You know what super sucks?!?!
Getting older…that’s what!!!
It hasn’t been until the last year that I’ve really started to notice a significant change in tautness of the skin on my face. It isn’t horrible, yet…but ladies, I know you know what I’m talkin’ about!
So needless to say, I’m on a mission to hold off the inevitable for as long as possible.
And naturally, I will do that with the help of some of my favorite nourishing ingredients, herbal allies, and plant-based oils.
Each of the ingredients I have chosen for this recipe are known for their ::
- fight against dry, damaged, and dehydrated skin
- ability to minimize appearance of acne scars
- treatment of wrinkles and premature aging
- means to protect against sun damage
- astringent properties
- capacity to heal blemishes of all sorts (i.e. acne, cystic acne, age spots, dermatitis, and hyper-pigmentation)
- anti-inflammatory properties
- potential to even skin tone
Without further ado…here’s the recipe.
Oh, and…you’re welcome;)
Herbal Cleansing Cream
Ingredients
*Choose only organic ingredients. I have linked directly to the ingredients I personally use and recommend.
Oils
- 1/4 cup organic rosehip seed oil
- 1/8 cup calendula herbal oil (or click here to learn how to make your own herb-infused oil)
- 1 tablespoon organic sea buckthorn oil
Liquids
- 1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons liquid of choice, (i.e. aloe vera gel, your favorite hydrosol, or a strong infusion of green tea or calendula tea)
- 1 tablespoon witch hazel extract
- 2 teaspoons raw, organic honey
Waxes + Emulsifying Agents
- 2 tablespoons beeswax pastilles
- 1 tablespoon emulsifying wax (you can substitute with these beeswax pastilles if you’d prefer, however, I find that I get a better emulsion by using e-wax)
- 1/4 teaspoon borax (I love this naturally sourced and cosmetic grade borax…it does not contain surfactants and/or detergents usually found in commercially-prepared borax products.)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 teaspoon lanolin, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon non-GMO vitamin E oil, optional
*For the highest medicinal value available always choose organic essential oils.
- 15 drops lavender or geranium or chamomile (or any combination of each) essential oils
- 15 drops frankincense essential oils
- 10 drops cedarwood essential oils
Method
- Melt beeswax and e-wax in a small saucepan or double boiler, using low heat.
- Once melted, add the oils + lanolin (if using) to the waxes and stir well to combine.
- Remove from heat. Allow to cool slightly, stirring with a wire whisk, until mixture begins to thicken into a soft, creamy consistency. This should take approximately 5-10 minutes depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
- Meanwhile, heat the liquids (your liquid(s) of choice, witch hazel, and honey) just until warm, then remove from heat.
- Add borax. Stir until dissolved.
- Using an immersion blender (or a kitchen blender), add the warmed liquids into the oil/wax mixture by drizzling slowly and blending at the same time (think homemade mayo method). Blend until cool, smooth, and thicken.
- Mix in vitamin E oil (if using) and essential oils.
- Stir well.
- Pour into clean glass storage jars (I use these).
Please remember :: Making any type of cream or lotion at home, in your kitchen, requires the utmost in cleanliness in order to inhibit bacterial growth and prevent mold. This is why it is very important to use aloe vera gel, hydrosols, or purified/distilled water for the tea infusion in the recipe. Likewise, please be sure to use thoroughly cleaned utensils, pans, bowls, and counter surfaces throughout the process.
Note :: This cream should used within 3-4 weeks from preparation. There is no need for refrigeration. However, if you see mold growing, toss it out. Tip :: If you use more than one jar/container feel free to store them in the fridge until you’re ready to use them. And just so you know, I’ve never had any mold grow in mine — ever.
Tips for Use
- Apply a small amount (approx. 1-2 teaspoons) of cleansing cream to your face using a cloth or your fingertips. Note: Feel free to add approx. 1/2 teaspoon liquid castille soap to the cream in your hands for additional cleansing (I love this liquid castille soap from Mountain Rose Herbs).
- Massage into skin for 1-3 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Pat dry. Note: You may follow with a swab of witch hazel or calendula hydrosol
This cleansing cream removes makeup and deep cleans pores…it also makes for a wonderful, stand-alone facial/body moisturizer!
I hope you love it as much as I do!!
Note: Naturally the results will be different for everyone. This is by no means a cure-all. I’m just happy to share with you my experience with these plants and/or oils. Please use conventional wisdom and consult with your medical professional prior to using this or any other herbal remedy. And as we know all too well the FDA doesn’t like any type of claim… therefore, take it for what it is, and remember, this information is purely educational in its purpose.
Katherine Buchanan
This sounds like something I need. Thanks for sharing this!
Kristina
Is there any chance that you sell this? Perhaps on etsy? It just seems like the ingredients could be somewhat costly to make a small batch for myself.
Becci
I, too am wondering if you would just sell a jar or two. I would like to know how much it would cost to get a jar and what shipping would be. I use paypal, if that helps at all.
Anna
Have you tried Roots & Reverie? There’s a link at the top of the recipe page. Well, on my machine there is. They have very wonderful stuff.
Andrea
There are a few from a small batch now available here…https://www.etsy.com/listing/233329238/herbal-facial-cleansing-cream-calendula
kathy
Same here. I’m wondering if you are making any to sale?
jackie
i would also like the opportunity to purchase, i have emphysema/COPD my energy level is not what it use to be in order to make my own.
Regena
Looks amazing. Over $100 in ingredients to make a cleanser though but it certainly gives me some great ideas! Thanks!
Stephanie
It maybe a bit expensive but once you have all these ingredients you can pretty much make all of her recipes on her website. Andrea’s recipes are awesome, I have made almost all of them and I have yet to be disappointed! Hope that helps, enjoy!
Aniko
Thanks for posting the ingredients as pick and choose options. I’m excited to make my own based on this.
Jay
Is there something else that you can use instead of borax?
Marcie
Andrea,
I’ve been trying to purchase your book – “Simply Clean: DIY Solutions For A Naturally Clean Home” from your website, but I keep getting an error that says that combination is not available. Is there any other way that I can purchase a copy of the book? Or is it no longer available?
Thanks!!
Marcie
Margaret Darlene Ehinger
You know what really “super sucks?” Not growing older. A cream that keeps our faces looking their best is always welcome, but a love for creation must include a respect for the aging process -and in some cases, that means wrinkles and all. I have always associated herbs with a timeless and ageless beauty, a fusion of earthly goodness with hints of ethereal mystery. Your careless choice of words (and I do think it is careless and not malicious) does violence to that image. Please be more careful. Pax e bene, Margaret