| Apparently, one face cream formulation wasn’t enough for me. I’ve happily formulated another face cream and I think you will enjoy it! This face cream is actually thicker than the previous face cream, and this would be more of a nightly face cream than a daily cream.
This time I chose Sesame Oil for the smooth and creamy feel that it contributes to lotions and creams. Sesame also is very rich in nutrients that our skin loves. I chose Avocado Oil because it is the one oil that is loved by all skin types. This choice allows the face cream to be truly versatile and pamper all skin types. I added just a little bit of High Melt Point Shea Butter to help give the cream body without using too much Stearic Acid that would make the cream waxy. I also chose the Green Tea and Orchid Extracts because both extracts are well known for their skin soothing and protecting properties. As my goal was to make a night face cream, these extracts are perfect for such a use.
Recipe: 400 grams or 14.11 ounces
Weigh all ingredients except the additives (extracts, Liquid Germall Plus, Vitamin E Natural, and Esme Fragrance) into the microwave safe container. Heat in the microwave using short time bursts until everything is melted. Blend the ingredients to a smooth, creamy consistency using the immersion blender. Add additives once the temperature drops to 120 F in the mixing bucket. Blend until completely mixed. Pour into jars and allow to cool completely before capping. Yield: This recipe will make 16 ounces.
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 Finished Lotion  Weighing Oils  Weighing Water  Mixing Lotion |
Hi, Andee, How long do these creams last? I notice you don’t put preservatives in them. Do they stay safe and effective forever? Thanks, Carolyn
Carolyn,
I actually do put a preservative in all of my blog recipes that require them. The preservative for this particular cream is Liquid Germall Plus. It is an effective preservative that has a low usage rate and a low risk of being neutralized by one of the ingredients.
The shelf life for a cream or lotion without a preservative would be only 1-3 days. Bacteria, yeast and/or mold grow that quickly. You may not see any visible problems, but it is there. With a preservative, the shelf life of a lotion or cream would be as short as the oil with the shortest shelf life typically about 9 months. You can use an antioxidant to extend the shelf life up to 3 more months, but we should plan on replacing our lotions and creams every 9-12 months.
I hope this helps!
Andee
I really like orchid extract for face creams, and green tea would be excellent too. Thanks for the recipe!
I was wondering if you could do a very light facial lotion for those of us that do live in the moister part of the country, and if it was possible to make an oil free version for some people that insist that the oils are messing with their skin. I keep telling people it is not always the oils but the chemicals in the lotions or soaps that break people out.
Thanks, Andee. I didn’t know about the Germall, or about the shelf life with it. Thanks for such an inter-active blog, and for providing so much information, not just “fluff.” Even a newbie like me can get the courage – and help – to try some different things. Blessings to all! Carolyn
This looks so good, I’ve never tried hydrovance (will have to order some!) Thank you so much for sharing these recipes on the blog. When I was first starting out I learned so much by examining and trying out the formulas. My very first soap was your valentines for him formula. 🙂