Lotions, Creams, Butters and Bars

Transcription

1 Lotions, Creams, Butters and Bars What are they? Why should we make our own? How can we make our own at home using all natural ingredients? By Mary Braz Mary's Gone Paleo Spring,

2 Table of Contents Introduction... 3 Making Lotions and Creams... 5 The process of lotion making is divided into stages Basic Lotion Recipe... 6 Equipment You Will Need for Lotion Making... 6 Choosing Your Ingredients... 7 Liquid Carrier Oils (also called Vegetable Oils)... 7 Essential Oils... 9 Preservatives... 9 Butters Units of Measure Conversion Chart Grammy's Comfort Lotion Lavender Body Lotion Mary's Cream Deodorant Whipped Body Butters Some tips I've picked up about making body butters: Mary's Lavender Body Butter Lotion Bars Lavender Lotion Bar Notes and Tips Some Thoughts about Gift Giving Resources Favorite Websites So Far Scrap Book Supplies I've Used Shea Tallow Disclaimer and Terms of Use

3 Introduction We buy lotions to moisturize and nourish our skin. Lotions are emulsified blends of oil and water. There are two types of emulsions; oil into water or water into oil. Most are made by slowly adding oil into the water. Just as eggs are the emulsifier to mayonnaise, beeswax or vegetable waxes are the emulsifiers to lotions. Creams are thick, whipped lotions, having a higher content of oil than water, most leaving a residue on our skin. Some people prefer decadent creams or butters to lotions. They are absorbed more slowly into our body and reach deeper into our skin. The thinner lotions can usually move through a pump, a nice convenience, and they leave a lighter film on our bodies, eventually soaking in. It is better to make up small batches of lotions, creams and butters in our own favorite natural scents and textures than to buy them off the shelves at our local stores. That's because the commercial lotions are made mostly from water and are therefore susceptible to mold, bacteria and fungi. A wide range of chemical preservatives and manufactured scents are added to them to preserve the product and capture us with their fragrance. The parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates and other chemicals used for preservation are under scrutiny regarding our health and that of our environment. I am not saying we should all stop using these products. I recommend you do your own research and look into these preservatives and decide the right course you will take for you and your family. As for me, I've decided to go natural when and wherever I can. I'm new and inexperienced at making my own body products, but am excited and enthusiastic about what I'm learning. I've added lavender, calendula and chamomile to my container gardening so I can incorporate dried herbs into my concoctions. I'd love to share how to do it with you. The recipes I've posted at Mary's Gone Paleo and that follow in this PDF booklet have been carefully researched and tried by only me. I recommend this be just a beginning for you if you're new at making 3

4 your own lotions. You will no doubt be searching for a good option for your own needs. I hope this will give you incentive to research more on your own. 4

5 Making Lotions and Creams The process of lotion making is divided into stages. 1. Oil Stage. In a double boiler gently heat the wax to melting then add the oils and/or butters until blended but do not allow the heat to go higher than 175 degrees F. 2. Water Stage. In a small pot on a burner heat the water or combination of 1/2 water and 1/2 hydrosol, infused water, or Aloe Vera to no more than 175 degrees F. 3. Emulsion Stage. Once both water and oils have cooled to the same temperature, pour the water into a bowl, blender or food processor and begin to whip the water while pouring a thin thread of oil very slowly into the water. The emulsion will reveal itself to you as the machine used changes its sound and the formulation begins to thicken. The whipping process can take as long as 5 minutes or it can take less. 4. Cool Down Stage. Add vitamin E, if you're using it and the essential oils and stir by hand to find your desired fragrance. If using citric acid and cinnamon or honey for preservatives, add them at this stage too. Keep the bowl uncovered and stir every 15 minutes for one hour to release any bubbles that may have formed during the emulsion stage. Once cooled, pour the lotion into a sterile glass container but hold off capping it for another hour to assure no condensation forms under the lid. 5

6 Basic Lotion Recipe 1 cup, 8 ounces or 250 ml distilled water 3 tablespoons or 1.5 grams grated beeswax or pastilles 3/4 cup, 6 ounces or 190 ml oils 10 to 20 drops essential oils (optional) If using optional natural preservatives: 1/2 teaspoon topical vitamin E (optional) 1/8 teaspoons citric acid powder (optional) 1/8 teaspoon potassium sulfate (optional) 1/8 teaspoon honey (optional) 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon (optional) Equipment You Will Need for Lotion Making Candy thermometer Kitchen scales Double boiler Food processor Cup and spoon measures Clean towels and hot pads Paper towels for cleanup 6

