Homemade Nourishing Night Cream
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons shea butter (deep moisturizer)
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil (similar to the skin’s natural oil)
- 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel (soothes and hydrates)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin (helps retain moisture)
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (antioxidant; also helps extend shelf life slightly)
- Optional: 2–3 drops lavender essential oil (for fragrance only; omit if you have sensitive skin)
Equipment
- Heatproof glass bowl
- Small saucepan
- Spoon or whisk
- Sterilized glass jar with lid
- Measuring spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sterilize Everything
- Wash the jar, spoon, and bowl with hot, soapy water.
- Rinse well.
- Pour boiling water over them or wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
- Let them air-dry completely.
Step 2: Melt the Shea Butter
- Fill a saucepan with 2–3 cm (1 inch) of water.
- Place the bowl over the saucepan (double boiler method).
- Add the shea butter.
- Heat gently until just melted.
Step 3: Add the Oils
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in:
- jojoba oil
- vitamin E oil
Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Cool Slightly
Allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes. It should begin to thicken but still be stirrable.
Step 5: Add Aloe Vera and Glycerin
Whisk in:
- aloe vera gel
- glycerin
If using lavender essential oil, add it now.
Step 6: Whip the Cream (Optional)
Use a hand mixer or whisk for 2–5 minutes to create a lighter, fluffier texture.
Step 7: Store
Transfer the cream to a clean jar.
Because it contains aloe vera and no preservative, store it in the refrigerator and use it within 1–2 weeks.
How to Use
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Pat dry.
- Apply a pea-sized amount of cream.
- Massage gently into the face and neck using upward strokes.
- Leave it on overnight.
Use nightly.
What Each Ingredient Does
Ingredient Purpose Shea butter Softens and moisturizes dry skin Jojoba oil Helps reduce moisture loss without feeling overly greasy Aloe vera Soothes and hydrates the skin Glycerin Draws water into the outer layer of the skin Vitamin E Acts as an antioxidant and can help protect the oils from oxidizing What Not to Add
The image shows lemons, but it’s best not to include lemon juice or lemon essential oil in a leave-on face cream. They can:
- Irritate the skin.
- Increase sensitivity to sunlight.
- Cause uneven pigmentation or burns in some people after UV exposure.
Will This Remove Wrinkles?
This cream can help hydrate the skin, which may make fine lines look less noticeable temporarily. It will not rebuild collagen or erase wrinkles in 10 days.
For reducing wrinkles over time, ingredients with stronger scientific evidence include:
- Retinol (used at night)
- Vitamin C (used in the morning)
- Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher
- Niacinamide
- Ceramide-containing moisturizers
