Neem Oil & Bee Pollen Skin Cream Recipe

This natural neem oil and bee pollen skin cream recipe combines the healing power of neem oil with the skin soothing, anti-inflammatory properties of bee pollen.

Natural bee pollen is used topically in skin care products to help calm inflammatory conditions and common skin irritations such as psoriasis or eczema. In addition the amino acids and vitamins naturally found in bee pollen are believed to help protect skin as well as aid in cell regeneration.

Neem oil is a naturally anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal carrier oil that has shown to be an effective treatment for those who suffer from dry itchy skin, redness and skin irritation as well as psoriasis, eczema, scabies, acne, skin ulcers and even head lice. I also found that neem oil’s strong anti-viral properties can also offer some relief from the pain of shingles. This is based on my grandmother’s experience with my non-greasy lavender body butter recipe I made her for Christmas. It contained a smaller amount of neem oil, however after several applications on the first day of use her pain was diminished.

Neem Oil & Bee Pollen Skin Cream Recipe

© Rebecca’s Soap Delicatessen

Ingredients:

1.5 oz. cocoa butter
1 oz. sesame oil
.25 oz. lanolin

Instructions:

To make this bee pollen skin cream recipe, begin by using a digital scale to weigh out the cocoa butter and emulsifying wax into a glass Pyrex measuring cup. Heat at 60% power in the microwave until the ingredients have fully melted. Remove carefully using a pot holder or tea towel as the glass will be hot. (Alternately you can use a double boiler.)

Using measuring spoons measure out the bee pollen and arrowroot powder. Stir into the melted wax and butter until the arrowroot powder has fully dissolved. You may want to use a stick blender for best results if you have one and to avoid a gritty feeling in the final product.

Weigh out the lanolin and stir into the mixture until it dissolves completely.

Now weigh out and add the sesame oil, rosehip seed oil and the neem oil. Mix to combine.

Once the mixture reaches 160°F or less use graduated transfer pipettes to measure out and add the essential oils, rosemary extract and vitamin E. Next, weigh out and add the Optiphen Plus. Mix well with a whisk or fork then pour into containers and allow to fully set up.

Notes:

This cream does take a while to fully thicken even if you place it in the refrigerator. It can take up to TWO to THREE full days before reaching its final consistency. So be patient. Also as this is a natural product it is affected by temperature more than commercial products. If you live in a warm climate or your house temperature is above 74°F this cream may liquify or lose it’s creamy consistency. (It’s a steady 70°-72°F in my house at this time of the year so I haven’t been able to see how it reacts under warmer temps.) In this case you can either increase the amount of emulsifying wax used – I’d start at additional .1 oz. – or you can swap the emulsifying wax with beeswax. However beeswax will make this product a bit stickier and lend it a more salve like consistency.

To use simply apply to skin as desired on problem areas affected by acne, shingles, cold sores, minor cuts and abrasions, athlete’s foot as well as any other minor skin irritations including eczema and psoriasis.

For more care recipes as well as natural alternatives to commercial products follow my boards on Pinterest. You can keep up with all of my new skin care recipes and homemade soap recipes by simply following me on Blog Lovin’ or Tumblr. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and Instagram.

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