How to Make Thyme Facial Cleanser

Thyme is a flavorful and aromatic herb for cooking, but its aromatic oils can also be used to maintain your skin. It's a gentle and stimulating ingredient of homemade antiseptic facial cleansers, which you can make easily in your own kitchen. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Thyme
• Lanolin
• Almond oil
• Glycerine
• Zinc oxide
• Essential oil of rose
• Pots
• Mixer
• Double boiler
• Buttermilk
• Honey
• Yogurt
• Bowl
• Mixing spoon

1. Make a creamy homemade facial cleanser with thyme. Melt 4 tbsp. lanolin in one pot. In another pot, heat 2 fluid oz. almond oil and 1 tbsp. glycerine. Heat an infusion of thyme in a third pot. (See the tips for instructions, if you're not sure how to make the infusion). When all ingredients are the same temperature, slowly pour the heated oils into the lanolin while continuously beating with a whisk or mixer. Gradually add in the infusion of thyme while still beating the mixture. Once it has cooled, add 1teaspoon zinc oxide and 6 drops essential oil of rose. Pour into sterilized jars and keep in the refrigerator.
2. Cleanse your face with an easy homemade liquid facial cleanser. Gently heat 1/2 cup buttermilk and 4 tbsp. crushed thyme in a double boiler for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it stand for 2 hours. Strain the mixture and put into a sterilized bottle. Store the bottle in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
3. Blend 4 tbsp. plain natural yogurt, 2 tbsp. honey and 3 tbsp. thyme infusion for a refreshing homemade facial cleanser. You can thicken this mixture, if necessary, by adding cornstarch until it's the right consistency. Apply to the skin in a massaging motion for a couple of minutes and wash off.

Tips & Warnings

• The recipes can all be enhanced by using lemon thyme.
• To make an infusion of thyme, put 1 handful fresh thyme or 1/2 oz. dried thyme into a container that can withstand heat. Pour 1 1/4 cups boiling distilled water over the herb and cover. Steep the mixture for 30 minutes and strain. This can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Powdered buttermilk is available and can be substituted in recipes for buttermilk.