Aloe Vera Skin Cream Recipe
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This is an all-natural aloe vera skin cream recipe that you can make in under an hour and use as a daily skin moisturizer. Aloe vera is an excellent, healing ingredient that calms skin and gently tightens. The recipe also includes rose hip oil, shea butter, and honey, and makes a generous 4 oz (120 ml). That should be more than enough for a month’s supply.
Filled with skin-loving oils and extracts, this aloe vera face moisturizer is perfect for those with normal to oily skin and is relatively easy to make. The ingredients include aloe vera, which you can harvest and use fresh if you have a plant. If you don’t have one, use store-bought gel. Aloe is a gentle astringent that helps soothe inflammation and reduce redness. You’ll probably know of its use on sunburn, but it makes a fantastic aloe vera skin cream too.
Once you have all the ingredients and equipment gathered, this skincare project takes less than an hour to make. When finished, you’ll have a 4.1 oz (120 ml) jar of skin cream that has a good shelf life and feels wonderful on your skin!
Aloe Vera Skin Cream Recipe
The ingredients below are listed in three phases, and together they’ll make enough aloe vera skin cream to last a month. Feel free to scale the recipe up if you want to make more at a time, though. These are three distinct groups of ingredients that will be added at different parts of the process. The main oils are grouped into the ‘Oil Phase’, the water and items that need dissolving are in the ‘Water Phase’, and the ‘Cooling Phase’ is made up of heat-sensitive ingredients.
The ingredients in this homemade face cream are carefully selected to soothe and condition the skin, and provide the right amount of moisture and natural fragrance. I love the rosehip seed oil in it for extra support, especially for mature or damaged skin. With the shea butter and honey, all the ingredients come together to create a wonderful moisturizer that’s an absolute dream to smooth into your skin. If you have sensitive skin, feel free to leave the essential oil out if you’d like to make it gentler.
Aloe Vera for Natural Skin Healing
Aloe vera gel is the main active ingredient in this recipe, and it’s renowned for providing immediate relief to inflamed skin. I’m sure you’re well aware, since using it on sunburns takes the pain notch down pretty quickly. Aloe vera is a commonly used medicinal plant, calming and cooling the skin, while also tightening it slightly. While it’s more known for calming damaged and inflamed skin, it’s also loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals and great in small amounts for everyday use.
The aloe vera called for in this recipe can be from pure aloe vera gel that you purchase or fresh gel from your plants. Harvesting and using the gel is a little different than using fresh aloe on burns, though. The gel inside plant leaves doesn’t come out as a liquid but more of a gel-like solid. If you want to use it to make skin cream, you need to process it so that it is smooth and without any lumps.
How to Harvest Fresh Aloe Vera Gel
To do this, first cut a large aloe vera leaf at the base of the plant. Then, slice the sides of the leaf off and peel the top layer of green off. You’ll be left with the inner gel completely exposed but still attached to one side of the green leaf. Run a knife underneath to cut away this healing gel.
Once you have the aloe vera cut out, rinse it in distilled water. If you see any yellow substance on it, rinse it again. The yellow stuff is called aloin, and it’s a latex-like material that can irritate your skin.
After this, blitz the gel in a food processor or with an immersion blender. It will get frothy, just like beaten egg whites. Then strain it through a sieve and collect the pure, smooth gel. It only lasts a few days in the refrigerator, so freeze any remaining amount immediately. It can be kept for several months frozen.
More Skincare Recipes
- Aloe Vera Eczema Skin Cream Recipe
- Chamomile Skin Cream Recipe
- DIY Psoriasis Cream Recipe
- Marshmallow Root Skin Cream Recipe
Aloe Vera Skin Cream Recipe
Equipment
- 2 ramekins (or other small glass/ceramic container)
- 1 airless pump cosmetic dispenser (120 ml / 4 oz) (* or a dark cosmetic glass jar)
- stainless steel spoons
- cloth or pot holder
- milk frother (optional)
- pH testing strips (optional)
- digital kitchen scale (optional)
Materials
Oil Phase
- 2.5 tsp sweet almond oil 10 grams (10%) / or jojoba oil
- 1.5 tsp emulsifying wax NF (or BP) 3 grams (3%)
- 1/8 tsp shea butter 0.5 grams (0.5%)
Water Phase
- 1/4 cup distilled water 71.3 grams (70.3%)
- 1/32 tsp baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) 0.2 g (0.2%)
Cool Down Phase A
- 2 tsp aloe vera gel 7 grams (7%)
- 1/2 tsp rosehip seed oil 3 grams (3%)
- 1/2 tsp honey 2.5 grams (2.5%) – must be runny honey
- 1/4 tsp rose geranium essential oil 1 grams (1%) or lavender essential oil
- 1/8 tsp vitamin e oil 0.5 g (0.5%)
Cool Down Phase B
- 1 tsp distilled water 4 g (4%)
- 1/2 tsp Geogard Ultra* 2 grams (2%) – you may also use another broad-spectrum preservative such as Leucidal SF Complete*
Instructions
Preparation
- Measure the water phase ingredients into a heat-proof glass jar.
