DIY Whipped Face Cream

We're so excited to finally share this recipe. It's been a long time coming, and in all honesty, we were mildly hesitant to put this out there. We know that skin types vary widely, and everyone has different skin concerns. As with all products, there will never be a face moisturizer that works well for everyone. But we also know that there are some general rules you can follow to make your formulation more likely to be successful:

1. Stick with oils and butters that are less likely to clog your pores (avoid coconut oil and cocoa butter),
2. Select a liquid carrier oil based on your unique skin concerns, and
3. If you want to, add an herb like lavender that is known to have special benefits for the face.

Our recipe is a basic guideline that can be modified in a number of ways depending on what works best for you. We'll share the recipe first, then explain why these ingredients were selected, and finally, we will suggest a few modifications.

The Recipe

Before you start, you will need:

• Dried lavender flowers (optional)
• 1 part liquid carrier oil of choice (read on if you don't know what will work best for you)
• 2 parts shea butter
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or stick blender

Step 1 (optional): Infuse liquid oil with lavender (for 3 to 6 weeks)

Pour dried lavender flowers into a sealable jar. Use enough that the liquid oil can cover the dried lavender with minimal excess oil. Seal the jar and store in a cool, dry place for 3 to 6 weeks.

Don't worry, you don't have to wait 3 to 6 weeks to make this recipe if you don't want to! You can skip this step altogether, or use lavender essential oil instead of infusing with real lavender. Just make sure not to exceed 12 drops of essential oil to every 1 ounce of liquid carrier oil. This is between a 1% and 2% dilution rate, which is generally considered safe for all-over application. 

Step 2: Melt shea butter

Add 2 parts shea butter to a heat-safe container. Ceramic, glass, or metal will all work perfectly. Pour a thin layer of water into a pot and add the container of shea butter. Heat on low until shea butter is completely melted.

Step 3: Mix the ingredients

Combine melted shea butter and liquid carrier oil.

Step 4: Cool

Allow the mixture to cool until mostly solid. It may take over an hour at room temperature. You can also put the mixture in the refrigerator or freezer to speed up the process. 

Step 5: Whip

Once the mixture is mostly solid, whip using a whisk or a stick blender. Continue to whip until you achieve the desired consistency.

Step 6: Store & enjoy!

Store your whipped facial cream in a clean, sealable container. Keep it in a cool, dry place (such as your bathroom cabinet). It may melt when exposed to heat, so keep this in mind if you will be using it while traveling! 

Why shea butter?

Shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a remedy for red, puffy, and irritated skin.² It has also been known to promote collagen production and offers some protection from UV radiation.³

Why lavender?

Lavender has a long list of properties that make it especially beneficial for the face. It is antibacterial, helping to prevent acne. Antioxidants can help combat free radicals, one of the contributors to signs of aging. And it has been known to soothe eczema and inflammation.¹

Picking the right liquid oil (carrier oil) for your skin

We've prepared this guide to help you decipher which oils are most likely to work depending on your skin type and concerns. If you get through the guide and still don't have an oil of choice, we'd recommend trying jojoba oil. 

Modifications

"My skin doesn't absorb moisturizers quickly. I want to make sure this isn't too heavy or greasy."