Let’s face it. Our feet can get a little on the icky side now and then. If they are getting a bit too aromatic for your liking, they might benefit from a lotion with some anti-funk benefits. Karanja Oil and Murumuru Butter contain natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that can help get your little piggies smelling sweeter. Moisturizing Cocoa Butter and soothing Tamanu Oil will help them feel better too! A touch of Peppermint Oil finishes this lotion off nicely, giving it a clean, refreshing tingle.
Karanja Peppermint Lotion
Makes about four ounces
Ingredients
- 15 grams Emulsifying Wax (or Organic Emulsifying Wax w 1 teaspoon Borax)
- 15 grams Organic Cocoa Butter
- 15 grams Murumuru Butter
- 15 grams Karanja Oil
- 15 grams Tamanu Oil
- 60 grams Witch Hazel Hydrosol
- 1 gram Peppermint Essential Oil
- 1 gram Rosalina Essential Oil
- 1 gram Grapefruit Seed Extract
Directions
- Heat the Emulsifying Wax, Murumuru Butter and Cocoa Butter in a double boiler until they are fully melted.
- Add the Karanja and Tamanu Oil, then remove from the heat.
- In another container, whisk the Witch Hazel Hydrosol (add the Borax now, if you are using). Warm these ingredients until they reach the same temperature as the melted oils/wax.
- Whisk the melted oils swiftly as you pour the Witch Hazel mixture into them in a slow, steady stream. Continue whisking the lotion as it cools. The lotion will thicken as it cools, but will not fully stabilize for at least five full minutes. Whisk continuously for up to ten minutes to ensure a stable emulsion.
- Once the lotion has cooled and thickened completely, whisk in the Peppermint Essential Oil and Grapefruit Seed Extract.
Usage & Packaging
Handmade lotions and creams are fairly fragile due to the presence of water. One way to keep your homemade emulsions safe from spoilage is to handle them as little as possible. When your lotion is done, transfer it into a sterilized container right away. Pump bottles are great for homemade lotions since they minimize direct contact. If you are using a jar, try scooping the lotion out with a clean utensil instead of your fingers. Storing the lotion in the fridge between uses can also help keep it fresh.
Peppermint feels so good in a foot lotion. So invigorating =)
Thanks, Anne-Marie! It’s my favorite ingredient for foot recipes too. The only other place I love peppermint quite so much is in shampoo. It feels wonderful on your scalp.
Can you tell me: in the directions under #3 it lists mixing the hydrosol with Borax. I don’t see borax listed in the ingredients. I am really interested in this recipe and would like to use it can you please correct either the instructions or ingredients?
Hi Julie. Thanks for spotting that typo! The Borax is only necessary for those using the Organic Emulsifying Wax. In that case, you’d need to add a teaspoon of Borax to the recipe dissolved into the Hydrosol.
Can you tell me: in the directions under #3 it lists mixing the hydrosol with Borax. I don’t see borax listed in the ingredients. I am really interested in this recipe and would like to use it can you please correct either the instructions or ingredients?
Love to see this type of instructions. I am just now getting involved in making moisturizing creams and natural shampoos. Would love to buy a book or read here all the different “recipes” on what to use and how to DIY! Also, in this Foot cream, can I substitute shea butter for the wax?
Hi George. Thanks! I’m glad you are enjoying the recipes. Shea Butter would not be a good substitute for the wax in this recipe. Wax is an essential part of this formula because it helps for an emulsion – the “magic trick” that mixes oils and fats together to form lotion. If you’d like to add Shea Butter to this recipe try swapping out the Murumuru Butter instead. Our blogger, Mary Helen, has a book coming out on natural beauty this Spring. You can learn more about that project and sign up to receive updates on its release here: https://naturalbeautyworkshop.com/my_weblog/2014/09/book.html
I have read pros and cons on the use of wax on our skin. Is the wax needed in this recipe for the witch hazel hydrosol? if so, would there be a substitute for the witch hazel so I do not need to add wax?
The wax in this particular recipe is an essential ingredient as it acts as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers mix oils and waters together to form creams and lotions. If youd like to avoid using wax Id suggest creating a body oil instead. Body oils are easy to make and highly moisturizing. Just combine whichever carrier oils you like in a bottle and shake well. Essential Oils can be added at a rate of 1 – 3% if desired.
Thanks again for your comment. If I can help with anything else please let me know.
I made this cream for Christmas gifts in a Spa Package for my daughters. One daughter has always had problems with her heals cracking in the wintertime. This year was no different and just before Christmas they had cracked to the point of bleeding. She started to apply this and I got a tearful thank you about a week later. She said that this was the first time in more than she could remember that not only were her heals no longer cracked and bleeding but they were healthy looking and so soft! I got thank you’s from every one I gave this to but my Daughters was so impressive I just had to write.
Thanks so much for sharing your story. I’m so glad that this recipe worked out so well for you and your family!
Can i use your recipes for commercial purpose .. Iam from India.
Hi Riya. Our recipes are meant to serve as practice and inspiration as you create your own formulations. You are welcome to base your own formulation off of this recipe but if you are creating products for sale you will need to determine the stability and shelf-life of the recipe. You may need to add a preservative or adjust the ratio of the formula to make it ready for sale or mass production. I would recommend consulting a professional lab for testing and preservative advice. We also ask that you do not reprint or repost our written recipes or photographs without prior written permission.
This recipe sounds amazing! To be honest, I am a huge natural skin care advocate but I’ve never heard of karanja before. Hoping I can get my hands on some at my local apothecary. Thanks for the post!
Definitely give it a try, Mel! It’s a great alternative to Neem and something wonderful to have in your skin care stash.