'Super Hydrator' Face moisturiser Recipe

[Sim]

Super Hydrator
for all skin types

40ml apricot kernel oil
20ml olive oil
1 tablespoon finely grated beeswax
1/4 teaspoon borax*
60ml distilled water (or rose water)
1 tablespoon aloe Vera gel
6 drops rosewood essential oil
4 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops frankincense essential oil

Equipment needed: Double boiler, themomix, thermometer (I used a candy thermometer)

> In the TM using butterfly attachment, heat borax and distilled water to 60^oC, speed 2, constantly.
> Meanwhile, gently melt the apricot kernel oil, olive oil and beeswax in the top half of a double boiler, stirring constantly until all ingredients are well combined, translucent, and at 60^oC.
> With the TM still at speed 2 and 60^oC, very slowly pour the oil mixture through the hole of the TM lid to combine with water mixture. Remove temperature setting, but continue at speed 2 until the temperature has reduced to 37^oC.
> Add Aloe Vera gel and essential oils, speed 2, and continue to cool for 10mins.
> Pour into sterilised glass containers and store in a dark cool place.

* Recipes containing borax should not be used on infants and children, pregnant women and those with sensitive skin.

Original recipe from 'Bodyworks - restoring wellbeing with homemade organic lotions, potions and balms' Murdocks books.

The resulting cream should be pale, light and smooth. It is a very light moisturiser. I use it every day in conjuction with a face cleanser and toner that I make. The themomix does such a great job at creating a smooth cream, its truly amazing!

If you would like to see photos, let me know, and I will post some.

[Rowyfo]

Sounds fantastic! I love these recipes!!

[Thermomixer]

Thanks Sim - wonder if you could heat the beewax and oils and melt them in the TMX and then leave aside to pour in - may be able to chop the beeswax and then melt it faster in the TMX?

[I Love Bimby!]

Looks great Sim. Is there an alternative for Borax or can you just leave it out??

[Sim]

I thought that too... I haven't tried it, but you might be able to swap it around so that the water mixture is heating on the stove top and the oil mixture is melted in the thermomix, but still combine it together very slowly.

And in regards to borax, I am not sure. I will try and do some research into it. If you have sensative skin, perhaps just to a small test on your hand before you applying it to your whole face. I'm not sure of its purpose in the recipe sorry.

[I Love Bimby!]

Thanks Sim. Mum was here earlier and was showing her how to navigate around the forum when she saw your recipe. Her skin can break out fairly easily to different things and its quiet dry and sensitive was was questioning the borax

[Sim]

Oh well there are heaps of other recipes in the book... I can try and find one that would suit her if you like? Let me know what you're after and I will source it for you. For example, there are scrubs, night creams, creams for dry skin, body butter, bath soaks...

Just let me know, I would be more than happy to.

[I Love Bimby!]

Perhaps when you have time Sim a cream for dry skin? Thanks.
I have the book 'Do it yourself pure plant skin care" but have to find somewhere where I can source the ingredients as I can't find them locally.
Thanks Sim!!

[Rowyfo]

I think I need this entire book

[Sim]

haha! Its a pretty good book, I haven't tried most things though because it takes a long time to build up a collection of the ingredients.

My favourite book is Handbook of herbs : a recipe for daily living, an A-Z of essential herbs / Nerys Purchon, but it is no longer in publication I borrowed it from the ACT library. It has oil infusion recipes, herbal remedies, body product recipies and also how to grow your own herbs. I really really really want it! I just keep borrowing it from the library, over and over, lol!

ILB > I will post something for you over the next few days

[Rowyfo]

The library website has been down since I read your post last night. Stupid maintenance!

My grandmother has a million and one books, including plenty about gardening and herbs - I will have a look and see if she has this one by Nerys. Thank you.

[Amanda]

Try this -
http://www.neryspurchon.com/
It is her website and has recipes.
Here is a list of her books - you might find them on used book websites if you hunt!
http://www.bookfinder.com/author/nerys-purchon/
Good luck.

[Amanda]

Aren't I the busy little bee!?
Why borax is used in creams -
     "Borax or sodium borate is a naturally occurring alkaline mineral first discovered over 4000 years ago. It is found in large quantities in the Western United States as well as in the Tibet area of China. Borax alone will not emulsify. It must be used in conjunction with Beeswax. Together the electricity from the friction of the two causes the reaction and yields an emulsion."
From this website -
http://allnaturalbeauty.us/emulsions.htm

[I Love Bimby!]

Thanks Sim. Just checked on Ebay for you too and there's nothing there at the moment.

[Rowyfo]

Just a FYI - I tried chopping Cocoa butter in the TM and came across wild protest. I haven't been game to try beeswax, I reckon it would be a bugger to clean.