- Place the oil phase ingredients into a second jar.
- Measure the distilled water and preservative into a small dish and mix with a spoon.
- Measure the rest of the cool-down phase ingredients into a small dish/ramekin. Mix it well to help dissolve the honey.
Heating the Ingredients
- Heat the oil and water phases on indirect heat on the stove top. The simplest way to do this is to make a double boiler by first placing a folded cloth or pot holder at the bottom of a saucepan. Set the two jars on top and then fill the pan with warm water up to the level of the ingredients in the jars.
- Bring the pan to a simmer and stir the phases as they heat and melt.
- When the oil phase is completely melted and both phases are about 158–167°F (70-75°C), remove the jars from the water.
Making the Aloe Skin Cream
- Stir and then pour the water phase ingredients into the oil phase ingredients. Use the spatula to scrape out as much as possible.
- Now it's time to blend the mixture together. You can use a spoon or spatula, but a milk frother helps speed up the process. To use one, submerge the head and turn it on. Move it around to stir, but keep it under the surface. The ingredients will emulsify and begin to thicken as they cool. You can also continuously stir the ingredients manually until they emulsify and thicken. It may take several minutes.
- Once mixed, allow the aloe skin cream to cool until it's under 104°F (40°C). Then stir in the cool-down phase ingredients. Pour them into the cream and stir well.
- Pour/scrape the cream into the clean airtight container and allow it to come to room temperature before sealing it with a lid. It's best to let the cream sit for a day for the ingredients to settle before using it. Shelf-life is dependent on whether you used the Geogard Ultra or another preservative*.
- Massage a small amount of it at a time into your skin and enjoy the aloe goodness!
Can I make this recipe with olivem 1000? If so do I use the same amount. Also what is BP?
Hi Rilla, there are different types of emulsifying wax including Olivem 1000, Ewax NF, and Ewax BP. The latter two are the most popular for homemade emulsions because they are accessible, easy to work with, and robust. As for using Olivem 1000, yes you can use it to make this aloe vera skin cream recipe, but increase the amount to 5% of the total weight of the ingredients.
I love this recipe! I have made it many times and gift it to my young adult children, who are quick to return their empty container for a refill. The only change I make is that I add frankincense, as it’s my favorite <3
Thanks so much for your positive feedback, DeAnna! So pleased that you and your children are enjoying it :)
I use polysorbate 20 or 80 as an emulsifier. Can I use this instead of the 1st ingredient listed?
Neither are true emulsifiers but in recipes with very little oil they can sometimes work as one. I wouldn’t recommend using either for this recipe, though.
Hi Tanya,
Is either Olivem 1000 or e-wax better for the skin or more natural? I have seen that Olivem 1000 is more expensive, but are there any other differences, please? Thanks, Nellie
Hi Nellie, Olivem 1000 is more hydrating and gentle than other emulsifiers. It’s also good for thickening up cream recipes!
Will it work if l use emulsifying wax instead of olivem 100?
Yes, but you’ll need to use more e-wax. Most have usage rates between 5-10% so check the manufacturer’s instructions.
And also will germall plus or optihen work
As preservatives, yes. Germall Plus and Optiphen are both broad-spectrum preservatives.
Hi Tanya! I just made your aloe vera face cream and I’m in love!!
Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Janice
You are SO welcome Janice! Loved seeing your photos of it on Instagram :)
I bought Emulsifying wax NF from another face cream recipe of yours already can I use instead of the Olivem 1000 and if so the same quantity?
Hi Celina, you could adapt the recipe to use the Ewax NF, but I’d recommend adjusting the amount so that the ewax is 6-10% of the recipe by weight.
Hi Tanya,
I love making and using this lotion using the same ingredients that you have listed. However, after making the lotion in a day or 2 or after usage I have noticed that the pH has lowered to 4 where as I started with 5. Can you help understanding if I have done anything wrong?
Hi Megha, and no, you’ve not done anything wrong. The preservative Geogard Ultra can sometimes cause pH drifts. If you notice it happening in your formula and it’s outside of the pH for skin moisturizers (5-6) you can adjust it after. You can do this by adding a tiny amount of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) mixed in a small amount of distilled water to increase the pH or sodium citrate to lower it.
Hello and thank you
Is it possible using a larger amount of Aloe Very, such as 50% or 60%?
The Aloe Vera Gel is doing real good to my skin.
Yes, you could use pure aloe vera gel instead of water in the recipe. Do be aware that using that much aloe vera every day can cause skin dryness in some people, though.
I made this with fresh aloe as per the formula and added 3% aloe vera extract. My lotion separated – I used BTMS as an emulsifier and had to rescue the formulation by adding another 4% BTMS. I believe the electrolytes in aloe vera can cause this. So disappointed I didn’t get it right first time. Will try again – its a lovely cream though.
