The most simple Face Cream recipe
This is a rich and healing face cream, it can be used during the day but as it is extra nourishing I like to use it at night when the skin is repairing itself.
Lavender oil is the real star of this cream, it reduces redness and clears the skin of acne, so if you can get the very best lavender essential oil you can.
I use Bulgarian lavender oil, it's a strong, floral smelling oil and the healing benefits are worth the little extra cost, not to mention that lovely old-fashioned lavender fragrance we love.
The addition of Manuka extract is especially beneficial for cellular renewal, if you can't source any you could use a different extract such as calendula, or ginseng.
This is a basic recipe that can be modified to the ingredients you have on hand.
I sometimes use hemp oil as it is antioxidant-rich, but it can turn the night cream green. This recipe works well with just olive oil or sunflower oil, and one of my go to oils right now is rosehip oil.
Ingredients:
Phase 1:
- 70g Spring Water
- 10g Glycerine
Phase 2:
- 5g Emulsifier
- 20g Olive Oil/Sunflower Or Hemp Oil
- 1g Cocoa Butter
Phase 3:
- 1ml Preservative (I use Eco certified Geogard)
- 40 drops Pure Lavender Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Manuka extract (optional)
This recipe makes around 2x 50g bottles of rich face cream, start with this amount, trial it on your own skin, and give one to a friend or family member to trial before making it in a larger quantity.
Method:
- Combine phase 1 ingredients together in a pot. Heat gently but do not bring to a boil.
- Combine phase 2 together in another medium-sized pot. Heat until the oils and emulsifier are melted and combine when stirred. The ideal temperature for each phase should be around 65C. Use a thermometer to test this.
- Once each stage is at the desired temperature remove them both from the heat and gently pour phase 1 into phase 2. You are pouring the water into the oils. Stir these together until well mixed and you should see it beginning to thicken. Keep stiring for around 30 seconds till well combined. This is your rich cream base.
- Add phase 3 at this point, this is your preservative and your lavender essential oil, also add your manuka extract if you are using it. Stir well to combine.
- Next as the cream has gently cooled, whip the mixture at this stage with a handheld mixer. Stir again and pour/spoon into sterilised glass jars or your preferred containers. Let these cool completely before popping the lids on.
How long to they keep for?
These face creams keep for at least 6 months when stored in a cool dark place. You can also use an amber jar to extend the shelf life as this protects the cream further from light exposure.
Lavender face creams are a very popular seller, this face cream recipe is also amazing when you swap the lavender for rose essential oil.
If you are not using glass jars for your creams, but are using lotion bottles with a pump top, then don't worry about whipping the cream. It will pour while still warm into your lotion bottles.
Be creative, you can use this as a base, tweak it and create your lovely face cream. I look forward to your feedback.
If you love this recipe please leave a comment below an I will post more like this.
Happy creating,
Jamie x