Vanilla Kissed Hand Cream

I just bought some new vanilla bean pods to make homemade vanilla extract. If you don't know how to make it yourself, click HERE for my tutorial.

I always make my own vanilla extract. You only need two simple ingredients. 

 So anyhow, I realized I still had some vanilla extract from last year in my herb pantry and decided to make a Vanilla Kissed Hand Cream with it.  This recipe makes a small batch that will last about 30 days or so.  I added in a bit of grapefruit seed extract to help very mildly preserve it along with the alcohol from the vanilla extract, but I still suggest you store it in the fridge and fill a small container to be used within 7 days at a time.

Vanilla Kissed Hand Cream
20 grams jojoba oil
15 grams coconut oil
11 grams emulsifying wax
3 grams stearic acid
2 grams liquid lecithin
20 grams aloe vera juice
30 grams vanilla extract
2 grams grapefruit seed extract
30 drops benzoin resin

Place the jojoba oil, coconut oil, emulsifying wax, stearic acid and lecithin in a small glass measuring cup. Place the aloe vera juice and the vanilla extract in another glass measuring cup.  Heat both in a simmering water bath until the waxes and oils melt to combine. 

Pour the liquid wax/oil into a small heat proof mixing bowl. Slowly add in the aloe/vanilla while mixing with a handheld beater. 

 The two phases will combine and turn creamy.  You need to continue mixing for about 10 minutes.  Add in the grapefruit seed extract and the benzoin resin.

 Mix the hand cream for another 10 or 15 minutes until thickened. 

 
 You will know it is ready when it reaches a lotion or cream like texture. 

 
 Not to get to much sidetracked, but I found these GoToob soft silicone squeeze bottles at Costco a few days ago and I picked up a four-pack.  

 I pulled the following information from the GoToob website. 


GoToob is the civilized, smart, squeezable tube for traveling, outdoors, and more.

Typical travel bottles are hard plastic canisters that pay no attention to the human experience at hand.

The award-winning and patented GoToob is made from soft yet rugged silicone, so it's easy to squeeze, and it dispenses the product right away. A special, "no-drip" valve helps the cap stay clean.

The collar is made of two rings that unsnap from one another. The outer ring has an ID window, and the inner ring lists content indicators. Simply snap the outer ring off and back on to display "Soap," "Lotion," and more. A blank setting lets the user write in their own content indicator.

A large opening means it's easy to fill and clean your GoToob. The small 1.25 fl. oz. size slips easily into pockets, bags, purses, and other tight spots. The medium 2 fl. oz. size features a handy suction cup that can briefly attach to walls for moments when you need your hands free. And a large 3 fl. oz. size gives you maximum volume for longer times between refills.

 I filled my GoToob up with my Vanilla Kissed Hand Cream and stored the rest in the fridge. The texture is soft and silky and absorbs instantly.  The vanilla is soft and scrumptious and lingers for a while.  I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I did.  Enjoy & Green Blessings!!!

Shannon

 
This information is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition. Nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete, nor may its data be accurate. As with all herbs,  Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children.  I am an affiliate with Mountain Rose Herbs,please review my disclosure page for details.. Avoid use  unless discussed with your physician. This information is for educational purposes only.  This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Green Blessings!!!