7 Choosing Your Ingredients It's always a good idea to perform a patch test if you choose an ingredient you've never used before. You'll want to know if you might have a reaction to that ingredient before using it in a product. On the inside part of your elbow apply a small amount of ingredient to your skin. Make sure you dilute the unknown ingredient first to the proportion used in the formulation. So, if it is used at 10% in a product, use 10% combined with the other oils and then apply to your skin. Leave the test patch on your skin for hours, checking your skin occasionally for any reaction. Sometimes I formulate a lotion purely for the consistency and fragrance. But we can also choose our ingredients for their particular properties. It's nice to look at the shelf life, smell, even color. For example, cocoa butter does smell a little like chocolate so why not use peppermint with it for a chocolate mint smell? You can even put little cocoa powder into your formula for a thickener and to add color. You would add it at the start of the cool down stage. Liquid Carrier Oils (also called Vegetable Oils) Oils provide us with protection, moisture and nourishment. In order to obtain the longest shelf life of our beauty products we need to choose high quality oils; organic, cold pressed and unrefined. Almond Oil (Sweet) Shelf life12-14 months. It is a nutritious oil high in fatty acids. It is one of the most commonly used oils in skin care products. It is great for all skin types. It is an emollient, very lubricating, high in Vitamin E, rich in fatty acids, and is known for its ability to soften, soothe, and to help skin retain moisture. Apricot Kernel Oil Shelf life 12 months. It is an emollient high in fatty acids and vitamin A that softens skin. It is great for sensitive, delicate, dehydrated and mature skin. Avocado Oil Shelf life 8-10 months. This is a very rich emollient oil containing Vitamin A, B1, B2, C, D, and E and fatty acids. It is nourishing and moisturizing. Use it for sensitive skin, dry and mature skin and problem skin such as psoriasis and eczema. Castor Oil Shelf life 2 years. This oil Protects and soothes the skin. It is slow for the skin to absorb, cleansing, and very sticky. Grapeseed Oil Shelf life months. It is quickly absorbed by the skin. Great for skin that doesn t absorb oil well. Use for sensitive, oily skin and teenagers because of its natural non-allergenic properties and because it is not greasy. Hazelnut Oil Shelf life 8-10 months. It is quickly and easily absorbed by the skin. It is lightweight, gentle, moisturizing, soothing, softening and revitalizing. It contains fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. It is great oil for the face. Use for all skin types especially damaged, wrinkled and sensitive skin. 7

8 Hemp Seed Oil Shelf life 8 months if refrigerated. It is quickly and easily absorbed by the skin, rich in fatty acids and proteins. It is an emollient, softens skin; is antiinflammatory, one of the most nutritious oils, and is healing and regenerative. It can be used for all skin types especially dry skin and eczema. Jojoba Oil Shelf life 2-3 years. It is quickly and easily absorbed by the skin. It is not an oil but a liquid plant wax closest to human sebum. It is an emollient, moisturizer and humectant. It is very stable, rich in vitamin E, nourishing, softening, soothing and moisturizing. It does not block pores and few have a reaction to it. It can be used for all skin types especially oily, dry, sensitive, inflamed, eczema, mature, acne skin. Kukui Nut Oil Shelf life months. It is highly moisturizing, restorative, soothing, and high in fatty acids. It can be used for dry skin, chapped skin, psoriasis and eczema. Macadamia Nut Oil Shelf life months. It is very close to our own sebum, easily absorbed by the skin, rich in fatty acids, cleansing, emollient, softening, rejuvenating, regenerating, revitalizing, and protective. Use it as a cleansing oil and for all skin types especially mature, dry, sensitive skin, irritations, healing scars, sunburns, minor wounds. Neem Oil Shelf life months. It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and is a rich and thick oil. It has a strong smell so dilute it with another oil. It is great to use in hand and foot products. Olive Oil Shelf life months. It is a rich emollient, high in fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. It is soothing, softening, conditioning, restorative, mild, moisturizing, nourishing and allows the skin to breathe. It is cleansing, antibacterial, and healing. Researchers say they've discovered a previously unknown ingredient in freshly pressed, extra virgin olive oils that acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, much like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Rosehip Seed Oil Shelf life 12 months. Refrigerate. It is an anti-oxidant and is regenerating, high in Vitamin C & E and fatty acids, softens and tones skin, promotes a smooth skin texture and reduces wrinkles. Use for all skin types, especially dry, mature, damaged, wrinkled skin. Safflower Oil. Shelf life 12 months. It is quickly absorbed by the skin and is high in Oleic acids. It is highly moisturizing and softening to the skin. It is good for all skin types, especially oily skin or skin with eczema. Sesame Oil Shelf life 1 year. It contains fatty acids, vitamins B, E and minerals, and proteins. It is nourishing, moisturizing, soothing and has 2-3 SPF. Use for dry, normal, or damaged skin. Sunflower Oil 1 year shelf life. It is quickly absorbed by the skin. It is a carrier oil wealthy in Oleic acids with high amounts of Vitamins A, D, and E. It is deeply nourishing and conditioning. Use for dry, aged, and damaged skin. 8

