Rose Lip Salve
A traditional rose-scented lip balm made with natural waxes, oils, and rose essential oil. This recipe creates a moisturizing lip salve with a delicate rose fragrance.
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces (42g) Spermaceti (or substitute with beeswax) (Spermaceti is no longer commonly used; substitute with an equal amount of beeswax for a modern version)
- 9 drachms (32g) White beeswax (Approximately 1 ounce or 2 tablespoons grated)
- 12 ounces (340g or 1.5 cups) Sweet almond oil (Can substitute with jojoba oil or fractionated coconut oil)
- 2 ounces (57g) Alkanet root (Provides natural pink/red color; optional for modern version)
- 1 drachm (3.5g or about 60 drops) Otto of roses (rose essential oil) (Use pure rose essential oil or rose absolute)
Instructions
- 1Set up a double boiler by placing a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
- 2Add the spermaceti (or beeswax substitute), white beeswax, sweet almond oil, and alkanet root to the double boiler. Heat gently over simmering water.
- 3Maintain the mixture over the heat of boiling water for 4 hours, stirring occasionally. The alkanet root will infuse the oil with a pink color. Keep the water at a gentle simmer and add more water as needed.
- 4Remove from heat and strain the mixture through cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove the alkanet root pieces. Work quickly while the mixture is still liquid.
- 5Allow the strained mixture to cool slightly (to about 140°F/60°C) but remain liquid. Add the otto of roses (rose essential oil) and stir thoroughly to combine.
- 6Quickly pour the liquid lip salve into small tins, jars, or lip balm tubes. Work efficiently as the mixture will begin to solidify as it cools.
- 7Allow the lip salve to cool completely at room temperature until fully solidified, approximately 1-2 hours. Cap the containers once completely cool.
