You’ll need

1. Double boiler (or a heat resistant bowl that fits tightly atop one of your pots)
2. Mixer
3. Base and Additional Ingredients that are right for you
4. Tub or jar to store it

 Base Ingredients

• 1 part Coconut Oil 
• 1 part Carrier Oil (select depending on use and needs)
• 1 part Shea or Cocoa Butter
• 1 tbsp. Beeswax granules or flakes for each cup of the oil/butter trio

Additional (optional) Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. Vitamin E Oil for each cup of Base
• 1 tbsp. Vegetable Glycerin for each cup of Base
• 5-10 drops Essential Oils per cup of Base

Instructions

1. In your double boiler, mix and melt the Base Ingredients, along with Vitamin E Oil and Glycerin (if you’re using them). Don’t overheat the mixture, but make sure the Beeswax is melted.
2. Remove from heat, cover, and place in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Allow the mixture to harden.
3. After the mixture hardens, take it out and break up the surface a bit.
4. Add the Essential Oils you’ve chosen.
5. Whip until you get a creamy, fluffy texture.
6. Store in a sterilized container (I use re-purposed food tubs with lids that close well).

Notes

• If you don’t have a double boiler, place a heat resistant bowl over a pot (make sure it doesn’t the bottom).
• I modify this basic recipe to make Face Cream, Body Cream, Foot Cream, and Lotion Bars.
• Using different oils, I tweak the recipe to target specific problems or outcomes: thin skin for my mom, mosquito/insect repellent because I live in Louisiana, anti-fungal for feet, anti-aging for my mid-life face.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. Coconut Oil
• 1 tsp. Vitamin E Oil
• 1 tbsp. Primrose Oil
• 3-5 drops Essential Oils (one or a combination of Lavender, Frankincense,  Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Chamomile, Cypress)

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl or cup.
• Whip.
• Store in a sterilized container.

Notes

• While this recipe is attractive due to its simplicity, keep in mind that coconut oil melts if the ambient temperature reaches about 76^oF. If you prefer creamy vs. liquid eye treatment, store it in a cool cabinet or the refrigerator during warmer months.
• This eye cream can also be used as eye makeup remover.
• Tiny jelly or baby food jars and contact eye lens cases are great for storing eye cream.

Ingredients

• 1 part Carrier Oil (e.g., Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Jojoba, Avocado)
• 1 part Castor Oil (Wellness Mama also uses Hazelnut Oil)
• a few drops of Essential Oil (e.g., Lavender)

Instructions

• Mix in a sterilized jar or bottle.
• Before each use:
  • Shake.
  • Pour about 1 tbsp. into hand.
  • Apply, massaging into your face.
  • Remove with a wet warm or hot washcloth.

Notes

• Several DIY bloggers/sites offer oil-based face wash recipes, but I think Wellness Mama does the best job explaining the practice.
• I use one part EV Olive and one part Castor Oils (my skin is normal).
• For dry skin, use less Castor oil and more of the carrier oil.
• For oily skin, the inverse: more carrier oil and less Castor oil.
• Don’t mix more than about 1 to 2 cups total. Carrier oils have a shorter shelf life than essential oils.

Ingredients

• 1 c Water (preferably filtered)
• ¼ c Liquid Castile Soap
• 5 tsp. Carrier Oil (Jojoba, Safflower, Sunflower)
• 2 tbsp. raw Honey
• 1 tbsp. Tea Tree Oil
• 15 drops Lemon Essential Oil

Instructions: 

• Pour the ingredients in your container.
• Shake.
• You’re done!
• To use:
  • Pour about 1 tblsp. into palm.
  • Massage into face.
  • Rinse.

Notes

• I initially made this for my children because it targets acne. Eventually, I made some for myself because I love the way it makes my skin feel.
• I alternate washing my face with this and the Face Wash Oil.
• I often substitute out the Jojoba oil for Avocado or Grape Seed Oil.
• Sometimes I use Lavender Essential Oil with or instead of the Lemon Essential Oil.
• Body Unburdened uses a pump for the foamy wash. I usually pour mine into a sterilized plastic dish-soap bottle, which doesn’t shatter in the shower.