How to Make Shea Butter and Lemon Balm Hand Cream

Shea butter and lemon balm hand cream is a very simple, easy to make homemade skin care product. Making your own skin care products can save you quite a bit of money over buying expensive commercial products, and you can also avoid common fillers and preservatives needed to stabilize retail products during the long shipping and shelving process. This simple hand cream will help keep moisture in the skin during the cold, dry winter months if used every day. Keep the hand cream in the refrigerator for longer shelf-life.

Things You'll Need

• 3 tsp. shea butter
• 2 tsp. beeswax
• 2 tsp. soy lecithin
• 2 tsp. almond oil
• 2 tsp. avocado oil
• 4 tsp. essential lemon oil
• 6 drops essential lavender oil
• 3 tbsp. vitamin E cream
• Small glass jar

Instructions

1. Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil and reduce the heat to low to keep the water simmering.

2. Place the shea butter, beeswax, soy lecithin, almond oil and avocado oil in a double boiler and place in the simmering water. Add the essential lemon oil and stir.

3. Remove the pan from heat and add the lavender oil and vitamin E cream. Transfer the ingredients to a mixing bowl and combine with a whisk.

4. Transfer the contents of the mixing bowl to a small glass jar. Place the jar in the refrigerator for 24 hours before using.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply the mixture to the palms and backs of hands. Place disposable cotton gloves on your hands to seal in the moisture.

• Avoid using an aluminum bowl when mixing homemade cosmetics and skin care products, as there is some concern about heavy metals entering the final mixture.

References

• Home-Made Beauty Recipes; Chris Chenoweth; 2008

Resources

• My Beauty Recipes: All Natural Beauty Recipes
• All Natural Beauty: Nautral Homemade Skin Care Recipes