9 Essential Oils According to Wikipedia an essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. Essential oils are also known as volatile oils or simply as the "oil of" the plant from which they were extracted, such as oil of clove. An oil is "essential" in the sense that it carries a distinctive scent, or essence, of the plant. Essential oils do not form a distinctive category for any medical, pharmacological, or culinary purpose. Essential oils are generally extracted by distillation. Steam distillation is often used. Other processes include expression or solvent extraction. They are used in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps and other products, for flavoring food and drink, and for adding scents to incense and household cleaning products. Essential oils have been used medicinally in history. Medical applications proposed by those who sell medicinal oils range from skin treatments to remedies for cancer and often are based solely on historical accounts of use of essential oils for these purposes. Claims for the efficacy of medical treatments, and treatment of cancers in particular, are now subject to regulation in most countries. Interest in essential oils has revived in recent decades with the popularity of aromatherapy, a branch of alternative medicine that claims that essential oils and other aromatic compounds have curative effects. Oils are volatilized or diluted in a carrier oil and used in massage, diffused in the air by a nebulizer, heated over a candle flame, or burned as incense. Mountain Rose Herbs is a good resource to read about some of the uses of essential oils as well as a great place to purchase your supplies when you're ready. Their methods of producing the oils for the purpose of making natural beauty products are of the highest quality. Preservatives Preservatives are needed in any product that has water in it to prevent bacteria and mold from growing. If you want to see firsthand what can happen if we don't use them click here. Citric Acid is used as a preservative for various reasons. It is an antioxidant and has preservative properties and it prevents rancidity and bacterial growth. It is recommended we add at 0.05%- 0.3% to distilled water just after it has been boiled until dissolved and set aside to cool before getting started with the rest of the recipe. Do not use citrus products in sunscreen. Cinnamon slows the growth of mold, yeast, fungi and some bacteria. Some studies show that this spice works better as a preservative in combination with potassium sorbate. For lotion, use 1/4 teaspoon per 16 ounces of lotion. Regular cinnamon from the store can be used adding to heated water before emulsifying. Vitamin E is not a preservative, but is a potent antioxidant that can prevent oils from becoming rancid too soon. It has no effect on bacteria, mold or fungi. Raw Honey has potent antimicrobial properties which can be used synergistically with other preservatives. 9

