 10 drops total and adjust to preference), optional calendula tincture or hydrosol, and the broad-spectrum preservative. Mix thoroughly with the spatula or brief pulses with the immersion blender to incorporate evenly.

Check the texture and fragrance. If the cream is too thick, whisk in up to 1 tsp additional distilled water (warmed) while blending; if too thin, remelt a small amount of emulsifying wax dissolved in a little oil and incorporate. Transfer the finished hand cream into sterilized jars or tubes. Label with date and ingredients. Let it rest for 24 hours to reach final set.

Use a small amount and rub into hands as needed. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. With preservative, product should keep for about 3–6 months; without preservative (not recommended for water-containing creams) keep refrigerated and use quickly within 2–4 weeks.