Beeswax lotion question

[curly_kate]

I've never seen regular water in recipes, but have seen rosewater and stuff like aloe vera. I have 2 great big aloe plants, but haven't quite figured out how to extract the gel efficiently.

 

[Denim Deb]

Can't ya just milk the thing?

 

[curly_kate]

Not sure how. Any tips would be appreciated!

 

[Blackbird]

You could make an aloe vera oil, too. That might be easier than trying to squeeze all the juices out.
Fill up a jar with fresh chopped plant matte rand cover with olive or almond oil, to the top of the jar. Label and set in a dry spot. Shake the jar occasionally and open it up and stir it to release any gasses from the plant.
Shake the jar occasionally and open it up and stir it to release any gasses from the plant. Let it 'brew' for about a month or so.. I know some people do two weeks, others less, but I always do a month. And there you have aloe vera oil.

 

[curly_kate]

I tried again with my beeswax lotion. I reduced the wax to 1/2 oz, and added an extra oz. of water. The consistency is a nice, thick cream! I'm wondering about scenting the lotion. This may be way off base, but can I use cooking extracts in place of the essential oils? I have vanilla and lemon in my spice cabinet, so it had crossed my mind to try them. Will the alcohol in them mess up my lotion?

 

[curly_kate]

Anyone?

 

[freemotion]

My guess would be probably it would mess the lotion up, prevent it from emulsifying or make it separate, but that is just a guess.

 

[curly_kate]

That's kinda what I was thinking, but I thought it was worth an ask.

 

[valmom]

Oh, timely post. I am thinking of starting making lotions and creams in January. (I try to add one new skill a year- last year was soap. Year before was canning. Before was spinning)

Are there any websites that have lotion recipes? I found a couple but it said to add borax. I have borax for my laundry detergent, but I don't really think I want it in my creams. What is it for?

I am going to save this recipe- it sounds easy! And I am having my MIL save me cream jars to fill when I do try it. She appreciates my efforts and is looking forward to adding my home made cream to my home made soap in her bathroom!

 

[~gd]

Oh, timely post. I am thinking of starting making lotions and creams in January. (I try to add one new skill a year- last year was soap. Year before was canning. Before was spinning)

Are there any websites that have lotion recipes? I found a couple but it said to add borax. I have borax for my laundry detergent, but I don't really think I want it in my creams. What is it for?

I am going to save this recipe- it sounds easy! And I am having my MIL save me cream jars to fill when I do try it. She appreciates my efforts and is looking forward to adding my home made cream to my home made soap in her bathroom!

Depending on the formulation borax is often used as a thickening agent. and it does have cleaning ability in heavy duty cleaning hand soaps.