Introductory Moisturising Cream

This recipe is simply a demonstration of a simple and effective moisturising cream. 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. It most effectively demonstrates the simple addition of more Cetearyl Alcohol as a thickening agent and less water, resulting in a creamy consistency rather than the more watery consistency of a lotion. Compare this recipe directly with the simple Lotion recipe and see the difference.

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: 15g
Water: 100g

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 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 moisturising cream.

Variations to this theme...

To vary the consistency of this cream, simply add higher quantities of Cetearyl Alcohol. This product can be added up to a maximum recommended inclusion of 25%, but far less will produce rich hand/face creams.

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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