February 9, 2011: Homemade Facial Cleansing Cream

If you’ve been shopping for beauty products lately you know the stuff is priced like it’s made out of platinum. Sure, those expensive creams and cleanser have all sorts of chemicals added that supposedly tighten your skin and take years off your face. Personally, though, I’ve yet to notice a difference other than a lightness in my wallet.

Here’s a recipe I adapted from one I found in the book, Back to Basics Natural Beauty Handbook by Alexandra York, published in 1977. Because some of the ingredients the author includes in her beauty product recipes are not easy to find, I used a couple different recipes and substituted ingredients I always keep around the house to make this version.

Moisturizing Cleansing Cream

3 T. coconut oil
1/8 t. borax
1 T. almond oil
1 T. castile soap
½ t. essential oil in scent of your choice
1 T. witch hazel

Melt the coconut oil in a saucepan or using a glass bowl in the microwave (it melts much like butter so it only takes about half a minute or so, depending on the wattage of your microwave). Stir in the borax and continue stirring until is dissolved. Use a small whisk or whip to beat in the almond oil and castile soap, followed by the essential oil and the witch hazel. Let cool and store in covered container.

To use: dip your fingertips into the cleanser (it will be goopy) and slather over your face. Wipe off with a warm, wet washcloth (no need to rinse).

Tip: I use lemongrass essential oil because it’s a clean scent and refreshing yet calming. For a container, a small, clean, plastic margarine tub works great!