VALMAI’S BASIC CREAM RECIPE

This cream can be used on both face and body. Avoid dipping your fingers into the cream, as you might introduce bacteria. Instead, use a pump bottle for dispensing.

Ingredients • 20ml almond oil • 10g emulsifying wax • 10g shea butter • 2ml citrus seed extract • 160ml purified water (Valmai uses hydrosols – if you have access to a still, you could make your own herbal water)

Put oil and waxes into a double boiler. Put water and citrus seed extract in a separate double boiler.

Heat them both to a temperature between 65oc and 70oc, then trickle the water mixture into the oil, like you‘re trying to emulsify mayonnaise or hollandaise sauce. Don’t just pour the water in, in one go! Pour in a slow, steady stream. Then beat together.

Cool the temperature to between 45oc and 50oc, then add an essential oil if you prefer. Rose, for example, is moisturising for the skin, or add another essential oil you like. Add 10-15 drops.

As the mixture cools, pour it into a sterilised bottle or jar.