Introductory Moisturising Lotion

This recipe is simply a demonstration of a simple and effective moisturising lotion. There are variations on this theme which tailor the combination of oils to more specific skin nourishing properties. As an introduction, the oils in this are chosen to be inexpensive and easily obtainable. Once you've mastered this simple recipe you can go on with more confidence.

You'll Need

1 small saucepan
Hand whisk and/or Electric whisk

The following ingredients...

Sweet Almond Oil
Coconut Oil (hard variety)
Emulsifying wax (steareth-21)
Cetearyl Alcohol
Citric Acid (granules)
Vegetable Glycerine
Stearic Acid
Clean water (distilled or mineral if you wish)

How to...

Weigh the ingredients all into the one saucepan in the following quantities...

Sweet Almond Oil: 24g
Coconut Oil: 16g
Glycerine: 2g
Stearic Acid: 5g
Citric Acid: 0.5g
Emulsifying Wax: 10g
Cetearyl Alcohol: 10g
Water: 190g

Put the saucepan over a gentle heat and wait until the coconut oil has almost completely melted. At this stage, the emulsifying wax will be softening to a gel. Whisk, preferably with an electric hand held whisk on a low setting, although you can use a hand (balloon) whisk if you are vigorous. Continue whisking over the heat until the emulsifying wax has completely incorporated and you have a watery-like emulsification. Take off the heat and continue gently whisking until the liquid thickens to a slightly more creamy consistency. At this stage, pour into a suitable container and leave to cool, stirring or shaking periodically. Once completely cool you should have a good quality, light and creamy lotion.

Variations to this theme...

To vary the consistency of this lotion, try the following adjustments. For a slightly thicker consistency, use less water. The water content can be reduced as low as 60g, but from my experience, 100g works well. For a much thicker cream, replace the whole oil content with coconut oil and use a lower water content. Once cool and after leaving for 24 hours, the result will be a much thicker consistency cream, suitable for packing in jars rather than bottles.

You can replace the water with Lavender or Rose water to add fragrance. You can also choose to add a few drops of your favourite fragrance or essential oil at the whisking stage, off the heat.

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