10 Neem Oil is antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, antiseptic, and anti-parasitic. It is used synergistically with other preservatives in soap, toothpaste, hair care products skin care products, and other personal care products. It is also rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Potassium Sorbate is used to inhibit mold, yeast, and fungi. It is the potassium salt of sorbic acid. It is very soluble in water (58.2% at 20 C). Usage Rate: % for lotion. Do not exceed this. It works best when the ph is 5-6, 6 is a good ph for lotion. Use with citric acid to keep the ph low. Some studies show that this mineral works better as a preservative in combination with cinnamon. Butters According to Mountain Rose Herbs, natural source cosmetic butters are a luscious and exotic treat to pamper our skin. Typically they are one of the main ingredients for many body care and cosmetic recipes, but they make fine stand-alone applications that can be directly applied onto one's skin. They are unparalleled in texture, consistency, and absorption. Cocoa Butter Shelf life 2 to 3 years. It is the natural fat extracted from the cacao bean. The moisturizing abilities of cocoa butter are frequently recommended for the treatment of chapped skin and lips and as a daily moisturizer to prevent dry, itchy skin. This butter is sometimes claimed to be able to prevent stretch marks in pregnant women or to diminish the appearance of scars. It promotes elasticity in the skin and will aid in the healing of chapped skin if it is used regularly. Mango Butter Shelf life 2 years. Mango butter is the fatty acid cold-pressed from mango seeds. Its properties and even chemical structure are similar to cocoa and shea butter, and it is used for many of the same purposes. Its natural ingredients act as emollients to add moisture to and soothe dry skin and hair. Emollients play an important role in adding moisture to skin and improving its elasticity and ability to heal itself. Mango butter is a common product in many commercial soaps, lotions, and even cosmetics. Shea Butter Shelf life 12 to 24 months. It is extracted from the nut of the African Shea tree. It is a triglyceride (fat) derived mainly from stearic acid and oleic acid. It is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturizer, salve or lotion. Shea butter protects the skin from both environmental and free-radical damage. It contains vitamins A and E, and has demonstrated both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Tallow Butter Tallow is a rendered form of beef or mutton fat, processed from suet. It is solid at room temperature. Unlike suet, tallow can be stored for extended periods without the need for refrigeration to prevent decomposition, provided it is kept in an airtight container to prevent oxidation. 10

11 Units of Measure Conversion Chart 1 oz. = 30 ml 1 oz. = 6 teaspoon 1 oz. = 2 tablespoon 1 oz. = 1/8 cup 1 oz. = 456 drop 1 tablespoon = ½ oz. 1 tablespoon = ml 1 tablespoon = 1/16 cup 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoon 1 tablespoon = 228 drop 100 ml = 3.38 oz. 100 ml = 0.42 cup 100 ml = 7 tablespoon 100 ml = 20 teaspoon 100 ml = 15 drops 1 teaspoon = 1/6 oz. 1 teaspoon = 4.93 ml 1 teaspoon = 1/50 cup 1 teaspoon = 1/3 tablespoon 1 teaspoon = 76 drop 1 cup = 8 oz. 1 cup = 237 ml 1 cup = 16 tablespoon 1 cup = 48 teaspoon 1 cup = 3648 drop 100 drop = 0.22 oz. 100 drop = 6.49 ml 100 drop = cup 100 drop = 0.44 tablespoon 100 drop = 1.3 teaspoon 11

12 Grammy's Comfort Lotion For Arthritis Pain Ingredients: 1/2 cup calendula infused water 1/2 cup distilled water ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons beeswax pastilles 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon citric acid 1/8 teaspoon potassium sorbate ¼ teaspoon vitamin E Oil 20 drops cinnamon leaf essential oil Directions: The night before making up this recipe fill a cup measure half full with calendula petals dried and/or fresh. Pour boiling water over them and fill to the top. Cover and let steep over night. Strain the next morning, then combine ½ cup calendula water and ½ cup distilled water and... heat the waters in a pot on the stove to a gentle simmer. Continue 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat. While waiting for the calendula water to simmer bring water in the double boiler to a boil. Reduce the heat then gently warm the beeswax until it is completely melted. Add the olive oil and mix with a spoon until blended well. Cool both waters and oils until they are the 12

13 same temperatures but the oils are still liquid enough to pour. Add the cinnamon, citric acid and potassium to the water and stir until dissolved. Pour the waters into the bowl of a food processor and begin whipping. Gently, slowly pour a thin thread of oil into the waters and whip until formulation has become thick like a lotion you would use in a pump bottle. This could take as long as 5 or even 10 minutes... or less. Remember, the lotion will continue to thicken as it to cools. With a spoon, stir in the vitamin E to the whipped mixture. Allow lotion to cool uncovered for an hour, stirring every 15 minutes to remove any bubbles that may have formed. Pour into a sterile container and allow to sit uncovered for another hour so that there is no worry about condensation forming under the lid after it is capped. This recipe made 8 ounces of body lotion. You will smell like a cookie. (A very good thing.) Shelf life is 10 to 12 months if using quality fresh ingredients. Extra Virgin Olive Oil was chosen after learning researchers had found a previously unknown ingredient in freshly pressed, extra virgin olive oils that acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, much like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Ground Cinnamon was used to slow the growth of mold, yeast, fungi and some bacteria. Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil was chosen for its excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Calendula Infused Water When applied topically, calendula is one of the best herbs for treating skin issues like burns and inflammation. 13

