Homemade Cosmetic Cream

Ingredients

• 4 ounces Lard (Can substitute with coconut oil or shea butter for modern use)
• 1 ounce Castor oil
• 0.25 ounce Spermaceti (Historical ingredient from whale oil; substitute with cetyl alcohol or additional white wax)
• 1.5 ounces Salad oil (light vegetable oil) (Use light olive oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil)
• 0.25 ounce White wax (beeswax)
• 1.5 drachm Tincture of lytæ (Approximately 1/2 teaspoon; this is a historical ingredient that may be omitted or replaced with vitamin E oil)
• 20 drops Essential oil (roses, verbena, bergamot, or cloves) (Choose your preferred scent)

Instructions

1. 1Measure out all the ingredients. Have the lard, white wax, spermaceti (or substitute), castor oil, and salad oil ready. Set aside the tincture of lytæ and essential oil for later.
2. 2Place the white wax, spermaceti (or substitute), and lard in a glazed earthenware pot or double boiler. Heat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until completely melted and combined.
3. 3Once the waxes and lard are fully melted, add the castor oil and salad oil to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients into a smooth, uniform mixture.
4. 4Remove the pot from heat and allow the mixture to cool, stirring occasionally. Let it cool until it is nearly cold but still pourable, with a consistency similar to thick cream.
5. 5When the mixture is nearly cold, add the tincture of lytæ and 20 drops of your chosen essential oil (roses, verbena, bergamot, or cloves). Stir thoroughly to distribute the scent evenly throughout the cream.
6. 6Pour the finished cream into clean, dry jars or containers. Allow to cool completely and solidify before sealing with lids. Store in a cool, dark place.