Finding a Hand Cream Formula
I determined that making hand cream was subjective, no right or wrong method
or ingredients. However, I did find there were common basic components: solid
oil, liquid oil, binder (emulsifier), and water. There are various optional herbs,
fragrances, and preservatives that could be included according to preference.
I broke down the main ingredient into relative proportions (parts), for a formula
that I could change as needed. I can add herbal infusions, or decoctions, in place
of the water. I can make herbal oil infusions to replace the liquid oil. Infusions and
decoctions take a little time to brew, depending on the desired strength, so there
is advanced preparation to consider (see sidebar information).
1-2-3 Hand Cream Formula
PORTION COMPONENT CHOICES NOTES
lard, coconut oil, cocoa solid at room temperatures;
1 part Solid Oil
butter, lanolin, etc. melts at body temperature
saffron, peanut, olive,
2 parts Liquid Oil Canola, jojoba, sunflower, may be herb infused
etc.
combines oil and water;
1/3 part Emulsifier beeswax*
stiffener
3 parts Water distilled may be herb infused
* Use dry weight measurement for beeswax, everything else is a liquid measurement.
Components & Process Chart
1 2 1/3 3
NOTES:
A small test batch of hand cream can be made using one ounce measurement for
each component "part" of the formula.
I prefer the hand cream making process similar to that used in Earthly Bodies &
Heavenly Hair, demonstrated below, because it is easier to measure and blend
ingredients.[1]
Making a Gardener's Hand Cream
Equipment:
Blender, food processor, or mixer (I
prefer a hand mixer)
Glass measuring cup (to melt oils &
wax)
Pan big enough to hold the
measuring cup, or double boiler
Grater (for beeswax)
Chopstick (for stirring)
Mixing bowl (if not using a blender)
Small spatula (for scooping cream
into jars)
Small glass jars with lids
Measure the solid and liquid oils into the
glass measuring cup.
Weigh the beeswax, then grate, or cut into
small pieces, into the cup of oils.
Measure water and set aside.
Combine and heat oils by placing the
measuring cup in a small pan of water to
melt together over low heat. A chopstick is
a great tool for stirring the mix.
Water temperature of an herbal infusion or
decoction, needs cool to about 100
degrees F, or warm to the touch. If using
distilled water, warm it to the same
temperature. Place water in a deep bowl
that can handle the volume of combined
ingredients, or pour into a blender.
Remove oil from heat, after the beeswax
is completely melted and mixed in (the
water in the pan should not have gotten hot
enough to boil).
Cool oil to the same temperature as the
water, or just above body temperature. If it
cools down too much, it will become a bit
cloudy and start to solidify around the
edges of the glass cup. If this happens, just
reheat until the mixture clears up again.
Blend oil and water by drizzling the warm
oils into the warm water, with the hand
mixer (or blender) on low speed. The
mixture will start to cloud up as soon as the
oils are introduced. After adding the oils,
increase the speed of the mixer/blender to
incorporate as much of the water into the
mixture as possible.
Optional ingredients can be added at this
time, such as essential oils for preserving
and adding fragrance.
To finish, scrape out the hand cream from
the bowl, or blender, and pack into small
jars. If a little water settles atop the cream,
it can be absorbed with a paper towel, or
poured off after the cream settles. Keep
your jarred hand creams refrigerated if no
preservatives were used.
Label and date your jarred hand cream!
Decorative labels, ribbons, and plastic lids,
make your custom hand creams great gifts.
The Possibilities
Although my basic home-made hand cream, using coconut and olive oils,
does wonders for dry chapped hands, I am experimenting with various herb
infusions. An infusion of comfrey leaves makes a good all-purpose cream for
healing scrapes, bruises, and bug bites. Be forewarned not to use comfrey
for deep wounds, as it will heal the outer layers of skin, trapping bacteria
in the wound, and possibly causing an abscess. I have found lavender
essential oil is inexpensive, a preservative, bug repellent, and adds a nice
fragrance to my creams.
My good friend Pam (DGer pdhickey) has found that a strong comfrey leaf
decoction helps with arthritis pain and fades spider veins. She has had great
results using lemon balm for clearing skin rashes and repelling bugs while
gardening, too.
Please refer to the information on the blue sidebar for general herb uses and
definition of terms that I have used in this article. I hope you have as much
success using the 1-2-3 Hand Cream Formula to make your gardener's hand
cream as I have.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
I would love to hear from readers about their special ingredients, formulas,
and experiences in making hand cream! Be sure to check the links for
additional information and past Dave's Garden articles about making other
herbal remedies in the green box below.