14 Lavender Body Lotion Ingredients: 1 cup distilled water 3 tablespoons beeswax pastilles or grated beeswax 1/2 cup almond sweet oil 1/4 cup jojoba oil 1/8 teaspoon citric acid 1/8 teaspoon potassium sorbate 25 drops lavender essential oil 1/2 vitamin E (topical) Directions: Heat the water in a pot on the stove until it comes to a boil. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes on low heat. Then set on the back of the stove to cool. While the water is heating, bring the water in the bottom of the double boiler to a boil. In the top of the double boiler warm the beeswax until it is completely melted. Add the oils and mix with a spoon until blended well. Cool both water and oil until they are the same temperature. Add the citric acid and potassium sorbate at the beginning of the cool down process and stir until dissolved. Pour the waters into the bowl of a food processor and begin whipping. Gently, slowly pour a thin thread of the oil mixture into the water and whip until it has become thick like a lotion you would use in a pump bottle. This will take about 5 minutes or less. Add the vitamin E and essential oils at this point then... 14

15 Allow formulation to cool uncovered for an hour, stirring every 15 minutes to remove any bubbles that may have formed. It is normal for the mixture to slightly thicken as it cools. Pour into a sterile container and allow to sit uncovered for another hour so that there is no worry about condensation forming after it is capped. This recipe made 12 ounces of body lotion. Shelf life is 10 to 12 months if using quality fresh ingredients. Notes: The ingredients in this formulation were chosen because Almond sweet oil is nutritious and high in fatty acids. It is great for all skin types. It is an emollient, very lubricating, high in Vitamin E, and is known for its ability to soften, soothe, and to help skin retain moisture. Jojoba oil is quickly and easily absorbed by the skin. It is an emollient, moisturizer and humectant, rich in vitamin E, nourishing, softening, soothing and moisturizing. It does not block pores and can be used for all skin types especially my dry, sensitive, mature skin. Beeswax has a benefit to our skin too. It contains a large amount of vitamin A, a key element to human cell development. It retains properties that smooth and soften skin making it a perfect ingredient for lotions because of the way it keeps the skin moisturized. Lavender essential oil is said to be calming and relaxing. I enjoy its scent and have purposely chosen to use it in all of my formulations. I like to grow it and dry the flowers to have the scent in the air. It's also said to be anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and with excellent regenerative properties. Bees are drawn to it like little magnets. 15

16 Mary's Cream Deodorant Ingredients: 2 ounces shea butter 2 ounces almond sweet oil 1 ounce non-nano zinc oxide 5 tablespoons arrowroot powder 0.5 ounces beeswax 10 drops tea tree essential oil 10 drops rosemary essential oil 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil (topical) Directions: Using a kitchen scale, measure the ingredients. In a double boiler, over low heat, melt beeswax, shea butter, and almond sweet oil. Remove pot from heat and allow mixture to cool slightly. Add arrowroot powder and zinc powder. Whisk until all powders are dissolved and well combined. Add essential oils and vitamin E oil and stir. Pour mixture into a sterile container and allow to cool. Shelf life is about one year if using fresh quality ingredients. Makes 4 ounces of cream. Directions for Use: With a metal spoon, scoop out a small portion the size of a large pea and message between your fingertips using both hands until melted. Massage into your arm pits with your finger tips. Notes: This is a cream, not a lotion. The formulation has no water in it and it is thick and deeper penetrating than a lotion. If you try this recipe, don't worry. The white in the zinc is absorbed into your skin right away. 16

17 This recipe was inspired by a post at Frugally Sustainable. I hope you will hop over to her site and look around if you haven't already. I am amazed by Andrea. She seems like a little dynamo managing a busy family, running a home and still finding the time to come up with so many recipes for natural living, not to mention running a busy web site. She is astonishing. I was happy with the deodorant I had made and posted on my site, but did notice that sometimes the baking soda was too rough for my sensitive Nordic type skin, especially after a shave. The above recipe has my arm pits completely satisfied. I chose the ingredients because: Sweet Almond Oil is great for all skin types as an acting emollient and is best known for its ability to soften, soothe, and re-condition the skin. Shea Butter has the same moisturizers as those produced by the sebaceous glands in our skin. It forms a breathable, water-resistant film and is the leading natural product for moisturizing. It is used to treat many skin problems and will help with razor burn. Tea Tree and Rosemary Essential Oils Sweat only smells when bacteria eats and digests it, so by killing bacteria, essential oils stop odor before it begins. Rosemary and tea tree oil are notably antibacterial. Zinc Oxide reacts with short fatty acids that are responsible for unpleasant odor, converting them into odorless zinc salts. It is three times more effective than aluminum chlorhydrate used in commercial deodorants and antiperspirants. It is antibacterial. 17

