Rainforest Flower Body Cream

This fresh cream recipe has a rich, thick texture that is perfect for intensive moisturizing.  Just dab a very small amount on dry knuckles, elbows, heels, or anywhere else that needs some extra attention.  Made with skin nourishing Amazonian Oils, Maracuja and Andiroba, this thick, buttery cream packs a lot of moisturizing power into a very small package.  We’ve added Carrot and Arnica CO2 Extracts for extra healing power, and a touch of Bergamot Essential Oil to enhance its aroma.

Rainforest Flower Body Cream
Makes about 1 1/2 ounces (By Volume)

Ingredients

Oil Phase
7 grams Illipe Butter or Cocoa Butter
7 grams Andiroba Oil
7 grams Maracuja Oil
7 grams Jojoba
5 grams Beeswax

Water Phase
30 grams Neroli Hydrosol
8 drops Grapefruit Seed Extract
1 gram Borax (Cosmetic Grade)

Additives
1/2 teaspoon Dry-Flo (Optional)
10 drops Arnica Flower Total CO2 Extract
10 drops Helio Carrot Root CO2 Total Extract
10 drops Bergamot Essential Oil

Directions
Fresh creams are very fragile, so before you begin, make sure that all of your equipment is totally clean and sanitized.  In a double boiler, gently melt the Illipe Butter and Beeswax.  After these ingredients have melted, add the Jojoba, Maracuja, and Andiroba Oils.  Leave the mixture in the double boiler to stay warm, but turn the burner off.  In a small heatproof container, combine the Neroli Hydrosol, Grapefruit Seed Extract, and Borax.  Mix the liquid well, then heat it gently in a hot water bath, or a second double boiler.  When both phases have been mixed and warmed, combine them in one mixing bowl.  Begin whipping the mixture immediately, and continue to whip until the mixture has cooled and emulsified completely.  Depending on the heat of the mixture, and the room temperature, this may take between 5 and 10 minutes.  After the mixture has cooled and emulsified, add the Dry-Flo and mix well to disperse it fully.  Next, add the Essential Oils and CO2 Extracts, and mix again.  The cream can now be spooned into small, sterilized jars.

A Note on Usage and Preservation
Unlike commercial creams, fresh emulsions can be very unstable without the addition of strong preservatives.  While this recipe does contain some Grapefruit Seed Extract to help it resist bacteria, it will still be prone to contamination.  The easiest way to deal with this problem is to create small batches, use your product quickly, and to handle the products with extra care.  Try to avoid handling the creams directly.  For example, instead of scooping the cream from the jar with your fingers, try using a clean spoon or spatula.  Unfortunately, most bacteria contamination will not be visible to the naked eye, so if you think that a batch of cream may have become contaminated, it is best to error on the side of caution.  When in doubt, throw it out!  This is another reason to make small batches.  If you do think something has been contaminated, it is easy to whip up a fresh batch instead of taking chances.

If you’d like more information on adding preservatives to your fresh cream and lotions, or would like information on Product Challenge Testing, please visit our Informational Library at FromNatureWithLove.com.