Zero Waste Handmade Aloe Vera Cream
Ingredients
Cosmetic aloe vera gel
The aloe vera gel will serve as a base for the cream. If you use aloe vera gel from the actual leaf, it will not blend and will separate from the oils. This is because cosmetic aloe vera gel contains emulsifiers necessary to blend with the oils. Make sure that these components make up to only 1% of the aloe vera gel.
You can find this in a glass jar here, and this will last you several batches of cream as you need just a little for this recipe.
The ratio we will use is 2 tbsp Cosmetic aloe vera gel (about 50 grams) for 1 teaspoon of oil (about 4 grams). If you want a dryer feel, use half teaspoon only (2 grams).
Essential oils are optional, you can use up to 5 drops for 50 grams gel. If you are using it on the face, limit the essential oils to 1-2 drops. Avoid using essential oils if you have sensitive skin.
To make a Moisturising Cream
Add one or two oils of your choice, depending on your skin type.
Check the little table below for inspiration to learn more about oil properties and which one works best for you!
To make a make up remover cream
Simply swap your oil content with castor oil. Castor oil is super cleansing so it is perfect to remove make-up. It is also low on comedogenic scale (0!) which means it will not clog your pores. Don't use too much as otherwise it could be drying to the skin. Avoid using essential oils.
Ratio: 1 teaspoon of castor oil to 50 grams aloe vera gel
To make a overnight cream
Swap your oil content with castor oil. Castor oil is super cleansing so it is perfect to remove make-up. It is also low on comedogenic scale (0!) which means it will not clog your pores. Don't use too much as otherwise it could be drying to the skin.
Ratio: 2 teaspoons of melted shea butter to 50 grams aloe vera gel
For a cooling and relaxing effect, add 1 drop of lavender essential oil and 1 drop of rose geranium essential oil.
How long will it take me?
less than 5 minutes. Not joking!
Instructions
1. Place the aloe vera gel into a bowlTips
Leaving this cream unscented will make it perfect for sensitive skin. If you are using an oil with a short shelf life (for example grapeseed or hemp seed oil, which have only 6 months shelf life) I recommend adding up to 1% Vitamin E oil. This will delay the oxidation of the oil and will prolong the overall cream shelf life.Join Minimal – Bottega Zero Waste FREE Skincare Mini Course
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