DIY All Natural Face Cream

We decided to have a go at making our own natural face cream and so far, we love it!!!

Having a good skin care routine has always been an important part of my self-love habits. Whether it was buying a new face wash or investing in a good face cream, I've always felt like it was okay to spend a little extra on a product I believed was good for my skin. However, it wasn't until recently that I started to question the products I've been using, and whether or not the chemicals in the ingredient list (that I can barely pronounce) are actually as good for my skin as I had originally thought. So, I've opted to make the switch to using natural and organic products that I KNOW are good for my skin (and the environment!). Also, since most skin care products are bought packaged in containers that just wind up in the trash or recycling bin, I'm eliminating one more thing from my trash can by opting to make my own in a reusable container (it's a win, win all around!).

Ingredients

This recipe uses beeswax, shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E. We also added essential oils including Lavender, Frankincense, and Tea Tree oil.

Beeswax

Beeswax has antibacterial properties so it can help with acne-prone skin. It is rich in Vitamin A which helps heal wounds, reduce wrinkles, and protect your skin against UV radiation. It is also great at trapping in moisture to keep your skin feeling fresh and hydrated. I also LOVE the smell of beeswax, so that's an added bonus.

Shea Butter

The skin superfood. Shea butter is rich in vitamins and fatty acids so it is very nourishing and moisturizing for the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to help with redness. In addition, shea butter helps aid the skin's natural collagen production helping to strengthen skin and reduce wrinkles.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is also rich in fatty acids that nourish the skin and protect it against bacteria. Therefore, it can help fight breakouts and moisturize dry skin.

Jojoba Oil (or other carrier oil)

Jojoba oil is rich in Vitamin E which has antioxidant properties that can help heal wounds, like acne scars. In addition, jojoba oil may help aid collagen production to help strengthen and smooth your skin. You can also use almond oil, argon oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, rosehip oil, or olive oil.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is rich in antioxidants that can help prevent wrinkles by strengthening and firming your skin.

Essential Oils

Different essential oils can provide many benefits to your skin. We chose to use Lavender, Frankincense, and Tea Tree oil in our face cream. This is where you can modify the recipe and customize it to your skin type!

• Lavender is naturally anti-inflammatory so it helps soothe skin that is prone to redness. It is also full of antioxidants that help reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. In addition, lavender is naturally anti-septic so it helps treat skin injuries (scrapes, burns) and prevent infection.

• Frankincense is considered an anti-aging powerhouse. It helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines by strengthening your skin.

• Tea Tree Oil is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used in skin care to fight against acne.

Other essential oils you can use include: geranium, rose, pink grapefruit, roman chamomile, sweet orange, and peppermint.

**Please keep in mind some essential oils MUST be diluted with a carrier oil before applying directly to your skin. Check this before using them!

Once you have figured out which oils work best for you, you're ready to get started!

So, let's get to it.

What You Need

• 2 tbsp of Beeswax

• 1 tbsp of Shea Butter

• 2 tbsp of Coconut Oil

• 1/4 cup of Jojobo Oil

• Vitamin E oil

• 30 drops essential oils of choice (we used 10 drops each of Lavender, Frankincense, and Tea Tree oil!)

To keep this recipe as eco-friendly as possible we hit up our local zero waste store. We were able to buy coconut oil and jojoba oil in bulk, and the remaining ingredients I already had at home. Shea butter and Beeswax can usually be found at your local health food store and/or zero waste store. Another option would be to order online (however there is no guarantee it will arrive plastic-free!). Essential oils can also be found at most health food/natural stores.

Once you have all the ingredients, the rest is pretty simple!

Step 1:

Combine the shea butter, beeswax, coconut oil, and jojoba oil in a heat-proof glass. We used a pyrex glass measuring cup.

Step 2:

Fill the bottom of a sauce pan with roughly one inch of water and place on stove top. Put your glass containing the shea, beeswax, coconut oil and jojoba oil in the sauce pan. Turn the stove-top on low-medium heat and allow contents of glass to heat up. Continue to stir until all ingredients are melted and combined.

Step 3:

Remove from heat. Continue to stir the mixture while adding in the vitamin E oil and essential oils of choice. Once fully mixed pour contents into a refillable jar and ta-da, your done!

Step 4:

Allow the face cream to cool and solidify. You can place it in the refrigerator to speed up this process.

Applying it

The final product is very solid compared to the creamy textured ones you might be used to using. Don't be alarmed, this is only because of the beeswax! As soon as you apply heat it melts and becomes easy to spread. Take a small chunk and rub it on the tips of your fingers to soften it before applying it to your face. The face cream can be quite oily, so I only use it before bed or when I'm around the house and going make-up free all day.

We're still trying out new products and DIY skin care recipes. If you have any advice or recommendations we would love to hear from you!

Much love, TGH xx.