18 Whipped Body Butters There are some wonderful benefits to body butters. They're nice to smooth, soften and repair damaged, dry and even cracked skin. You know that dry patch of skin around the bottom edge of your heel? In the summer time in sandal weather it even becomes cracked? Try applying body butter each night before retiring and see if doing that helps. A nice way to use body butter is to apply it after a shower or bath while your skin is still moist. Some tips I've picked up about making body butters: Nearly melt the butters and oils then remove from heat when creating with them. The longer they are heated the more chance they have of losing their nutrients. The longer you whip them, the lighter and fluffier they become. A heavy duty stand mixer with a whip is optimal for a lighter consistency in a short amount of time; although they can be made with a hand held electric mixer too. In that case use the highest speed for 5 to 10 minutes then follow with a whip. The formulation for body butter can be 50% butter and 50% carrier oil. These percentages can be varied. It's probably best to experiment and take notes when making body butters. You can juggle the formulation by using parts. For example, you might try 3 parts butter to1 part oil. I like to use beeswax with my butters for firmer body in the formulation and for a protective barrier on my skin. Because there is no water in the butter formulations you can forgo using preservatives, but I do recommend using vitamin E to inhibit them from becoming rancid. Whipped body butters weigh less but take more space. 18

19 Mary's Lavender Body Butter Ingredients 2 tablespoons beeswax pastilles 1 cup shea butter 1 2 cup tallow butter 1/2 cup of jojoba oil 1-2 teaspoons essential oil of your choice (I used lavender) 2 teaspoons naturally derived vitamin E (topical) Directions: Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and nestling a smaller bowl inside. The inside bowl needs to be able to hold at least 4 or 5 cups of liquid. I used the bowl to my mom's old Kitchen Aid mixer. Using a double boiler, melt the beeswax. Add shea butter and tallow butter and melt into the beeswax mixture, mixing until completely blended and no more. Remove from heat. Pour mixture into the chilled bowl and mix in the essential oils and vitamin E. Allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes. Remove from ice bath and whip on medium high until stiff peaks form. If after a few minutes it does not seem to be thickening return the bowl to the ice bath and whip there with an electric hand held mixer at highest speed stand mixer using a whip attachment. Finish up the whipping process with the Shelf life is 3 to 6 months if using quality fresh ingredients. 19

20 Notes: Because my skin is mature, sensitive and dry I love that this formulation has all my favorite ingredients. I chose shea for its nourishing qualities, SPF16, and protection against dry skin and wrinkles. Jojoba is favored because it is a moisturizer with similar absorption properties to my own skin s sebum. Tallow is an excellent medium for promoting healthy skin. I could write volumes about the benefits of tallow (rendered beef fat) to our skin. Instead I would like to introduce you to Heather who is the owner of Mommypotamus where I learned about using this age old butter. A whole new world opened up to me when I bought her book, DIY Beauty Products. It has become a part of my evening routine to soak in my tub in bath salts and then slather this wonderful butter all over my body before crawling into bed at night. If you want to give a special gift to a special person, you could whip this recipe up, dress it up and enjoy giving something you've made and personalized yourself. I think it's important to include a list of ingredients and the shelf life of your gift. 20

21 Lotion Bars They are handy, these decadent yet convenient lotion bars. I've learned to keep one in my purse in a tin, and one next to the soap in my kitchen and bathroom. They're fast and easy to complete and make great gifts. The formulation for lotion bars is simple. It's just one part oil, one part butter and one part beeswax. Add a teaspoon or less (depending on your volume) of vitamin E oil to inhibit the oils from becoming rancid and a nice essential oil for fragrance. Some add 1 or 2 tablespoons of non-nano zinc oxide powder for sunscreen. Sunscreen bars would be so handy to take to the beach! I've seen a combination of essential oils of citronella, lemongrass, cedar wood, and lavender added to a lotion bar recipe for bug repellent to take camping. If you like these molds you can get them here and here. Melt the oils together in a double boiler, add the essential oils you want, pour the mixture into silicon molds, pop them into the refrigerator and boom! A year's supply of lotion bars for yourself or sweet little hostess gifts. 21

