Ingredients
Scale
Phase A:
150 g distilled water
1 T marshmallow root
pinch of hibiscus flowers (optional for color)
Phase B:
38 g tallow
16 g jojoba oil
8 g squalene
8 g emulsifying wax
Phase C:
2.2 g Geogard ECT at 1% (or preservative of choice at the recommended usage rate)
5 drops essential oil
Instructions
- In a pint mason jar, combine marshmallow root, blue mallow flowers and optional hibiscus/butterfly pea flowers with 150 grams of room temperature distilled water. A tea infuser basket or disposable tea bag works well. Cover and allow herbs to steep for a minimum of 4 hours up to overnight for maximum extraction. Note: If you did not suspend your herbs in a tea basket or tea bag, you will need to remember to shake the jar every so often. (read about the Principle of Circulatory Displacement)
- Strain out the herbs, squeezing as much liquid and mucilage out of the herb pulp as possible. The discarded herbs can be used as a poultice on dry or inflamed skin or composted.
- Double check the weight of your mallow-infused water. Top up with additional distilled water until you have 150 grams of liquid again.
- In a separate heat-proof bowl or jar, warm tallow and emulsifying wax over a gentle heat source until fully melted. Stir in jojoba and squalane oils.
- Place an immersion blender in the jar containing your mallow water infusion and turn it on. While running the blender, slowly drizzle heated oil phase into the water phase. Continue mixing until well emulsified and smooth. (You can also use a regular blender or personal blender)
- Add preservative and any essential oil(s), blending once more until fully incorporated.
- The lotion will continue to thicken slightly for an hour or two before it reaches its final viscosity. ♥
Notes
Make about 8 ounces of lotion.
If you choose not to use a broad spectrum preservative, you must store lotion in the refrigerator and use within a few weeks.
I recommend glass containers for storing homemade lotions and potions. Glass doesn’t leach chemicals and it’s easier to clean/sterilize after the product is used up and you’re ready to refill.
