Velvet Hand & Body Cream

I make this cream fairly often and have just sent a jar down to my mom as a pre-Mother’s Day gift, and she loves it! The secret to the velvety feel on the skin is the addition of arrowroot powder, which soaks up any excess oiliness and provides a smooth glide. As well as being velvety, the xanthan gum gives the cream a light, mousse-like feel too. This cream is fairly rich and thick and you only need a small amount to spread a long way. It can be used on body, hands and face and is a guaranteed winner.

Velvet Hand & Body Cream

3 heaped tablespoons  avocado butter

30ml  coconut oil

1-1 ½ T  Eco E emulsifying wax

2 tsp  vegetable glycerine

2 tsp  xanthan gum

2 T  aloe vera gel

½ c plus extra distilled or boiled and cooled water. You will need extra depending on your desired consistency.

2 drops  Geogard 221 or  Euxyl 940 (preservative)

2 tsp arrowroot powder (can add more if you like)

Essential oils of your choosing: I like a blend of  lavender,  tea tree,  rosemary,  lemongrass,  sweet orange,  peppermint and  spearmint as it is wonderfully fresh. Try different blends such as  sweet orange and  cardamom, frankincense, r ose and myrrh or jasmine. You can adjust the quantities of the essential oils according to your taste.

Melt the avo butter, coconut oil and emulsifying wax together. In a separate container, mix 1 teaspoon of the xanthan gum with the vegetable glycerine, then blend in the water, preservative and aloe vera gel together. It will thicken as you blend. Add this aloe mixture gradually to the melted oils, stirring continuously. Trickle in more water, whisking vigorously. Now you can begin to blend with an emulsion/stick blender. Add in more water as required. Sprinkle the last teaspoon of xanthan gum directly into the cream emulsion and blend. Add in the arrowroot powder now. I find the cream improves as it cools, so keep blending until cooled completely. Test the cream every now and then on a patch of your skin. When the cream is ready, it should readily absorb into the skin, with no greasy feeling. The consistency will be thick and peaky (like whipped cream), and it should appear glossy. When your cream is done add in your essential oils one by one, blending after each addition.

Decant the cream into a jar and store in a cool place. Apply generously to skin.

You can use different oils such as shea butter, mango or cocoa butter, but the end result may differ slightly. You may need to just add in some extra liquid.

You can use a floral water instead of distilled water. Try frankincense, orange blossom, geranium or rose water to match your essential oil scent.