Making your own natural plastic free moisturiser is a great way to reduce your waste and save money.
So many companies out there claim their products have near-magical properties and will have you looking younger and healthier.
This is a lovely gentle plastic free moisturiser that you can use for your body, hands or face. Look into which herbs and essential oils are best for your skin type; lots of these herbs can be grown in your garden.
This moisturiser should last up to six months in your fridge.
What you’ll need:
- Herbs from the garden – calendula, lavender, mint, chamomile, rosemary, yarrow and thyme are all wonderful.
- 125ml boiling water
- 20g beeswax
- 50g cocoa butter or shea butter
- 100ml olive oil or sweet almond oil
- 25 drops essential oil – geranium, lavender, orange and rose are all lovely. If you use cocoa butter you might want to use an oil that complements the chocolatey fragrance.
How to make:
Crush the herbs in your hand and place them in a small jar, cup or coffee plunger.
Pour the boiling water over the herbs to make an infusion. Let this steep for a few hours, then strain.
Place the beeswax, cocoa or shea butter, and oil in a saucepan and melt together over a low heat. Stir gently while the wax melts.
Remove from heat and allow to cool until just warm. 5. Using a stick blender (or whisk), slowly pour in the herbal infusion while blending.
Add your favourite essential oils and mix thoroughly.
Using a spatula, place the moisturiser into clean jars.
This is an extract from ‘A Family Guide to Waste Free Living’ by Lauren and Oberon Carter (Pan Macmillan Australia, 2019).Â