22 Lavender Lotion Bar Ingredients: 1/2 cup shea butter 1/2 cup coconut oil 1/2 cup beeswax pastilles 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil (topical) 25 drops lavender essential oil Directions: Over a slow simmer melt the oils in a double boiler. I always start with the beeswax. Stir the mixture until smooth and melted. Pour into the molds. Allow to cool before placing them in tins or containers. Pop them into the fridge for half an hour to speed up cooling process. Shelf life up to I year if using fresh, quality ingredients. 22

23 Notes and Tips Because homemade lotions, creams, butters and bars have fewer preservatives in them than store bought, and sometimes none, you want to keep your hard earned product as clean and pure as you can. Always start with fresh, quality ingredients. Sterilize your utensils, pots and bowls before you begin, as well as the container jars or bottles you'll be using when you're done. I always start out by washing everything I can in the dishwasher. Carefully clean and disinfect your work space. You could put a solution of one part rubbing alcohol and one part water into a spray bottle and use it to clean your surface areas. When using your finished products start with clean hands and always use a clean spoon to dip into the jar or bottle when using them. Do everything you can to keep from introducing bacteria or contaminants into your products. When using water in a formula, always boil and cool it to eliminate bacteria or use distilled water. Measure out all ingredients ahead of time before starting the recipe. Keep a diary. It's especially important to write down the ingredients used and what you did in each formulation you create because if you don't you will forget. Use paper towels to wipe things clean as much as possible when you're done. You do not want beeswax down your drain. 23

24 If you're using homemade, natural products for the first time you may notice a few things that are different. You may find lotions don't soak into your skin instantly. Allow time for them to absorb before dressing and leaving the house. After your skin has reached the stage where all its rough spots have become supple and calluses have disappeared you may find you don't need as much lotion as you did when you were using commercial creams and lotions. I find I am not applying hand cream incessantly throughout the day anymore. 24

25 Some Thoughts about Gift Giving The last thing I do after completing a recipe is record on my computer what I did. I list the formulation, the shelf life and why I chose those particular ingredients. While keeping a diary for myself, I can also easily print out and slip a little list of the ingredients and the shelf life of the product into the gift bag along with a wooden dip stick if it's a lotion or cream. That way I feel comfortable the recipient won't shelf the product, then take it out to use 6 months later and find its been spoiled. Whether you've done any scrapbooking or not you have probably seen the myriad of supplies available in the craft stores for scrapping. You could also use them for labeling. There are many ways to make your gifts unique and to promote them with a nice presentation. You will find a large selection of paper, ribbons, and props in all manner of colors and textures as well as dies and cutters to choose from. (See the "Resource" page for the supplies used to dress up the gifts in these photos.) 25

26 Resources Jars and Containers Specialty Bottle Company The jars in the photo above were ordered from Specialty Bottles and I have been happy with their prompt and professional service even though I'm ordering in small quantities. Mountain Rose Herbs also carries a nice selection of containers for all sorts of beauty product needs. Favorite Websites So Far Frugally Sustainable The Mommypotamus Mountain Rose Herbs This could easily be your one stop shopping place for everything you need for lotion related supplies. I've literally spent hours browsing here enjoying their site. Scrap Book Supplies I've Used Die Cutter Spellbinder Die Cutter Dies 26

27 Round Oval Glue The Best Glue Ever Shea I ve ordered shea butter and almond sweet oil from this website. Tallow I've also successfully ordered tallow butter from this site and have been happy with my product and service. 27

28 Disclaimer and Terms of Use The author of this EBook and the accompanying materials has used her best efforts in preparing this EBook. The author makes no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the contents of this EBook. The information contained in this EBook is strictly for educational purposes. Therefore, if you wish to apply ideas contained in this EBook, you are taking full responsibility for your actions. All links are for information purposes only and are not warranted for content, accuracy or any other implied or explicit purpose. Never use essential oils undiluted. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier). This EBook is copyrighted and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws, with all rights reserved. No part of this EBook may be copied, or changed in any format, sold, or used in any way other than what is outlined within this EBook under any circumstances without express permission by the author, Mary Braz. 28