This delicately scented, rich cream, containing beeswax, helps nourish dry skin. Massage it in immediately after a bath or shower.

• 10 g beeswax, grated
• 50 g cocoa butter
• 120 ml sweet almond oil
• 350 ml distilled water, warmed
• 3 drops pure ylang ylang essential oil
• 2 drops pure rose otto essential oil (or 3 drops geranium)
• 4 drops pure neroli or petitgrain oil
• 1 vitamin E capsule, pierced

Melt the beeswax and cocoa butter with the almond oil in a heatproof basin over a pan of simmering water. Slowly add 2 tsp of the warm distilled water, drop by drop, beating with a rotary whisk or food mixer on lowest speed. Remove the basin from the heat and beat in the remainder, little by little. Add the essential oils and vitamin E oil, stirring continuously with a metal spoon until the mixture begins to thicken. Spoon into a large, screw-top jar. To avoid mould, refrigerate (for up to 6 months). Keep a small amount in a jar in the bathroom for everyday use.

Get the essential oils for this recipe from our Essential Oils Shop

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