Dr. Galen, a physician from Greece is believed to have invented cold cream. This is the recipe he supposedly used.
The cold cream is a fairly thick cream that is meant to soften skin and especially ideal for softening dry and chapped skin around one’s elbows, knees or even dry skin from winter. Do you know it is one of the best makeup removers you can use? Yes, cold cream can remove even the most stubborn makeup and your skin won’t look like it has been through the wringer!
This is close to the original recipe and doesn’t use borax. Borax is used to bind oil and water together in cosmetic recipe, an emulsifier that’s used in numerous lotions and beauty products. However, Beeswax can help with emulsion equally well, so we are using that here. However, it is not a true emulsifier, so keeping the oil – water ratio balanced is important.
Ingredients
Olive Oil – 1.5 Tbsp.
Beeswax – 1/4 Tbsp.
Rosewater – 1.5 Tbsp.
Vanilla Extract – a few drops (Optional)
Instructions
In a double boiler, melt the Beeswax along with Olive Oil.
When full melted, remove from heat and set aside.
Start whipping the oil and wax mixture..
Introduce the Rose Water slowly while whipping – very slowly.
You can also add Vanilla Extract during time. This is optional and I don’t use it when I prepare my batch.
Whip on slow for a few minutes, till the consistency turns thick and creamy.
When the mixture is fully blended, transfer to a sterilized container.
Shelf Life
We haven’t added any preservatives for this recipe. So, prepare smaller batches and keep it refrigerated. You can prepare a new batch every 2 – 3 weeks.
How to Use It?
Scoop out a small dollop with clean and dry spatula and massage into the affected areas gently. I usually use this before hitting the bed.
Tips to Tweak the Recipe
I don’t add Vanilla Extract or any other Essential Oils when I do this, as they’re not needed. Rose Water gives a nice pleasant and floral smell to the recipe. You can skip it, or substitute with Essential Oils of your choice.
The original recipe is said to have used water and rose oil. You can do that, too. I have used Rose Water instead of Rose Oil + Water. In case you decide to go this route, make sure to warm up the water and then add while whipping the oil and wax mixture. You can add Rose Oil towards the end of whipping.
You can use Sweet Almond Oil, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, etc.
Why These Ingredients?
Rose Water helps with balancing sebum production, while also promoting better circulation and softer skin.
Beeeswax forms a protective layer on your skin, is a natural emulsifier and helps with the binding of oil and water in the recipe.
Rich in nutrients, Olive Oil helps your skin and keeps dry and chapped skin at bay. If you want a lighter version, substitute it with Sweet Almond Oil.
This is a very easy and simple recipe that hardly takes 15 minutes to prepare and works. Don’t have time to prepare your own skincare products? Try Aya Naturals for your skin and face care requirements.
