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Here is another body balm recipe, this time for winter. The other recipe I made earlier this year is more appropriate for summer. That other balm makes a more solid product, which is perfect when the weather is hot. However, as soon as it get a bit chilly, the balm hardens. That means it’s harder to scoop out and spread on one’s skin. The new ratio of oils produces a less viscous texture when the temperatures go down.
In this recipe we added some grapeseed oil to replace a portion of the coconut oil. This makes a more soft and liquid consistency. Grapeseed oil is supposed to be a dry oil, which means that it doesn’t leave your skin feeling as greasy.
This balm still uses similar ingredients, including coconut oil, beeswax, lanolin, and essential oils. I kept the products similar because I already had them on hand. I’m trying really hard to keep my craft stash from growing any larger, so I didn’t want to add too many new ingredients.
After my earlier body balm recipe, there were some questions about the definition of a body balm. I would say that it is like a butter for your skin. It is soft and spreadable at room temperature, but not liquid like a lotion. Store it in a little jar and you can use your fingers to scoop up the balm.
Similar to the lanolin body balm, I used my favourite essential oils for this winter body balm: orange and tea tree. Use your own favourite oils and let me know which combinations work out for you.
A fun way to decorate your competed balm containers is to wrap them in fabric, like old school jam jars. I’ve adorned these balms with scraps from Meinhilde’s dress material. Do you recognize the fabrics from her dress posts here and here?
Winter Body Balm
Equipment
- three sterilized glass jars (125 ml each) with lids
- one heat-safe glass measuring cup
- one pot
- one metal rack, like the kind used for canning
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp beeswax
- 10 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp lanolin
- 6 tbsp grapeseed oil
- 5-10 drops essential oil of your choice
Instructions
- If the beeswax is in a block, grate it over a bowl until there are two tablespoons full. If it is really cold, microwave the block for 20 seconds to make it easier to grate.
- Add metal rack to pot. Add approximately 2 cm water and bring to a simmer.
- Add beeswax, coconut oil, and lanolin to glass measuring cup.
- Set measuring cup on rack in pot with simmering water and leave for approximately 10 minutes or until beeswax has melted.
- Pour melted mixture into sterilized glass jars.
- Add 5-10 drops of essential oil and mix with a wooden toothpick. Allow mixture to cool.
Thanks for sharing to Mix it up Monday. I just finished doing a bunch of cleaning yesterday and noticed how dry my hands were and thought it was time to upgrade my hand cream. I will definitely be trying this recipe out.
I’ve never attempted to make my own body balm but it looks lovely.
#MMBC
This sounds wonderful for the cold winter months. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
This is a great idea, and makes a lovely handmade gift too.
Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned!
I have a friend who is allergic to coconut so what can I substitute for the coconut oil? She would have a antiflactic reaction and would need a shot from an epi pen. So if you could help me out I would sure appreciate it.
Thanks
Merry
I’ve read that Babassu oil is a great 1:1 substitute for coconut oil!
Absolutely LOVE homemade, eco-friendly recipes like this! #ThatFridayLinky
Thanks for sharing, I never think to make things like this myself.
I bet that smells amazing! Sounds so soothing.
Thank you for sharing w us at Creative Muster! Pinned 🙂
Blessings to you xoxoxo Sharon @ Adoring Creations
This sounds lovely, what a great gift idea. This will be one of the features over at Handmade Monday this week 🙂
Thanks for sharing with us at the To Grandma’s house we go link party – I’m featuring you on my blog this week when the new party starts!
Thank you for sharing this winter body balm. I found you at to Grandma’s House We Go. My skin has already started to get so dry. It is so hard to keep it hydrated during the winter. Hopefully this will help!
Can this be made without the essential oil and with olive oil instead of grape seed?
Hey Tiffany,
Yes, you can omit the essential oil and use olive oil. Let me know how it goes!