Hi Karen, aww, it’s disappointing when a skin cream separates. I’ve just had a look, and BTMS should make up about 9% of this recipe by weight for it to work.
Hi Tanya, can I use an alternative to olivem 1000? If so, what would you suggest?
Thanks! Kelly.
You could use other emulsifiers but the amount would be different based on what you use.
What type of thermometer do you use to make sure your water/oil phases are correct? Would a candy thermometer suffice?
A candy thermometer isn’t the best option. Invest in a digital thermometer—either an infrared thermometer (which I use) or a traditional glass thermometer.
Hi Tanya
Could you please move to England, I should love you as a neighbour and a mentor?
I am looking into soap making and your website is an inspiration, you are so generous with your information.
Best wishes
Pamela
I’m happy to share and glad you’re finding the content useful :)
Hi Tanya,
Can I substitute honey with glycerine or totally ignore it? Honey might be sticky for our humid climate.
Vegetable glycerine will work similarly to honey in this recipe. They’re both sweet and sticky ingredients that blend well into hydrating skin lotions. They don’t feel sticky when mixed into this cream, either.
Hi Tanya, I’m excited to make the aloe face cream but I am allergic to almonds. Can I use grapeseed oil instead of the sweet almond oil or what do you suggest? Congrats on your new house and garden – so fun!!
Hi Francine and thanks! Yes, you can use grapeseed oil as a substitute. Have fun making the recipe :)
Hi Tanya, Thanks for all your awesome input and sharing! I worked with fresh aloe for the first time, yay! I love the thought of taking the gel straight out of the living plant. Question: how do you get all the lumps out? I used a spoon, a fork, an herb grinder, then I used the frother for good measure, and still had some lumps. Also, I am curious as well about the honey being tricky to preserve. I used Neogard, a broad spectrum preservative at 1%, and will test for microbial action at 1 day and 1 month (if it lasts that long!) Thanks!
Hi Kristina, the best way is to blend the aloe vera up and to strain it. As for the honey, most broad spectrum preservatives should preserve the amount called for. Let us know how your test goes though with Neogard? It’s the same preservative as Geogard Ultra, by the way! Just a trade name for it.
thanks! Cheers :-)
Hi Tanya ,
I have an immersion stick blender. Will that work in place of a milk frother?
If I don’t move it up and down it shouldn’t get air in it.
Thanks
Michelle
Yes it will work
Tried this recipe substituting the sweet almond oil and rosehip seed oil with organic sunflower oil that had been macerated with calendula flowers. Turned out beautifully. I also added 2 drops (literally) of organic cider vinegar which (as you know) is not only good for the skin but in this instance reduced any tendencies to ‘soaping’. For essential oils I used, rosewood, helichrysam, lavender and palmarosa (for anti-aging benefits) and it smells delightful! The ‘slip’ shine, and feel of the cream is lovely and it soaks into the skin very quickly, which saves having to invest in ‘esters’ that will facilitate this. Thank you for one of the best recipes using Olivem I have come across.
Can lecithin be used to emulsify in place of olivem?
I’ve not experimented with using lecithin in my own lotions but have read that it’s possible — in combination with beeswax.
Thanks for the recipe! What is the approx shelf life of this lotion?
If you use the Geogard preservative, the shelf life is 18 months.
Hello,
Can I replace the preservative with Optiphen or Phenonip? If so, at what percentage? Thank you for this lotion. Can’t wait to try it.
You may replace the Geogard with another broad-spectrum preservative. Usage rates vary so please refer to your product’s instructions on how much to use.
I made this but it was runny. Used Millard emulsifying wax and Germall plus preservative. I did use a thermometer and a scale to measure ingredients. Please advise. What did I do wrong? Do I need more emulsifier? Thank you. I love the idea of a gentle aloe face cream.
Hi Roseanne, emulsifiers, and how they work, can be different. If you change this recipe by using a different emulsifier than the one listed, then you will need to play and tweak the recipe. Good luck :)
Good Morning Tanya, thank you for all your wonderful blogs and recipes. I love getting reading about all your endeavors. Does this lotion smell like roses and if so can you recommend another scent? I love my roses on the bush, but not the smell in lotions or perfumes. Thank you
Hi Angela! No, the lotion does not smell like roses but of rose geranium – a different flower. You can opt to leave the essential oil out of this recipe and then the lotion would be unscented. Or you could replace it with a gentle, skin-loving essential oil of your choice. Hope this helps.
Hi Tanya, this looks like a great recipe! Can you tell me if you experience any problems with honey, like settling to the bottom over time? I’ve also heard that it’s very tricky to preserve (unless it’s powder), but I guess the airless dispenser can make the shelf life longer?
Hi Sasha, honey can settle to the bottom if it’s not fully dissolved before adding it to the skin cream. That can happen if the honey was partially crystallized (solid) and/or if it wasn’t mixed well with the aloe vera. And yes, honey is challenging to use in skincare recipes that include water. Typically, skin cream only uses about 2-3% and always with a broad-spectrum preservative.